Genesis 38:10

What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well.

Study Bible

What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD
The phrase highlights the moral and ethical standards that God holds His people to, as seen throughout the Old Testament. In the context of Genesis 38, Onan's actions were considered wicked because he deliberately disobeyed the levirate marriage custom, which was later codified in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. This custom was designed to preserve the family line and inheritance, reflecting the importance of family and lineage in ancient Israelite society. Onan's refusal to fulfill his duty to his deceased brother by providing offspring for Tamar was seen as a direct affront to God's covenantal promises to Abraham's descendants. This act of disobedience is a reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the importance of obedience to His commands.

so He put Onan to death as well
The immediate divine judgment on Onan underscores the principle that God is just and will not tolerate sin. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God directly intervenes to uphold His holiness, such as the deaths of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2 and Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. The phrase "as well" connects Onan's fate to that of his brother Er, who was also put to death for his wickedness, emphasizing the pattern of divine retribution for sin. This serves as a warning to the Israelites and to readers of the Bible about the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of God's judgment. It also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and redemption through Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and offers grace and forgiveness for sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Onan
The second son of Judah, who was instructed to perform the duty of a brother-in-law to Tamar, his deceased brother's wife, by providing offspring for his brother.

2. Judah
The father of Onan, a patriarch of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, who plays a significant role in the account of Genesis 38.

3. Tamar
The widow of Er, Onan's brother, who was to be given offspring through Onan according to the custom of levirate marriage.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who judges Onan's actions as wicked.

5. Levirate Marriage
A cultural practice in ancient Israel where a man was required to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring in his brother's name.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Onan's actions were not just a personal failure but a direct disobedience to God's covenantal expectations. This reminds us of the gravity of sin and its consequences.

God's Justice
The swift judgment on Onan underscores God's commitment to justice and righteousness. It serves as a reminder that God sees and judges the intentions of the heart.

Faithfulness to Duty
Onan's refusal to fulfill his duty to Tamar highlights the importance of faithfulness and integrity in our responsibilities, especially those that impact others.

The Role of Intentions
Onan's actions were judged not just by what he did, but by the intentions behind them. This teaches us to examine our motives in our actions.

God's Sovereign Plan
Despite human failure, God's purposes prevail. Tamar's inclusion in the lineage of Christ shows God's ability to work through imperfect situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Onan's account teach us about the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities, especially in family and community contexts?

2. How does the concept of levirate marriage in Genesis 38 relate to the broader biblical theme of redemption and restoration?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our intentions align with our actions, and why is this important in our walk with God?

4. How does the account of Onan and Tamar challenge us to consider the consequences of our actions and the seriousness of sin?

5. Reflect on a time when you saw God's justice or mercy in a situation. How does this account of Onan help you understand God's character better?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
This passage outlines the law of levirate marriage, which provides context for Onan's obligation to Tamar.

Matthew 1:3
This genealogy of Jesus includes Tamar, highlighting her significance in the lineage of Christ despite the events of Genesis 38.

Romans 6:23
This verse speaks to the consequences of sin, which is relevant to understanding the judgment that fell upon Onan.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
This passage lists behaviors that are considered unrighteous, providing a broader biblical context for understanding what is deemed wicked in God's sight.