Speak His Word Only

Scripture: Genesis 38; Matthew 1:3 This study concerns Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law . Scripture also names other women Tamar, so identifying her by Genesis 38 matters. Her name Tamar is a Hebrew name meaning “date palm” or “palm tree.” A palm can offer an image of endurance for personal reflection, but Genesis does not say that her name was given to describe her character. We learn about Tamar from the account itself.  Her story Tamar married Judah’s son Er, who died. According to the family arrangement described in Genesis 38, Judah then gave her to his son Onan, who also died. Judah told Tamar to remain a widow in her father’s house until his younger son Shelah grew up. Yet when Shelah was grown, Judah did not give him to her. Tamar was left waiting on a promise Judah withheld.  Tamar then concealed her identity and met Judah on the road. She kept his signet, bracelets, and staff as a pledge. When Judah later heard that she was pregnant, he called for her punishment. T...

Genesis 38:1 And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. Genesis 38:2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her. Genesis 38:3 And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er. Genesis 38:4 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan. Genesis 38:5 And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him. Genesis 38:6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar. Genesis 38:7 And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. Genesis 38:8 And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. Genesis 38:9 And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that...