19 July Genesis 38

Tamar a woman of importance

Genesis 38:22-26 (NIV) So he went back to Judah and said, “I didn’t find her. Besides, the men who lived there said, ‘There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute here.’” 23 Then Judah said, “Let her keep what she has, or we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you didn’t find her.” 24 About three months later Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a result she is now pregnant.” Judah said, “Bring her out and have her burned to death!” 25 As she was being brought out, she sent a message to her father-in-law. “I am pregnant by the man who owns these,” she said. And she added, “See if you recognize whose seal and cord and staff these are.” 26 Judah recognized them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not sleep with her again”. Jacob had a son named Judah who had three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. A woman named Tamar married Er, but Er died, leaving her a widow. According to their custom, the next brother, Onan, was supposed to marry Tamar, but he also died. Since Shelah was still too young to marry, Judah told Tamar to wait until Shelah grew up. However, when Shelah was old enough, Judah did not keep his promise. Tamar remained an unmarried widow.

To solve her situation, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and tricked Judah into sleeping with her. She became pregnant and gave birth to twin sons named Perez and Zerah. Surprisingly, the Messianic line continues through Tamar’s son Perez. Perez was the ancestor of Jesus of Nazareth. God’s purpose is accomplished despite man’s unrighteousness.

Notably the first woman of the New Testament is Tamar. Matthew 1:3 (NIV) Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Also at the end of the book of Ruth, the people of Bethlehem pronounce a blessing on Ruth that recalls the fruitfulness of Tamar, mother of Perez. Ruth 4:11-12 (NIV) “Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 12 Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.”

Tamar’s story is one of resilience, courage, and divine purpose. Despite facing great personal hardship and the threat of being condemned, Tamar's actions ensured the continuation of Judah's lineage. Her determination and cleverness turned a desperate situation into a pivotal moment in biblical history. Tamar is recognised not only for her role in the genealogy of Perez, an ancestor of Jesus Christ but also for her righteousness in comparison to Judah's failings. Her legacy is further honoured in the book of Ruth, where her fruitfulness is invoked as a blessing. Tamar's life illustrates how God can work through unexpected and unconventional means to fulfil divine plans, making her a significant and honoured figure in biblical history.