Genesis 38:28

And as she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it around his wrist. "This one came out first," she announced.

Study Bible

And as she was giving birth
This phrase refers to Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah, who is in labor with twins. The context of this birth is significant as it follows a series of events involving Judah and Tamar, highlighting themes of justice and redemption. The birth of twins is a notable event in biblical narratives, often symbolizing conflict or competition, as seen with Jacob and Esau.

one of them put out his hand
The act of one twin extending his hand first is unusual and sets the stage for the unexpected outcome of the birth. This moment foreshadows the reversal of expectations, a common biblical theme where God's plans often subvert human assumptions. It also introduces the idea of struggle and precedence, reminiscent of the struggle between Jacob and Esau.

so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it around his wrist
The scarlet thread serves as a marker of identity and precedence, indicating which child was technically the firstborn. The use of a scarlet thread is symbolic, often associated with themes of redemption and sacrifice, as seen in the story of Rahab (Joshua 2:18) and the blood of Christ. This act by the midwife reflects the cultural importance of birth order in inheritance rights and family lineage.

“This one came out first,” she announced
The midwife's declaration underscores the importance of the firstborn in ancient Near Eastern culture, where the firstborn son typically received a double portion of the inheritance and held a place of honor. However, the narrative soon reveals a twist, as the other twin, Perez, ultimately emerges first, illustrating the biblical motif of the younger surpassing the elder, as seen in the stories of Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau. This theme points to God's sovereignty in choosing leaders and fulfilling His promises, often through unexpected means.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tamar
The mother of the twins, Perez and Zerah, who plays a crucial role in the lineage of Judah.

2. Judah
The father of the twins, whose lineage is significant in the history of Israel and the genealogy of Jesus.

3. Perez and Zerah
The twin sons of Judah and Tamar, whose birth is marked by an unusual event.

4. Midwife
The unnamed woman assisting in the birth, who ties a scarlet thread around the wrist of the firstborn.

5. Scarlet Thread
A symbol used to identify the firstborn, which plays a role in the account of the twins' birth.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Unusual Circumstances
The birth of Perez and Zerah, with its unexpected twist, reminds us that God's plans often unfold in ways we do not anticipate. This encourages us to trust in His sovereignty even when situations seem confusing or contrary to our expectations.

The Significance of Lineage and Legacy
The inclusion of Perez in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the importance of lineage in God's redemptive plan. It challenges us to consider how our own lives and actions contribute to the legacy we leave behind.

Symbolism and Signs in Scripture
The scarlet thread serves as a symbol of identification and promise. This invites us to reflect on the signs and symbols in our own faith journey that remind us of God's promises and our identity in Christ.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
Tamar's account highlights the significant role women play in God's purposes, often in unexpected ways. This encourages us to value and recognize the contributions of women in the faith community.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Perez and Zerah's birth illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty and unexpected plans?

2. In what ways does the scarlet thread in Genesis 38:28 connect to other uses of scarlet in the Bible, and what might this symbolize for us today?

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 role in this account about the importance of perseverance and faithfulness?

5. How can we apply the concept of legacy and lineage in our own lives, considering the impact of our actions on future generations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:24-26
The birth of Esau and Jacob, another instance of twins with significant implications for Israel's history.

Matthew 1:3
The genealogy of Jesus, which includes Perez, highlighting the importance of this lineage.

Joshua 2:18
The use of a scarlet cord as a sign of protection and promise, drawing a symbolic parallel to the scarlet thread in Genesis 38:28.

Romans 9:12-13
The theme of God's sovereign choice, as seen in the reversal of birth order and blessing.