Genesis 38
Today's Scripture

We take a detour from the story of Joseph to focus on the life of Judah, who became the ancestor of Jesus. It seems he left his brothers and started a new life for himself with a Canaanite wife. His oldest son married a woman named Tamar, but his son was wicked so the Lord put him to death.

As was the custom, the second son was to father the children of his brother's widow, to carry on his line. But the second son spilled his semen on the ground because he knew the children would not be considered his, so the Lord put him to death as well.

Judah told Tamar to go back to her father's house until his third son grew up, and he feared that this son would die as well. So Tamar went back, the third son grew up, but he was not given to Tamar.

Eventually, Judah's wife died. Tamar heard that Judah was going to have his sheep sheared, so she dressed up like a prostitute and met him at an entrance to a town on his way. Thinking she was a prostitute, Judah approached her. She asked for something in return for her services, and Judah promised her a young goat. In the meantime, she wanted his seal, cord and staff as a pledge for the goat. Judah gave it to her, and she became pregnant.

Later, Judah discovered Tamar's pregnancy and was outraged. Then when she sent back his seal, cord and staff, he realized that she was more righteous than he was. He did not sleep with her again, and she gave birth to twins--one of whom is listed in the lineage of Christ.

Francine Rivers retells this story eloquently in her novella Unveiled. I found this an excellent read and an interesting look into the life of Tamar and the thoughts she may have had and the life she may have lived. Though this book is a fictional account of the true Bible story, the truth of Scripture comes through: that God is loving even when those around us are not, and that he has his hand on those who look to him. Though Tamar was hurt by the men in her life, eventually he blessed her with twin sons. It seems that God does not always--or even often--work in the ways we expect, but when we trust him through difficulties, we can see his hand even in the hard times.
- posted by Suzi @ 10:02 AM