Why is genesis 38 important Furthermore, they need to know it is a history confirmed by the world around us. In the story, Judah, the fourth-born son of Jacob (Israel), had left his father and brothers and married a Canaanite woman named Shua. Judah was a great capitalist. Another view is Judah serves as a contrast to Joseph; Joseph resists the temptation of Potiphar’s wife in Genesis 39, and Judah fails to resist sexual temptation in Genesis 38. Some people think, there are enough problems with the image of evangelicals without creating unnecessary controversies. He married her and made love to her; 3 she became pregnant and gave birth to a son, who was named Er. Compromising God’s standards for the world’s standards is one The chapter is inserted in Genesis between the generations of Isaac (Genesis 25:19), ending with his death in the previous chapter (Genesis 35:28–29), and the generations of Jacob, which follow Joseph's story through to the end of the book (Genesis 37:1–2). It is also a reminder that God does not choose anyone based on their own merit. ) “Onan, however, proved false, and his crime of violating God’s ordinance by a shameful abomination was also punished with death. This chapter of Genesis was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Q. The passage describes a period in Judah's life when he "departed from his brothers and pitched his tent near a certain Adullamite named Hirah" ( Genesis 38:1 ). It is placed here in the middle of Joseph's story, As can be seen, the end of the account is the birth of twin sons, Perez and Zerah, to Tamar. In fact, throughout the story Moses has juxtaposed these two individuals. In order to date backwards from Abraham to Adam and Eve, he made use of the genealogies given in Genesis 38:6 Genesis 38:6 Meaning In Genesis 38:6, we come across Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who chooses a wife for his firstborn son, Er. He finds a wife, named Tamar, for his oldest son. 4 She became pregnant again and bore another son and named him Onan. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. . But Onan did not fulfill his obligation and then died himself (verses 9–10). It documents God’s covenant with Abraham and the lives of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, establishing the foundation for Israel’s identity and God’s plan of salvation. First, we have Judah, His wickedness, Genesis 38:9; and death, Genesis 38:10. 2 minutes read time Downloads Downloads. This commentary aims to This has multiple connotations, highlighting God’s redemptive work, displaying God’s ultimate plan of ‘grafting in’ the nations to his people, and showcasing the importance of women in redemption history. 5 Again she had a son Genesis emphasizes the unique value of humankind when it says, “So God created man in His own image” (Genesis 1:27). It’s a secondary study of another brother, Judah, serving a very important purpose in the greater narrative of Scripture. Story 1: Tamar and Judah ()Genesis 38 intersects the Joseph narrative with an absolutely bizarre story regarding one of Joseph’s brothers, Judah, and his relationship with his daughter-in-law, Tamar. This is Old It seems like an unrelated aside that cuts away from Joseph, tells us something about Judah and then goes back to Joseph. To understand the meaning of the scarlet hread on Zerach's hand I think it would be good to refer to all the names contained in the chapter. Nations, politicians, adversaries, business persons, spouses, and children are all encouraged to work out their differences instead of fighting. 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. The original design calls us to revere life, treasure relationships, and reflect the moral qualities of the One who fashioned us. Simeon and Levi, the second and third sons, misused God’s holy name to commit mass murder and other crimes. As a result, important aspects are missed. This is the only story to interrupt the Joseph narrative, so we can assume that it’s important. Helping Students Apply the Text. Judah had played an important role in what had happened to Joseph in Genesis 37. According to the law of the time, it was the duty of Er’s brother Onan to marry Tamar and produce children in Er’s name. It introduces God’s plan for redemption. Such objects were This chapter tells the story of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, and his daughter-in-law Tamar, who was married to his firstborn son Er. But the Hebrew word here rendered "bracelets," is everywhere else translated "lace" or "ribbon" so that as the signet alone was probably more than an equivalent for the kid, it is not easy to conjecture why the other things were given in addition, except by In this article, we will explore the story of Tamar from Genesis 38 as a transforming woman from the Old Testament. Now this is the genealogy of Esau, who is Edom. One important reason may be the paucity of Latter-day Saint treatments. In chapter 37 our attention was focused upon Joseph, who was cruelly sold into slavery, a somewhat more It was Judah’s idea in Genesis 37 to sell Joseph into slavery rather than murder him outright. This chapter gives us an account of Judah and his family, and such an account it is that one would wonder that, of all Jacob's sons, our Lord should spring out of Judah, Heb. Genesis 38:14 It's history. She by a subtle practice commits incest with him, Genesis 38:13. This chapter is wholly taken up with matters relating to Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, from whom the Jews have their name, and from whom Christ sprung: it treats of his marriage with a Canaanitess, his children by her, their character and end, Ge 38:1-11; of his incest with his daughter-in-law, though unknown by him, Ge 38:12-23; of his resentment Wünch, “Genesis 38,” OTE 25/3 (2012): 777-806 781 came from . Lessons From Genesis 38:6. It is the first book of the Torah and the Bible. 3. The profligate conduct of Judah and his family. The phrase "at that Any ideas come to your mind as to why this chapter is placed here by the Holy Spirit? Judah chooses Canaanite friends and family (38:1–2) ← ↰ ⤒ 🔗. This is Judah’s legacy, what he should be remembered for. This is not symbolic of something else. Assuming this is understood, why would those items be significant? Tamar's first husband was struck dead by God for his wickedness, then the brother, Onan, married her. ” (Ro. tinuity between Genesis 38 and its surrounding context, however, is readily apparent to even a casual reader. Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and became pregnant by Judah her father-in-law. After this, Judah left An Exegetical Glimpse of Genesis 38: The Story of Judah and Tamar Matthew Ropp OT501, Pentateuch Dr. Judah's failure to provide a husband for Tamar, as was Genesis 38 is a pivotal chapter in the biblical narrative, shedding light on the complex family dynamics and moral struggles within the patriarch Judah's lineage. (Genesis 38:13-19) When Judah heard of Tamar’s pregnancy as a result of prostitution, he ordered her to be put to death. And what came of it? Why God cut him off presently, The Lord slew him. After this, she follows the law of See more 1. We know this is an important story because Tamar is the first woman listed in Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1:3, which says, “and Judah the father of Perez by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron. This indicates that Hirah was a resident of Adullam, a city in the lowlands of Judah, and that he became a close associate of Judah during this time. Esau’s separation from Jacob. Beyond Today Editor. In Genesis 38, Judah promises his daughter-in-law Tamar that she will marry his youngest son, Shelah, when he comes of age. Her story, however, can be found in Genesis Chapter 38. Genesis 38 then shifts the focus back to Canaan and describes a rather peculiar incident in the life of Judah. Genesis 38 is the story of Judah sleeping with his daughter-in-law Tamar. What that in mind: a. The Importance of Genesis. 12:18). These two boys become important fathers in That’s the primary reason we made the documentary Is Genesis History. As Judah became a pledge of safety for his younger brother Benjamin, so the king in Israel should be a pledge of safety for his brothers and sisters. 49:8. But God will show that his choice is of grace and not of merit, We are studying Genesis 37 for Sunday, September 6. (Genesis 36:1-5) The wives, sons, and daughters of Esau. Let me mention three significant features of Genesis that need to be observed. First Sin: Marrying a Pagan Wife (v. If Onan and Judah had had their way, The Messiah would be a descendant of Judah (see Genesis 49:10). Click here to print the Tamar Bible Study Questions! Where to find the story of Tamar in the Bible. Both Tamar and Judah give us a window into what it means to be right before God. God's SEAL we know is the SABBATH, In many contexts, compromise is a good thing. These two boys become important fathers in the lineage of future kings. The significance of those pledges in bound up with the whole story of Onan violating his obligations with leverate marriage to Tamar, as recorded in Genesis chapter 38. Just as Judah sought a wife for Er to uphold his family legacy, we are encouraged to nurture and honor our family ties. ’” Genesis 38:25 For one, Genesis is not written as a metaphor, but as literal history. We encounter themes of loss, deception, injustice, and redemption. The beginning of Genesis 38 also bears some connection with the beginning of 39 due to similar wording. Genesis is important for both Jews and Christians. ” I don’t want to focus on how [] Why is Genesis so important? To the original readers of Genesis, the book was valued as a history of their people. INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 38. If you took Genesis 39 out of Genesis you wouldn’t even miss it. 1 About that time Judah left his brothers and went to stay with a man named Hirah, who was from the town of Adullam. It tells us that Joseph was 17, beloved of his father who gave him a wonderful coat. When Judah sees her, he doesn’t recognize her and thinks she’s a prostitute. When he asks to sleep with her, Tamar requests the pledge of Judah’s signet, cord, and staff until he can pay her properly with a goat. It was Judah who suggested that Joseph not be killed but rather sold (Gen. Document to Tamar. Judah and Tamar. If we were to form a character of him by this story, we should not say, "Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise," ch. Tamar. Here are some of the applications I would make when teaching Genesis 38 to students. g. 18. Here are "Then Judah said to Tamar, his daughter-in-law, 'Remain a widow in your father’s house till my son Shelah is grown. 1-11, wheresheplaysasubsidiaryrole, areoutsidethe narrativecore. When Tamar hears that Judah is shearing his sheep nearby, she changes out of widows’ clothes and veils herself, then sits by the road. Reuben, the eldest, slept with Jacob’s concubine Bilhah. That is, where there's one's seal, there's a bond created resulting in protection. Beyond those, other factors such as time limitations in the classroom may influence teachers to leave out Genesis 38. 3 Beyond those, other factors such as time limitations in the classroom may influence teachers to leave out Genesis 38. As we explore Genesis 38:6, we derive several essential lessons applicable to our lives. Indeed, he was the brother who suggested they sell Joseph instead of killing him (Genesis 37:26-27). At the time, Judah’s third son, Shelah, was evidently not yet of age (verse 11). As the daughter-in-law of Judah, she navigates a series of trials, including widowhood and the withholding of her rightful union. James Butler, Winter 1997 Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Theology Upon closer study and analysis of the Hebrew, the differences in translation of some words are not really important as they do not change the meaning of the passage. Note: The Tamar in Genesis 38 is not the same as the Tamar in the chosen. Genesis 38 is a chapter where this general fact becomes specially true. Tamar loses her husband—that’s tough enough. Tamar is first introduced to us in Genesis 38 as Judah’s daughter-in-law. We witness the unfolding of Judah’s personal journey in this passage, which foreshadows the eventual rise of the tribe of Judah and the lineage that will Instead of allowing his seeds to fertilize Tamar’s egg(s), he spilled his semen on the ground- Genesis 38:9. The story parallels Genesis 39 in an interesting way as well. , firstborn; offspring; reversal of primogeniture). Genesis 38: Judah and Tamar. Summary: Genesis details the creation of the world, the fall of man, and the early history of humanity, including the accounts of Adam and Eve, Noah’s flood, and the Tower of Babel. Genesis is the Foundation of the The Story of Tamar in the Bible. return to ' Top of Page ' Verses 19-23 "And she arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of All the proper names of the Bible play a very important role in conveying God's message. LITERARY ANALYSIS The Judah-Tamar story takes the form of a Why her story matters; and how that stories leads us to the faithfulness of God. We see that comparison in our lesson today with Genesis 37 and Genesis 38, really includes Genesis 39 which we’ll study next week. The book of Genesis begins the story of God’s relationship with mankind, tells the sad story of how that relationship went very wrong, and outlines God’s promised solution to that crisis—a solution that would reach its glorious conclusion in Jesus Christ. What language in 38:1 overtly ties the events of this chapter with the preceding story of Joseph in Genesis 37? b. Judah The Family of Esau A. Tempers flare, sometimes explosively, over this issue. The first three sons had disqualified themselves from leadership positions because of their sins. But why the detailed version of this lineage? Chapter 38. The True Meaning of Genesis 38. It helps us understand the context and significance of later events. He promises her his third son, but performs not, Genesis 38:11. Brevard Childs observes that, in the light of such discontinuities, the chapter has been ‘summarily dismissed as an unfortunate interpolation into the Joseph story’ by a number of leading In Hebrew the first words of a book are sometimes taken as the title, so Genesis is known as “In the beginning” (bere ̄’s ̆ît), a most appropriate name in light of the emphasis upon origins. She is found with child; Judah commands her to be burnt, Genesis 38:24. - This chapter gives an account of Judah and his family, and such an account it is, that it seems a wonder that of all Jacob's sons, our Lord should spring out of Judah, ( Hebrews 7:14) . And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua, and he married her and went in to her. Genesis 38 Chapter Commentary: Judah This tells the story of Judah, one of Jacob’s sons. 1 Genesis 37 begins the Jo- seph story and continues to the point of Joseph's being sold to Potiphar in Egypt. We’re introduced to young man Joseph in Genesis 37 and it’s interesting that God gives more details about his life than any other biblical character. After her husband dies, Tamar appears to be a helpless woman, but she knows that she has a right to have a son and does not easily give up on the idea despite the intentional oppression she receives from her father-in-law. With a metaphor, one thing represents something else. This son dies, so Judah commands his second son to marry Tamar (in accord with the principle of levirate marriage, 38:8). "– Genesis 38:1 Genesis 38:1 Meaning In this verse, we see an important moment in the life of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. She brings to her father the pledge, Genesis 38:25. That’s why I answer this question right inside the front cover of my Genesis study guide, even before the title page! Here’s what I have to say under the heading “Why Read and Study We often struggle with how to read and understand a book as large and varied as Genesis, but often we need to understand why we should do something before we start figuring out the how. 5 She gave In 1650, James Ussher, the archbishop of Ireland came up with a detailed timeline for all the events in the Bible, going all the way back to the creation of man and the universe. First, Genesis was composed to trace the history of a unique family line that highlights one male member in each generation (a “patriline”). Some theories: Some have proposed that Genesis 38 breaks away from the Joseph story to build suspense. ical relationships between Genesis 38 and its context. It came to pass at that time that Judah departed from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah. The Power of God’s Word "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. Surely this is no accident. His father, it should seem, was not consulted, but by his new friend Hirah. The Global Message of Genesis The Beginning of the Redemptive Story. 38:7: And Er was wicked in the sight of the Lord - That is, in defiance of God and his law. By Mary Jane Chaignot. ) This was an important provision in its bearing upon the supreme purpose for which the race of Israel was chosen. A number of scholars prefer to translate these opening Judah was one of the 12 sons of Jacob, and one of Joseph’s brothers who sold him into slavery. 1. The Problematic Character of Genesis 38 In approaching Genesis 38 we are immediately confronted with an apparent discontinuity between it and the surrounding chapters. Thus the following overview of the Judah-Tamar story is offered. They dominate the three most critical moments of the Joseph story: its beginning (Gen 38 and 39), its climax (Genesis 44 and 45), and Jacob’s prophecy (Gen 49)—the capstone of both the Joseph story and the entire book of Genesis. The name of the wife is Tamar. '– Genesis 38:11 Genesis 38:11 Meaning This particular verse comes from the Book of Genesis, which is Verse 18. Genesis 38 Mar 10, 2002. “Tamar is the sort of ancestor most of us wouldn’t mention when recounting our family history,” writes Jon Bloom, “there’s no The Historical Nature of Genesis I am often asked why the creation/evolution controversy is so important. ” (Genesis 38:25) Judah realizes how wrong he was and allows her to remain in his house. In the previous chapter, Genesis 37 begins well enough. But Genesis is not written as poetry, but rather as history. 2 There Judah met a young Canaanite woman whose father was named Shua. Which direction is Judah said to have gone Moreover, Genesis 38 begins and ends with themes that are central to understanding the plot of Genesis (e. Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite; Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebajoth. However, Onan refuses to fulfill this duty and dies as well. Er marries a woman named Tamar, but he dies without leaving any children. 2 There Judah met the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua. What Happens in Genesis 38? The chapter introduces us to Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers, and his complicated family life. The Genesis 38 illustrates the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, particularly in the context of family and societal duties. But some kinds of compromise can be bad. I. (Ruth 4:10-12; compare also with Genesis 38:18-22. Many of these oval or cylindrical seals measured no more than a couple centimeters in length, which allowed them to be worn as jewelry. This is the beginning of the story of “Joseph and his brothers. Chapter 38 starts with a quick run-through of Judah’s From Judah’s family’s many failures, God provides seven lessons on living according to His morality. This of course was sheer wickedness, he was ok with having sex with Tamar but unready to have a child with her. He married her, 3 and she bore him a son, whom he named Er. This chapter disrupts the continuity of the Joseph narrative (Genesis 37 and Genesis 39), suggesting its importance and the deliberate intention of the biblical authors to highlight Tamar’s story. Poetic imagery often uses metaphors. Eventually Judah ’s wife Shua dies. Tamar gives birth to twin boys, Perez and Zerah. Looking deeper into Genesis 38:6, we can extract important elements that contribute to the story’s unfolding. Genesis was composed to trace the history of a unique family line. Joseph and Judah’s stories are Readers may also wonder why it is inserted, seemingly at random, between Joseph being sold into Egypt and his rise to prominence in Egypt. Gen 39:1 re- Thus, when Er died, his childless widow, Tamar, was given to his brother Onan for the purpose of raising up seed to Er (Genesis 38:6–8). And she added, ‘See if you recognize whose seal and cord and staff these are. In Genesis 38:1–11, why would God punish Onan’s refusal to father children for Tamar so severely, yet no comparable punishment is shown for Judah’s neglect of her? In Genesis 38:14–18, how credible is it historically that Judah would fail to recognize his own daughter-in-law simply because she covered her face? But to let sex and all of its related pieces keep us from this story is to keep us from learning two important things about God’s view of human righteousness. This chapter is a narrative interlude within the larger account of Joseph, providing insight into the lineage of the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ would descend. I do encourage you to read Genesis 38. 38:2: He took her - To wife. In Genesis 38, Judah gives his seal, Since we all know that God does everything for a reason, this occurrence by Judah and Tamar show us an importance of a SEAL, CORD and STAFF unity. 4 She conceived again and gave birth to a son and named him Onan. 37:26,27). We think the events and people included in those chapters are very important. It told them the story of how God created the world and dealt with all humanity until He initiated a personal relationship with their forefather Abraham. Judah, not Tamar, figuresineveryverse;theoverridingthemeisJudah'spropagationofmalesinhis family. A 5 minute summary of Genesis 38, Genesis 38 records the story of Judah and Tamar. (Genesis 38:1-5) Judah and his three sons. Genesis sets the foundation for the rest of the Bible. ' And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house. 4 The Prophet The Judah and Tamar Interlude (Genesis 38) Chapter 38 interrupts the main story to relate a tale about Joseph’s older brother Judah. However, Judah Genesis 38 is a reminder that God’s will shall always be done. 38 1 At that time, Judah left his brothers and went down to stay with a man of Adullam named Hirah. Despite its episodic nature, the text of Genesis is more unified than many appreciate. Exactly where angels appear in the Creation order isn’t stated and Calvin argues that it is unwise to argue about the exact timing of their creation. But in Genesis, we read about real people and the things they did in history. That important lineage is covered in the genealogies of Jesus Christ (Matthew Genesis 38 might seem like a confusing detour in the middle of Joseph’s story, but it holds important lessons about family relationships, justice, and God’s surprising ways of working. An Exegetical Overview of Genesis 38 Any such discussion of the relationship between Genesis 38 and its context must build on an under-standing of the chapter itself. The Bible is filled with unique stories, but this one takes the cake! In Genesis 38, we find ourselves tuned into an absolutely bizarre narrative concerning one of Joseph’s brothers and his 38:27 "there were twins in her womb" It amazes me how often the women of these Patriarchs in Genesis are barren and then how often they have twins. According to Ussher’s chronology, Adam and Eve were created in the year 4,004 BC. Here’s the story. In this story Judah has three sons. Genesis 38:1-30 Judah and Tamar Genesis 38 serves as a kind of disruption from the story of Joseph. Because of his wickedness which was only evident to the Lord, God killed him as well. This truth shows that people are set apart from the rest of creation. At the end of the story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38, in verse 26 Judah states Tamar "is more righteous than I, inasmuch as I did not give her to my son The context of Judah's statement is also important because he had just ordered her to be brought out and burned for her unrighteous shamelessness in getting pregnant outside of Tamar and the Sin of Judah A. Er was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord put him Readers may also wonder why it is inserted, seemingly at random, between Joseph being sold into Egypt and his rise to prominence in Egypt. Thisjudg-ment, however, goes against the dramatic logic ofthe piece. 17 In doing this, he groups some of the toledoth-sections together as one chapter and excludes the first toledoth-section in Gen 2:4. Chapter 38. Genesis 1 introduces the central person of the biblical This is why it is so important that when we talk about angels, demons and the spiritual realm, we come back to what God reveals through Scripture rather than going along with speculation. COMPARING OUR STORIES MY EXPERIENCE YOUR EXPERIENCE God’s Word contains some inter-esing and someimes troubling Biblical Context: The account of Tamar's deception and Judah's sin is found in Genesis 38. They are part of a real history that Christians need to know actually happened. Two sons of Jacob, two different stories of separation. ' For he said, 'Lest he also die like his brothers. The story of Tamar in Genesis 38 offers a striking account of a woman’s brave pursuit of justice amidst difficult circumstances, standing as a testament to the resilience and determination of marginalized women in Scripture. Genesis Chapter 38 continues the sad story of the moral decline of Jacob’s family. If you read Genesis 38 as a stand alone story, then Tamar takes center stage as the character of with important thematic links to what comes before and after. Judah had three sons, and his line needed to be maintained. Within this larger narrative, Genesis 38 appears almost as an interlude, focusing on Judah, one of Jacob’s twelve sons. The actions of everyone involved are not necessarily condoned by God. - Genesis 38:10 But chapter 38 is of supreme importance because it narrates the continuance of the tribe of Judah, the tribe which the Christ would descend from. Judah is unrighteous and dishonest, while Joseph does what’s right even though it hurts him. This would not have been his lot after Genesis 38 — but for his changed life and the pledge of safety. signet, c. (For more on what's so different (Genesis 38:8. —Bracelets, including armlets, were worn by men as well as women among the Hebrews. These include: (1) separation from the world; (2) obedience to Him; (3) trust in Him; What does this strange story about Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers, have to do with context and how is it important to us today? Its importance can be stated in one word, “Messiah”. Hensel divides Genesis into four chapters, according to the toledoth- sections. It explains why there is sin and suffering. The Importance of Keeping Promises. Is it just a matter of interpreting Genesis? If so, then let the theologians debate GENESIS 38 523 Ifonedecidesthat the theme is Tamar, onewill probably concludethat vv. The entire kerfuffle we read about results from Judah and his sons refusing to fulfill their duty to their in-law, a woman named Tamar (see Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Tamar’s widowhood and Judah’s unfairness. And she said, “Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff. He gives her a pledge, Genesis 38:18. Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38) The story of Judah and Tamar is of notable significance. ”16 In this sense it stands as a headline for the following narra- tive. These outlines are free to download on our website. And Genesis 38 tells us about the ancestors of the Messiah. 7:14. The story would be seamless. (Genesis 38:24) But Tamar sent a message to Judah: “I am pregnant by the man who owns these,’ she said. 1-5) It happened at that time that Judah Genesis 38 is an interruption also, but a very significant one. For one, the importance of family connections remains timeless. He provides us with an important account of the life of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. God is acting in recurrent ways! The genealogies belong to Him! 38:28 "a scarlet thread on his Although signets’ importance was huge, their size was small. Something important is lost if we omit chapter 38 in reading Genesis. Why is it important to study the book of Genesis? This is an excellent and timely question, given the controversy and confusion that can surround the book of Genesis in our day. Hirah is mentioned in Genesis 38:1-12. With Joseph on his way to Egypt, the story turns to another brother, Judah. God included this chapter because it contains teaching that He wants us to learn. ” It’s a long and familiar story, and we can approach it several ways: as a “wisdom story” – because it fits a However, suggesting that it’s okay to remove the book of Genesisor at least the first eleven chaptersfrom importance in our study of the Bible is to demote this portion of Scripture from the level of divine inspiration, or to denigrate the ability of God to communicate clearly on important matters that deal with the very identity and attributes of a holy, purposeful, Genesis 38 has puzzled Bible scholars for centuries. Three of Esau's wives are listed as the mothers of his many sons. It was important that a line be maintained for inheritance purposes, but primarily to maintain lineage for the Messiah. Genesis 38, Coffman's They were simply valuable personal ornaments worn by Judah, and, what was most important to Tamar, they made in possible for her to identify the father of her child with absolute certainty. Not Genesis 37–38. Due to the evil deeds by Tamar's first two husbands (Judah's first two sons), the Lord took their lives leaving only one son. uwug vfx ouewe jqqf fizjky xbw knjqizp uius goxpwz wfpfqin rlhzv dclbnsa hucdq zgqjrc etzui