Genesis 38:8

Then Judah said to Onan, "Sleep with your brother's wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother."

Study Bible

Then Judah said to Onan,
Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, plays a significant role in the narrative of Genesis. His actions and decisions are pivotal in the unfolding story of the Israelites. This command to Onan reflects the cultural and familial responsibilities of the time. Judah's directive is rooted in the levirate marriage custom, which was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

“Sleep with your brother’s wife.
The practice of levirate marriage, where a man is expected to marry his deceased brother's widow, is intended to preserve the family line and inheritance. This custom is later codified in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). The act of sleeping with the brother's wife was not merely for personal gratification but was a duty to ensure the continuation of the deceased brother's lineage.

Perform your duty as her brother-in-law
The duty mentioned here is a legal and social obligation. In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, maintaining the family name and property within the tribe was crucial. This duty was not only a familial responsibility but also a way to provide for the widow, ensuring her protection and place within the community.

and raise up offspring for your brother.”
The primary purpose of this union was to produce an heir for the deceased brother, thus preserving his name and inheritance. This concept of raising up offspring is significant in biblical narratives, as lineage and heritage are central themes. The importance of offspring is seen throughout Scripture, with genealogies often highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises through descendants. This practice also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who is born into the line of Judah, emphasizing the importance of lineage in God's redemptive plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Judah
The fourth son of Jacob and Leah, Judah is a central figure in this account. He is the one who instructs Onan to fulfill his duty.

2. Onan
The second son of Judah, Onan is commanded by his father to perform the duty of a brother-in-law to Tamar, his deceased brother's wife.

3. Tamar
The widow of Er, Judah's firstborn. She is central to the account as the one who is to be provided offspring through the levirate marriage custom.

4. Levirate Marriage
This ancient custom, later codified in the Mosaic Law, required a man to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring in the brother's name.

5. Canaan
The region where these events take place, significant as the land promised to Abraham's descendants.

Teaching Points

Understanding Levirate Marriage
The practice was designed to preserve family lineage and provide for widows. It reflects the importance of family and community responsibility in ancient Israel.

Obedience to Family Duty
Onan's reluctance to fulfill his duty highlights the tension between personal desires and familial obligations. This calls us to consider our responsibilities to family and community.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
Despite human failings, God's purposes prevail. Tamar's inclusion in the lineage of Christ shows God's redemptive plan through imperfect people.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Onan's account serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and self-interest, reminding us of the importance of aligning our actions with God's commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of levirate marriage in Genesis 38:8 reflect the cultural and familial values of ancient Israel, and what can we learn from it today about our responsibilities to family?

2. In what ways does Onan's response to Judah's command reveal his character, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives when faced with difficult family obligations?

3. How does the account of Tamar and Onan connect to the broader account of God's redemptive plan, particularly in the genealogy of Jesus?

4. What are the implications of Onan's actions for understanding the importance of obedience to God's commands, and how can this be applied in our daily walk with God?

5. How can we see God's sovereignty and grace at work in the account of Judah, Onan, and Tamar, and how does this encourage us in our own faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
This passage outlines the law of levirate marriage, providing a legal framework for the practice seen in Genesis 38:8.

Ruth 4:5-10
The account of Boaz and Ruth illustrates the practice of levirate marriage and the redemption of family lineage, similar to the situation with Tamar.

Matthew 1:3
This genealogy of Jesus includes Tamar, highlighting the significance of her account in the lineage of Christ.