Then Tamar got up and departed. And she removed her veil and put on her widow's garments again. Then Tamar got up and departed.Tamar left after receiving Judah’s pledge items, which would later establish his identity and responsibility. Her actions were deliberate, not reckless. Judah had withheld Shelah and left her without the protection and offspring promised through levirate custom. Tamar secured evidence that Judah, not an unknown man, was the father of the child she would conceive. Her departure brings the encounter to an end and prepares for Judah’s later confession that she had been more righteous than he, because he had failed to give her to Shelah. Perez, Tamar’s son, would stand in the line leading to David and to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3). Gen 31:55 Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed… And she removed her veil Tamar removed the covering that had concealed her identity from Judah. The disguise had enabled her to confront the injustice of her situation without Judah recognizing her. Once she had obtained his signet, cord, and staff, she no longer needed the outward appearance she had assumed. The hidden identity would soon be revealed, exposing Judah’s failure and bringing his sin into the light. Isa 47:2 Take millstones and grind flour; remove your veil;… and put on her widow’s garments again. Tamar returned to the clothing that identified her as the widow of Er and Onan. She remained within Judah’s household and retained her rightful claim to the family line, though Judah had neglected his obligation toward her. Her return to widow’s garments also preserved the concealment of her pregnancy until the proper time. God used Tamar’s difficult circumstances and Judah’s failure to preserve the covenant family through whom the promised Messiah would come. 2Sa 14:2 So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there.… Persons / Places / Events 1. TamarThe widow of Er, Judah's firstborn, who disguises herself to secure her rights and future. 2. Judah One of the twelve sons of Jacob, who unknowingly becomes involved with Tamar. 3. The Veil A symbol of Tamar's disguise, representing her temporary role as a prostitute. 4. Widow’s Garments The clothing Tamar resumes wearing, signifying her return to her status as a widow. 5. The Event Tamar's strategic plan to ensure her place in Judah's family line, which involves a temporary disguise. Teaching Points The Importance of Justice and RightsTamar's actions highlight the importance of securing one's rights and the lengths to which individuals may go to achieve justice. God's Sovereignty in Imperfect Situations Despite the morally complex situation, God's plan unfolds, showing His ability to work through human imperfection. The Role of Women in God's Plan Tamar's account emphasizes the active role women play in biblical accounts and God's redemptive history. Repentance and Redemption Judah's eventual acknowledgment of Tamar's righteousness (later in the chapter) serves as a reminder of the power of repentance and redemption. Cultural Context and Biblical Law Understanding the cultural and legal context of the time helps us appreciate the motivations and actions of biblical characters. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Tamar's decision to disguise herself reflect her understanding of justice and her rights within her cultural context?2. In what ways does the account of Tamar and Judah illustrate God's ability to work through human flaws and failures? 3. How does Tamar's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:3) impact our understanding of God's grace and redemption? 4. What can we learn from Judah's eventual recognition of Tamar's righteousness about the importance of acknowledging and correcting our wrongs? 5. How does the concept of Levirate marriage in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 help us understand the actions and motivations of Tamar in Genesis 38? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 38:6-11Provides context for Tamar's actions, detailing her marriages to Judah's sons and her subsequent widowhood. Deuteronomy 25:5-10 Discusses the Levirate marriage law, which underpins Tamar's right to seek offspring from Judah's family. Matthew 1:3 Tamar is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting her significant role in biblical history. Ruth 4:12 References Tamar in the blessing given to Boaz and Ruth, acknowledging her as an important figure in Israel's lineage.
People Canaanitish, Er, Hirah, Onan, Perez, Pharez, Shelah, Shua, Shuah, Tamar, Timnah, Zarah, ZerahPlaces Chezib, Enaim, TimnahTopics Aside, Clothes, Clothing, Departed, Garments, Got, Laid, Putteth, Removed, Riseth, Taking, Turneth, Vail, Veil, Widowhood, Widow'sDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 38:6-26Library Because, Therefore, Lying Heretics Find not in the Books of the New Testament Any...29. Because, therefore, lying heretics find not in the books of the New Testament any precedents of lying which are meet to be imitated, they esteem themselves to be most copious in their disputation wherein they opine that it is right to lie, when from the old prophetical books, because it doth not appear therein, save to the few who understand, to what must be referred the significative sayings and doings which as such be true, they seem to themselves to find out and allege many that be lies. But … St. Augustine—Against Lying Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus. Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus. Genesis Links Genesis 38:19 NIVGenesis 38:19 NLT Genesis 38:19 ESV Genesis 38:19 NASB Genesis 38:19 KJV Genesis 38:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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