Start each day by reading the passages listed above. Then use the summary and reflection provided here to guide discussion around the daily reading.
Tamar was the Canaanite daughter-in-law of Judah whose husband was put to death. After Judah’s son passed away, Judah neglected a command found in the Mosaic law and failed to provide a husband with whom Tamar could have a child. To have a child through her deceased husband’s family line, Tamar dressed as a prostitute and slept with Judah, which led to twin sons.
Where do you see God present and active in Tamar’s story?
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69 thoughts on "Tamar, Who Veiled Her Face"
Hi Katie.
I’m with you – so I did a little digging. God doesn’t view this story as righteous. Judah, however, from the lineage of chosen people was supposed to have been righteous. Whereas Canaanites were seen as sinful and unrighteous. My Bible puts it this way: “She – a Canaanite woman – had been living more righteously than he, a son of the promise.” In other words, Judah was held to a higher standard as part of chosen people. So the view of “righteousness” comes from Judah’s perspective, not God’s. But God also chose to redeem their story by including imperfect people into the perfect story and life of Christ. “Though her ruse was reprehensible, through Tamar God shows is something about himself. When Jesus came to earth, he became wholly human, including having sinful ancestors. The blood that flowed from his side on the cross included Canaanite genes – and was shed for every race.”
♥️
I always found this story awkward to read. I don’t think I understand ancient culture well enough and am very much a woman of today that I don’t think this is a godly story. To elaborate, it’s hard for me to see how her prostitution and deception was actually counted as righteousness.
you can see God present when he impregnated Tamar because she needed to have Judah’s kids to be able to keep the family line going because her husband died.
How amazing that Judah was prepared to Burn Tamar for the same act in which he participated.
It shows us how easy it is to condemn others while we secretly engage in similar practices.
But God included Tamar in His Son’s genealogy…what vindication.
Lord you are good and your mercies endureth forever
Tamar is one of few women actually mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. It may have just been for practical purposes – since she wasn’t married to Judah and he was her father in law rather than her husband maybe the connection would not have been obvious without stating both of their names. But there’s probably more to it than just noting the facts of their relationship. One possibility I read about is that the scandal surrounding the story of Judah and Tamar gives more credibility to the genealogy of Jesus. Historical genealogies sometimes falsely inflated the importance of an individual’s ancestors. By calling out Judah and Tamar the author is showing this is a real genealogy not a mythical one that only includes the best of the best. And as several people have mentioned, it also shows us God can use anyone. Judah had done wrong by Tamar by sending her out to live as a widow and not ensuring she had children according to custom. Tamar did use some deception but it was to get Judah to do what he should have done himself earlier (making sure she had children). She was a little crafty but she used that to get what should have rightfully been hers (as opposed to Jacob who used his scheming to get what was NOT rightfully his).
Taking time to read more on this was eye opening. Tamar was only asserting her right to have a child by Judahs family. It wasn’t prostitution but rather part of the law Judah was ignoring. He kept her in limbo, which was super dangerous for a woman then. That’s why he admitted she was right
God will carry out His will in our lives.
Amen!!
Continued…
4. Judah was very strong against Tamar’s adultery (in his eyes, she was reserved the 3rd son’s wife legally). He ordered to have her be burnt (likely on the cheek or forehead, stigmatized as adulterer). It is a common thing for men to be severe against those same sins in others, yet they allow themselves, and so in judging others, they condemn themselves (Rom 2:1).
5 – Sin began in the eye: He saw her (v.15). It was a snare of ince$t with his daughter in law (not knowing who she was), yet he was guilty of fornication. Those have eyes and have hearts too, full of adultery (2 Peter 2:14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin,…, They have a heart trained in covetous practices). We have need to make a covenant with our eyes, and to turn them from beholding vanity, lets the eye infect the heart.
6- Judah lost his valuables in pawn for a young goat to pay for fleshly lust. Flesh lusts will enter through the eyes, take away the heart, and then the valuables. It will cause men to be drunken and foolish. The signets (used to stamp signature), cord and staff represent individual’s ID which Judah was okay to let go.
7. Every sin will be revealed: The wickedness that has been most secretly committed, and most industriously concealed, is sometimes strangely brought to light, to the confusion and shame of those who have said, no eyes see. Judah was content losing his signet and bracelets, and forbade his friend to make any further enquiry after them, lest we be shamed (v.23), lets his sin be known publicly, lest him be laughed at. He expresses no concern for the sin to get pardoned, but only concern about the shame, to prevent that. There are many who are more eager to preserve their reputation with men than to secure favour of God and a good conscience; “lest we be shamed” goes further than “lest we be damned”.
This chapter gives us an account that we should wonder, of all Jacob’s sons, how should we say, “Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise” (Genesis 49:8). BUT GOD will show that His choice is of grace, and not of merit, and that Christ came into the world to save sinners, even the chief, and is not ashamed, upon their repentance, to be allied to them. Humbling himself to be “made in the likeness of sinful flesh”, he was pleased to descend from some that were infamous. How little reason had the Jews, who were so called from this Judah, to boast, as they did, that there not born of fornication (John 8:41). Thus they became examples of repentance, and monuments of pardoning mercy.
(source: selected from Matthew Henry commentary).
4. Judah was very strong against Tamar’s adultery (in his eyes, she was reserved the 3rd son’s wife legally). He ordered to have her be burnt (likely on the cheek or forehead, stigmatized as adulterer). It is a common thing for men to be severe against those same sins in others, yet they allow themselves, and so in judging others, they condemn themselves (Rom 2:1).
5 – Judah’s sin began in the eye: He saw her (v.15). It was a snare of incest with his daughter in law (not knowing who she was), yet he was guilty of fornication. Those have eyes and have hearts too, full of adultery (2 Peter 2:14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin,…, They have a heart trained in covetous practices). We have need to make a covenant with our eyes, and to turn them from beholding vanity, lets the eye infect the heart.
6- Judah lost his valuables in pawn for a young goat to pay for fleshly lust. Flesh lusts will enter through the eyes, take away the heart, and then the valuables. It will cause men to be drunken and foolish. The signets (seals: used to stamp signature), cord and staff represent individual’s ID which Judah was okay to let go.
7- Every sin will be revealed: The wickedness that has been most secretly committed, and most industriously concealed, is sometimes strangely brought to light, to the confusion and shame of those who have said, no eyes see. Judah was content losing his signet and bracelets, and forbade his friend to make any further enquiry after them, lest we be shamed (v.23), lets his sin be known publicly, lest him be laughed at. He expresses no concern for the sin to get pardoned, but only concern about the shame, to prevent that. There are many who are more eager to preserve their reputation with men than to secure favour of God and a good conscience; “lest we be shamed” goes further than “lest we be damned”.
This chapter gives us an account that we should wonder, of all Jacob’s sons, how should we say, “Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise” (Genesis 49:8). BUT GOD will show that His choice is of grace, and not of merit, and that Christ came into the world to save sinners, even the chief, and is not ashamed, upon their repentance, to be allied to them. Humbling himself to be “made in the likeness of sinful flesh”, he was pleased to descend from some that were infamous. How little reason had the Jews, who were so called from this Judah, to boast, as they did, that there not born of fornication (John 8:41). Thus they became examples of repentance, and monuments of pardoning mercy.
(source: selected from Matthew Henry commentary).
There are certain stories in the Bible which I cannot always tell which person is in the right. This story has always been one of those for me. As we are studying genealogy I am beginning to see the players who take part in the blood line of Jesus. When you understand that Judah neglected his role, and Tamar was fullfilling the law, we can see why he would say that she was more righteous than him. However, I think it will take further reading about the twins to truly understand how this continues the bloodline to Jesus.
You all bring SO much to the story. I’m new to studying the Bible so I hope it comes with practice. The connections you all make are wonderfully. I love enduring word as well. I can not even fathom living in a world where I would plan to use my father in law to secure myself in life. My heart breaks for her. But her actions shed light on Judah’s sinful ways.
Searching thank you for your prayer !
Wow Mercy those points really elucidate the story! Thank you for the prayer as well, God willing I think I am on the road to recovery!
Oh also wish our Sharon, New Jersey a Happy Birthday!!
Good evening She’s!
Thank you Searching (I think) for the recommendation of Tamar by Francine Rivers…I LOVE books on biblical “stories.” I got it right away and started. I did read Redeeming Love by her which was good!
I am loving this study more than I thought when I heard the name, lol. SRT has never failed me in the almost decade I have been reading daily with them!
I am missing lots of my she’s still though!! Where are you all??!
Not going to lie! I looked at the comments for some help!!! I’m trying to keep in mind that these were different times and women had zero, ZERO, rights or abilities to make a proper income. Having children was essential to making sure that there would be someone to take care of them when they were older or to receive monetary care or shelter from the father.
So I’m sure that, along with it being a part of the bigger story, this was possibly a driving factor. Tamar took things into her own hands after she was basically tossed aside by Judah after promising that she would be married to the third son.
Ultimately this was part of the bigger story and God has a hand in everything.
Tamar’s plan that day was to conceive but, more importantly, it was in God’s plan that she conceive. God chose her, despite her works, to be in his plan of redemption.
I love all of your comments. Such great insight! I enjoyed reading about Tamar. It also made me sad.
Once again, God’s grace comes in to play. Tamar was spared stoning, she gave birth to two sons, one of which the line of Jesus would come through. God once again takes a sinful circumstance – Judah taking a Caananite wife, giving his sons a Caanaite wife, then denying his widowed daughter in law a husband and Tamar playing a prostitute – and uses it to accomplish His will. Satan can not thwart the plan of God -ever! (Job 42:1-2)
Happy Friday!
I had 7 points, but couldn’t post the rest. I might attempt tomorrow lol. I wonder why, possibly the lengthy word count of post perhaps. But I will post the rest of the nuggets I found on grace day tomorrow. Lifting prayers up on behalf of VICTORIA E, CEE GEE, KRISTEN, THERESA, DOROTHY, SARAH D, HEIDI and other she’s. I hope you all have a nice weekend :) Be blessed dear sisters.
4. Judah was very zealous against Tamar’s adultery (in his eyes, she was the 3rd son’s wife). He ordered to have her be burnt. It is a common thing for men to be severe against those same sins in others, yet they allow themselves, and so in judging others, they condemn themselves (Rom 2:1).
5. Judah’s sin began in the eye: He saw her (v.15). It was a snare of guilt of incest with his daughter in law (not knowing who she was), yet he was guilty of fornication. Those have eyes and have hearts too, full of adultery (2 Peter 2:14). We have need to make a covenant with our eyes, and to turn them from beholding vanity, lets the eye infect the heart.
6. Judah lost his valuables in pawn for a young goat to pay for fleshly lust. Flesh lusts will take away the heart first, and then the valuables. It will cause men to be drunken and foolish.
…CON’T
4. Judah was very zealous against Tamar’s adultery (in his eyes, she was the 3rd son’s wife). He ordered to have her be burnt. It is a common thing for men to be severe against those same sins in others, yet they allow themselves, and so in judging others, they condemn themselves (Rom 2:1).
5. Judah’s sin began in the eye: He saw her (v.15). It was a snare of guilt of incest with his daughter in law (not knowing who she was), yet he was guilty of fornication. Those have eyes and have hearts too, full of adultery (2 Peter 2:14). We have need to make a covenant with our eyes, and to turn them from beholding vanity, lets the eye infect the heart.
6. Judah lost his valuables in pawn for a young goat to pay for fleshly lust. Flesh lusts will take away the heart first, and then the valuables. It will cause men to be drunken and foolish.
7. Every sin will be revealed: The wickedness that has been most secretly committed, and most industriously concealed, is sometimes strangely brought to light, to the confusion and shame of those who have said, no eyes see. Judah was content losing his signet and bracelets, and forbade his friend to make any further enquiry after them, lest we be shamed (v.23), lets his sin be known publicly, lest him be laughed at. He expresses no concern for the sin to get pardoned, but only concern about the shame, to prevent that. There are many who are more eager to preserve their reputation with men than to secure favour of God and a good conscience; “lest we be shamed” goes further than “lest we be damned”.
This chapter gives us an account that we should wonder, of all Jacob’s sons, how should we say, “Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise” (Genesis 49:8). BUT GOD will show that His choice is of grace, and not of merit, and that Christ came into the world to save sinners, even the chief, and is not ashamed, upon their repentance, to be allied to them. Humbling himself to be “made in the likeness of sinful flesh”, he was pleased to descend from some that were infamous. How little reason had the Jews, who were so called from this Judah, to boast, as they did, that there not born of fornication (John 8:41). Thus they became examples of repentance, and monuments of pardoning mercy.
(source: selected from Matthew Henry commentary).
Lifting prayers up on behalf of VICTORIA E, CEE GEE, KRISTEN, THERESA, DOROTHY, SARAH D, HEIDI and other she’s.
I hope you all have a nice weekend :)
Be blessed dear sisters.
A few points during my research that are such good nuggets for reflection I want to share:
1. Judah’s foolish friendship with a Canaanite man started it. He went down from his brothers and withdrew from his society, and his family, to be intimate with Hirah. It is computed that Judah is about 15 or 16 years of age only at this point-an easy prey to the tempter. When young people change their company, they will soon change their manners, and lose their good education. An error in this choice is often fatal.
2. His foolish early marriage with a Canaanite woman (which Isaac previously forbids his son Jacob to marry a Canaanite, and sends a servant to search out a woman, a few chapters back), this marriage was not consulted by his family, but by his foolish friend. Many who keep bad company make wrong choices. Let the young people be admonished and advised by their parents, and not by friends. Judah married too young and too rashly.
3. God slew the first son Er for his notorious wickedness. The second son, who was to preserve the name of his deceased brother that died childless. The Messiah was to descend from Judah according to the prophecy. But he refused to raise up seed unto his brother. This is even more wicked in God’s eyes, this shows dishonour and evidences of vile affections. God slew him. The 3rd son is reserved for the widow, but Judah never intended to marry him to her, unjustly suspected her to have been the cause of the 2 sons’ death (whereas it was their own wickedness that slew them).
Does anyone know why a comment will go to moderation? I did not have any links, but my comment was suspended until approval. Wonder what triggers that? Thanks shes.
What a chapter! What a chapter of human lives, raw and real, with traces of betrayal, manipulation, disobedience and many more in between. BUT GOD…the beauty underlies. Truly it’s God’s wisdom to conceal a matter.
A few points during my research that are such good nuggets for reflection I want to share:
1. Judah’s foolish friendship with a Canaanite man started it. He went down from his brothers and withdrew from his society, and his family, to be intimate with Hirah. It is computed that Judah is about 15 or 16 years of age only at this point-an easy prey to the tempter. When young people change their company, they will soon change their manners, and lose their good education. An error in this choice is often fatal.
2. His foolish early marriage with a Canaanite woman (which Isaac previously forbids his son Jacob to marry a Canaanite, and sends a servant to search out a woman, a few chapters back), this marriage was not consulted by his family, but by his foolish friend. Many who keep bad company make wrong choices. Let the young people be admonished and advised by their parents, and not by friends. Judah married too young and too rashly.
3. God slew the first son Er for his notorious wickedness. The second son, who was to preserve the name of his deceased brother that died childless. The Messiah was to descend from Judah according to the prophecy. But he refused to raise up seed unto his brother. This is even more wicked in God’s eyes, this shows dishonour and evidences of vile affections. God slew him. The 3rd son is reserved for the widow, but Judah never intended to marry him to her, unjustly suspected her to have been the cause of the 2 sons’ death (whereas it was their own wickedness that slew them).
4. Judah was very zealous against Tamar’s adultery (in his eyes, she was the 3rd son’s wife). He ordered to have her be burnt. It is a common thing for men to be severe against those same sins in others, yet they allow themselves, and so in judging others, they condemn themselves (Rom 2:1).
5. Judah’s sin began in the eye: He saw her (v.15). It was a snare of guilt of incest with his daughter in law (not knowing who she was), yet he was guilty of fornication. Those have eyes and have hearts too, full of adultery (2 Peter 2:14). We have need to make a covenant with our eyes, and to turn them from beholding vanity, lets the eye infect the heart.
6. Judah lost his valuables in pawn for a young goat to pay for fleshly lust. Flesh lusts will take away the heart first, and then the valuables. It will cause men to be drunken and foolish.
7. Every sin will be revealed: The wickedness that has been most secretly committed, and most industriously concealed, is sometimes strangely brought to light, to the confusion and shame of those who have said, no eyes see. Judah was content losing his signet and bracelets, and forbade his friend to make any further enquiry after them, lest we be shamed (v.23), lets his sin be known publicly, lest him be laughed at. He expresses no concern for the sin to get pardoned, but only concern about the shame, to prevent that. There are many who are more eager to preserve their reputation with men than to secure favour of God and a good conscience; “lest we be shamed” goes further than “lest we be damned”.
This chapter gives us an account that we should wonder, of all Jacob’s sons, how should we say, “Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise” (Genesis 49:8). BUT GOD will show that His choice is of grace, and not of merit, and that Christ came into the world to save sinners, even the chief, and is not ashamed, upon their repentance, to be allied to them. Humbling himself to be “made in the likeness of sinful flesh”, he was pleased to descend from some that were infamous. How little reason had the Jews, who were so called from this Judah, to boast, as they did, that there not born of fornication (John 8:41). Thus they became examples of repentance, and monuments of pardoning mercy.
(source: selected from Matthew Henry commentary).
Lifting prayers up on behalf of VICTORIA E, CEE GEE, KRISTEN, THERESA, DOROTHY, SARAH D, HEIDI and other she’s.
I hope you all have a nice weekend :)
Be blessed dear sisters.
God is in control of every situation and every person. The birth of Tamar’s twins speak, “God’s will be done.”
How desperate Tamar must have been. No hope for a future so she took matters into her own hands. Maybe not the best way to go about it, BUT God!
What stood out to me is how Judah applied the law to everyone but himself and how God used that to teach him what true righteousness was. Judah took a wife for himself, yet follow the law in choosing a wife for his son. Judah didn’t deal with the wickedness of his sons as he should have, but then blamed their deaths on Tamar who was the only one being faithful. Judah was ok with going in to what he thought was a cult prostitute for a false god, but was ready to apply the law the Tamar for her “immortality”. I’m the end, she pointed out his hypocrisy. She was a pagan and yet he said she is “more righteous than I”. She followed the law better than the one who was supposed to know it. He finally understood that there are no loopholes in following God’s commands. What heartache he experienced and was responsible for because he kept giving himself a pass. I also noticed that whenever Judah made a bad decision, he was always with his Hittite friend. It matters how much I let the culture around me have time and influence in my life. I’m sure every bad decision on mine can be traced back to a moment when I “turned aside” in my thoughts to the ways of culture around me.
I have the “Jesus Bible,” and it explains how scripture points back to Jesus. I feel like God wanted me to share some of what it had to say about Genesis 38. “[Tamar’s] name is mentioned again is a most unlikely place— the lineage of Jesus Christ the Messiah (Mt 1:3)… God’s family is defined, not by ethnicity or morality, but by the grace of God. He uses all sorts of people, even those with questionable pasts, to demonstrate the stunning riches of his grace in kindness of all people in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:7).” So grateful for God’s grace, and that He can use anyone to accomplish His mission
Similar to Ruth’s story of assertiveness, unconventional and deep loyalty to family; which are also similar to their descendant King David.
Tamar is Judah’s daughter-in-law. Judah believes that. Tamar has killed two of his sons and leverages the law so that she cannot remarry. However, she deceives Judah into getting her pregnant and secures her place in the family. She bears Judah two sons. Her story is one of dedication and loyalty and being willing to go against the grain.
Tamar is Judah’s daughter-in-law. Judah believes that. Tamar has killed two of his sons and leverages the law so that she cannot remarry. However, she deceives Judah into getting her pregnant and secures her place in the family. She bears Judah two sons. Her story is one of dedication and loyalty and being willing to go against the grain.
arabic woman with headscarf for the post Tamar in the Bible
First, she is married to a wicked man that God put to death. Then she married his brother, who enraged God, and He also put him to death. After all of that, she may have felt relief in returning to her father’s house. However, she is in a difficult situation at this point. She cannot own land or provide for herself. She has no children. Also, she cannot marry anyone else because she has been promised to Sheelah.
The story of Tamar in the Bible is a powerful reminder that we should never give up on God. He has a plan for each of us, even when it seems like things are at their darkest.
Tamar probably worried that she was forgotten so often while she waited for another husband. In the end though, she is far from forgotten. She is part of the genealogy of Jesus! She produced an heir that eventually led to the Messiah, and she is known of by many generations. I don’t know what her relationship with God was like, but I imagine her praying many broken-hearted prayers, crying out to God and asking why he’s forsaken her. To be able to see how her story eventually plays out in the Gospel story is quite amazing.
Happy Friday, sweet SRT sisters! I’ve been here. I’m housesitting. I got a little behind yesterday I read the rest of it at work, and I was taken by Joseph story yesterday. The story of Joseph is one of my most favorites. I have read and heard that Joseph is the closest example of Jesus. And I believe it, as Joseph extended grace and forgiveness (after being severely wronged by his brothers ) to his brothers. Now in today’s reading i’m reminded of God’s forgiveness for us, and in this reading of Tamar, who most likely felt unloved and life had taken a turn for the worse for her, God showed up! BUT GOD….. as Tina would say. (miss you, Tina, hope you’re doing OK.) Our God came through as HE always does. Prostituting herself may have not been the greatest idea, BUT GOD, our gracious and forgiving God still came through. And as we keep reading on, we know, and I already know that Jesus came through the line of Judah. This is such an awesome and amazing study.
Please pray as I have a work evaluation this morning at 10 AM. I’m a little nervous as this Director is not as gracious as my former Director.
Here is another non-Jewish woman in the lineage of Jesus! I always knew the story but never thought of her as ‘pagan’.
@ Maria Baer. Good point on Judah laying fault for his sons deaths on Tamar. In thinking about the question “where do I see God present and active” I keep coming back to the theme of this study. “God’s loyalty from generation to generation.” God not only blessed Tamar with a son, he gave her two! He also gave her justice and redeemed her position (culturally) in society. Finally, he honors her by placing her son in the lineage of Jesus. What a faithful loving God we serve!
SEARCHING, MERCY, BRENDA, AND KRISTEN – Prayers appreciated!!! There are lots of skits to be familiar with and my memory isn’t what it used to be. ❤
Prayers for your VBS, BRENDA and KRISTEN! May God’s Word sink into the hearts and minds of the children in attendance and may He refresh the faith of the leaders through these days and keep everyone healthy. Thanks for praying for ours!
God has a plan and He uses whoever He chooses. A lot of people would think Tamar would not be the person to choose but God uses anyone from any background to accomplish His work. God saw Tamar’s situation and took care of her.
There isn’t much for me to add to all of your wonderful and insightful comments!
This from got questions: “Both Tamar and Judah sinned in their immoral union, but God worked through their sinfulness to bring about the birth of Jesus Christ through their bloodline.”. Also mentioned in this article: the Perezites were highly respected people. Another term described the 400 plus Perezites returning from Babylon as outstanding men.
We see through Tamar and Judah that God is in control! Each acted deceptively towards the other, but God’s will prevailed.
What Tamar devised to bring right and justice to her personally, God used to bring righteousness and justice to the world through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
SEARCHING – I sent you an email.
MERCY – ❤
In the law and in her dealings with her father in-law Judah. She knew she would be found out and accused of being a harlot but she made sure she had proof that she did not step out of the family and showed that Judah did not up hold his promise to her.
I’ve always found this story weird and disturbing! But here are the things that stood out to me after reading it several times and then reading the Enduring Word commentary. It said, “God took the son of this ungodly situation and put him in the family line of the Messiah, despite the fact that neither Judah nor Tamar were examples of godliness. This is a wonderful picture of grace. God chose them, despite their works, to both be in the line of the Messiah and to have their role in God’s plan of redemption.” Thank You, God, for Your grace.
The other thing that stood out was that I need to be careful about questioning who God chooses to use to bring about His plan of restoration. It’s easy to get really judgy about people and miss what God is doing in their lives and how He is using them. I start thinking, “I don’t think I would have used that person. Lord, do you not know what they’re like?” Yes, God knows exactly what they’re like!
I also need to be careful about questioning/doubting that God wants to use me. Satan likes to put thoughts like: “you’re too old”, “you’re too sinful”, “you’re too _______” (fill in the blank). God knows exactly what He’s doing. His plan of restoration will not be thwarted. I am so thankful for that.
We leave tomorrow on our mission trip to Westfield, IN – 6 adults and 20 teenagers! Please pray for safety and for God to use us in His plan of restoration. We will be with about 200 other teenagers working on homes. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer.
@Kelly Holte and Cathy, just saw your post after I posted. I read this in the study Bible notes that goes along with what you wrote: “The focus on the continuation of Judah’s family line, ending with a brief report on how twin boys were born to Tamar suggests that his son, Perez will have a role in continuing the unique family line that began with Adam. That the bizarre episode of Judah and Tamar should contribute to the genealogy of Jesus is a vivid demonstration of God’s grace.”
I put others notes in another comment below this about how Judah deceived, but was also deceived later. Cathy, as you wrote, there is obedience, disobedience, and consequences. It is amazing that God uses even our sins, ( even though He isn’t the author of sin) for what He wills. It’s also comforting to know that God’s plans can’t be stopped by anything or anyone! May people’s eyes to be open to Him and His Word and May they repent and serve the One True God! Amen!
Brings to mind one of my grandmother’s sayings, God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. As a child I didn’t quite get it. But as an adult I live it regularly ❤️. God’s will will be done and He uses imperfect people and circumstances to do so.
One of the key things that stood out to me is verse 1.Judah left his brothers. Judah went and lived among people were not godly. He departed from God’s choosen people.He seemed very hard and coarse in his relations with others. One of my Bible commentaries state:”Tamar was a Canaanite,but she acted more righteously and shrewdly than her Hebrew in-laws.” This reminds us of when unbelievers have acted more righteous than believers. Interesting Issac and Abraham had warned their sons against marrying Canaanite women. However, God used this Canaanite to perserve Judah’s line. Without the line of Judah, there would have been no King David and no Jesus. However, the will of God prevails.”Judah and his brothers had sold Joseph into slavery,thinking they thwart God’s plan that the elder brother should serve the younger. God illustrated that principle through these births in Judah’s own family…” Judah called for Tamar to be burned. If it been left up to him she would have been reduced to ashes. I am glad she kept his staff,cord,and signet ring. Last thing that was intresting was the changing of the clothes of Tamar and Jacobo
One of the key things that stood out to me is verse 1.Judah left his brothers. Judah went and lived among people were not godly. He departed from God’s choosen people.He seemed very hard and coarse in his relations with others. One of my Bible commentaries state:”Tamar wasa Canaanite,but she acted more righteously and shrewdly than her Hebrew in-laws.” This reminds us of when unbelievers have acted more righteous than believers. Interesting Issac and Abraham had warned their sons against marrying Canaanite women. However, God used this Canaanite to perserve Judah’s line. Without the line of Judah, there would have been no King David and no Jesus. However, the will of God prevails.”Judah and his brothers had sold Joseph into slavery,thinking they thwart God’s plan that the elder brother should serve the younger. God illustrated that principle through these births in Judah’s own family…” Judah called for Tamar to be burned. If it been left up to him she would have been reduced to ashes. I am glad she kept his staff,cord,and signet ring. Last thing that was intresting was the changing of the clothes of Tamar and Jacob.Clothes are used to change identies and as modes of deception.
@ ERICA WILSON – Absolutely!! So well put!
(Again, Francine River’s “Lineage of Grace” — nice perspective on Tamar)
What stands out to me is the strength of the women mentioned in the family line. Tamar refused to be cast aside; she knew she’s been wronged. I am often so dismayed about how women are treated, but clearly God applauds women who take a stand against what is wrong and who do what they need to do to survive. How can we even begin to imagine how Tamar felt? Two husbands dead, locked away while she waits for a baby to grow up, seeing that kid old enough but still she waits… it’s all impossible to comprehend. But then! She’s had enough, and the line of Judah continues. It’s a puzzle to me how American church culture so often holds the submissive, demure, even insipid woman as the model, while we see these victorious, assertive women as the standard in the Old Testament.
I read these notes in the study Bible. The events of the story parallel Gen.37. Judah is deceived by Tamar just as Jacob was deceived by Judah and his brothers regarding Joseph’s “death”. Here Judah is repaid for his earlier deception, which seems to be a step toward his transformation(Gen. 43;8 9 and ch 44.) Also, the notes said Judah feared for his youngest son and thought it was because of Tamar. He failed to perceive God’s judgement on his folly and on his two wicked sons. He had the responsibility to Tamar. Because he was afraid, Tamar’s future was bleak. As some of you mentioned, God’s plan prevails and He can use even sins and sinful people to bring about His will. He is beyond amazing!
Thank you Mercy and Cee Gee for the prayers for VBS! @Cee Gee my church is doing the Keepers VBS too! I will pray for yours and Brenda’s too.
Praying for Victoria E and other prayer requests or situations too. God bless you all! I truly appreciate the prayers!
Where do you see God present and active in Tamar’s story?
Another convoluted story, another revelation of God’s plan continuing to succeed no matter what. Judah starts out by marrying outside of his faith, and selects a wife for his oldest son from outside his faith – Tamar, widowed twice (due to Judah’s older 2 sons being evil) and promised to Judah’s youngest son when he was old enough. What trust (in Judah’s word & law of that time) and patience she had! I couldn’t find anything about how long she waited, but long enough to realize Judah wasn’t going to keep his word. What if she hadn’t deceived Judah? God would have worked things out in another way. Judah confronts his own lies and deception when Tamar’s deception is revealed, and steps up – rather than following his original plan & having her put to death – a turning point for him. Her commitment to the law/traditions of that time were honorable, even if her deception was not – and God once again worked things out. Reminds me of the hymn “my God can do anything” from back in the day.
Francine Rivers’ Lineage of Grace series starts off with Unveiled, the story of Tamar – it’s been several years since I read it but remember it being good.
VICTORIA E – praying you are over the stomach bug this morning
RACHEL – thank you for the reminder of the family dynamics yesterday – 12 brothers, 4 mothers.
HANNAH HENDERSON – good one, lol.
KRISTIN & CEE GEE – praying for the trueness of God’s love and salvation to take root in the young minds at VBS. ❤️
THERESA – praying for your husband’s appt this morning
KATIE L – praying
This was an accidental post…it should say… the one that is in the blood line to Jesus is the first born, not the one who pulled his hand back in…who somewhat tricked the midwifery that he would be first. It’s such an odd detail in the story. There is so much about this story that I feel like I am missing a lot!
Amen
I find it interesting that Tamar tricked her father in law and then upon her birth of her twins the one that Carrie’s on the blood line to Jesus
Thank you Erica for pointing out the chronology of where this falls in Judah’s life. I keep coming back to the theme of obedience. Adam and Eve disobeyed. Abraham obeyed and God was faithful. Here Onan and Judah disobey, God uses Tamar to show Judah his sin. I think God is faithful either way, but our sins still have consequences as with Adam and Eve, Sarah and with Judah. I assume he was shamed when she sent his seal, cord, and staff? Others must have seen this. Yet he redeemed himself? Did he take Tamar as his wife? There’s a lot here I don’t understand. Did God lead Tamar to use deceit to show Judah his sin? Was Zerah technically the first born since he put out his hand first? Of course the twins fighting in the womb echoes Jacob and Esau. The other theme thatstands out to me it’s God uses ordinary people to accomplish His purposes.
I’m no stranger to a widow’s story as my grandmother became a widow with 6 kids and 8 months pregnant. In my head, I can’t even fathom the kind of strength you have to have to overcome such a loss in that kind of situation… but she is nothing but inspirational in, not only her determination and strength to raise her children on her own (never re-married) after losing the love of her life, but her loyalty and dedication to serving God all her days of her life. It’s like He became her new love of her life and to this day, that has not changed a bit. She’s about to turn 93 beautiful years and I can’t thank her enough for the example she has set and the legacy she has given us. God is faithful through and through. Even when we make mistakes, even when life throws as curveballs as we see in Tamar and Judah’s story, God’s plan will always prevail and He works all things together for OUR good. Thank You Lord <3
I’m loving this study. At first I felt it was going to be boring. Not so. It has truly sucked me in. Thank you Holy Spirit for drawing me into your word. It appears that God uses all of us with all of our sin and bad decisions. I thank God for his mercy.
What stood out to me today is the passage of time. In one breath, the Bible can cover the birth of three brothers and the next thing you know they are grown and married. A handful of verses to cover, what, fifteen years? So much happens in those years that we have no record of! Tamar’s story is interesting because usually when humans try to step in and force the narrative, God puts them in their place. But here Tamar seems to get a pass. Maybe because Judah hadn’t been keeping in step with God’s law to help his widowed daughter in law?
I love the way God pulled people into the lineage of his son. From early on, He cared about all the people of the world and this story was a reminder to me that his plan all along wasn’t just to redeem the Israelites, but everyone through his son.
When I read a story, especially something in the old testement, I tend to want to divide the characters into a dichotomy of “good” and “bad”. I’m looking for the “good” guys to win and those who do wrong to ultimately pay the price. The reality is that these aren’t just stories I’m reading. They are recordings of living, breathing people who were complex and can’t be easily categorized from their actions. I was reflecting on that this morning after reading the story of Tamar and Judah. Tamar was wronged by her father-in-law, but he thought he was doing what was right by protecting his remaining son. Tamar’s actions in retaliation were also wrong but we can sympathize with her desperation. I need to be careful to not reduce them to good or bad because their actions and choices are so much more complicated than that.
VICTORIA E – praying that you’re feeling better today
KATIE L – praying for your court case
RHONDA – praying for your jail ministry and ongoing pain
HEIDI – praying your trip is going well!
Today is the big day for my husband. He’s in Colorado right now and will be going shortly to the passport office there. Please pray for a smooth process and that God will help us with the extra financial burden that’s come from this unexpected travel. Have a wonderful weekend!
Erica, I am with you! Some of these stories confuse me at times too because of all the trickery. I personally have to step back, and re read again without trying to be judgmental, like I have a tendency to be at times. And it’s hard for me at times and have to dig deep and pray for clarity in my confusion… and sometimes anger (like with Esau’s story).
This story has always made me uncomfortable. Thank you Rachel for the recommendation for Genesis reading plan ❤️ I agree, it complimented it well and helped give context to the situation as well as show God’s faithfulness. God is good and God redeems. Even with humans sin, God’s plan still prevails.
I am glad the Bible verses here are from a different Bible version than I have because I always wondered, why he sent her away. It was because he was afraid his youngest would die, like the other two, if he married Tamar. But it’s interesting that in his mind, it was Tamar’s fault that his sons died. It never occurred to him that his sons died because they were wicked in the Lord’s eyes. Yes, in Tamar’s story we see God’s hand in ensuring that His plan for the bloodline of Christ continued, but boy, I have loved seeing Judah develop through the ups and downs of his decisions.
It’s a confusing story with lots of trickery! It’s interesting that Judah wanted to “protect” his family from Tamar, but God wanted to use HER to continue the line of Judah. Judah cast her aside, but God remembered her! I didn’t realize until now that this story comes chronologically before yesterday’s story of Judah and Joseph in Egypt. It seems like God used this situation with Tamar to develop the stronger character we see in Judah in the story of Joseph.
Again, God’s plan finds a way. But she also deceived her way to get what she was owed. Yet God redeemed the situation.
Tamar, although not born one of God’s covenant people, came into His covenant by marriage.
God honored her commitment even though she had an evil husband and b-i-l.
This is one of those “only God knows” events. Why would He bless this act of trickery? There must have been faith in her heart that was not recorded.
VICTORIA E – hope you are feeling better today
Our culture today is so different with respect to widows that I had never connected with Tamar’s story. I read the enduring word bible commentary for this chapter as well and it helped me to see that without a husband and children, Tamar was at a big disadvantage. That helps me to make more sense of her story.
Victoria E, I’ve been there with the stomach bug and trying to parent and work. Prayers to you.
Prayers to all the VBS weeks and helpers as well. Ours is next week.
The devotional writing from the study of Genesis, day 26, titled Judah and Tamar, goes very nicely with today reading.