Genesis 38:27

When the time came for Tamar to give birth, there were twins in her womb.

Study Bible

When the time came for Tamar to give birth
This phrase marks the culmination of a significant narrative involving Judah and Tamar. Tamar, initially married to Judah's son Er, becomes a widow and is later denied levirate marriage by Judah's second son, Onan. After Onan's death, Judah withholds his third son, Shelah, from her. Tamar's actions to secure her rights and lineage through Judah himself reflect the cultural importance of family lineage and inheritance in ancient Israel. The timing of the birth is significant, as it fulfills the promise of progeny and continuity for Judah's line, which is crucial for the unfolding of Israel's history.

there were twins in her womb
The mention of twins is significant in biblical narratives, often indicating a divine purpose or foreshadowing future events. The birth of twins here echoes the earlier story of Jacob and Esau, where the younger supplants the elder, a theme that recurs in the Bible. In this case, the twins Perez and Zerah are born, with Perez becoming an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogies in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This connection underscores the providential unfolding of God's plan through seemingly ordinary and even morally complex circumstances. The birth of twins also highlights the theme of unexpected reversals and God's sovereignty in choosing the lineage through which the Messiah would come.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tamar
A Canaanite woman who was the daughter-in-law of Judah. She is central to this account as she ensures the continuation of Judah's lineage through her actions.

2. Judah
One of the twelve sons of Jacob, who plays a significant role in the account of Genesis. He is the father-in-law of Tamar and becomes the father of her children through an unusual set of circumstances.

3. Perez and Zerah
The twins born to Tamar. Perez is significant in the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogies in the New Testament.

4. Birth of Twins
The event of Tamar giving birth to twins is a pivotal moment in the account, highlighting themes of redemption and the continuation of God's covenant promises.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Unlikely Circumstances
God's plans often unfold in unexpected ways, using people and situations that may seem unlikely or even scandalous by human standards.

The Importance of Lineage and Legacy
The birth of Perez and Zerah underscores the significance of family lineage in God's redemptive history, reminding us of the importance of faithfulness in our own family legacies.

Redemption and Restoration
Tamar's account is one of redemption, showing how God can restore and use even the most difficult situations for His purposes.

Faith and Action
Tamar's actions, though unconventional, demonstrate a bold faith in pursuing justice and ensuring the continuation of Judah's line, challenging us to consider how we act in faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the birth of Perez and Zerah reflect God's ability to work through unexpected circumstances to fulfill His promises?

2. In what ways does the account of Tamar and Judah challenge our understanding of justice and righteousness in the context of family and community?

3. How does the inclusion of Perez in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:3) impact our understanding of God's redemptive plan?

4. What lessons can we learn from Tamar's actions about the importance of faith and perseverance in difficult situations?

5. How can we apply the themes of redemption and restoration from this account to our own lives and relationships today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:24
The birth of twins to Rebekah, Esau and Jacob, parallels the birth of Perez and Zerah, emphasizing the theme of sibling rivalry and the unexpected ways God fulfills His promises.

Ruth 4:12, 18-22
The genealogy of Perez is significant in the lineage of King David, showing God's providence in using unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His covenant promises.

Matthew 1:3
The genealogy of Jesus includes Perez, highlighting the importance of this lineage in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ.