Genesis 38:9

But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother's wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother.

Study Bible

But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him;
In the context of ancient Israelite culture, the practice of levirate marriage was established to ensure the continuation of a deceased brother's lineage. This is outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-6, where a brother is expected to marry the widow of his deceased brother to produce offspring in his name. Onan's awareness that the offspring would not be considered his own reflects his understanding of this cultural and legal obligation. This practice was crucial for maintaining family inheritance and lineage, which were vital in the tribal structure of Israel.

so whenever he would sleep with his brother’s wife,
Onan's actions are set against the backdrop of familial duty and covenantal responsibility. The act of sleeping with his brother's wife, Tamar, was not merely a personal choice but a fulfillment of a societal and religious duty. This reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's laws and the importance of family loyalty and honor.

he would spill his seed on the ground
This deliberate act of contraception was a direct violation of the levirate marriage duty. In the biblical narrative, this act is seen as a willful disobedience to God's command and a selfish refusal to honor his brother's memory. The spilling of seed is symbolic of Onan's rejection of God's provision and plan for family and inheritance, which is a recurring theme in the Bible where disobedience leads to divine displeasure.

so that he would not produce offspring for his brother.
Onan's refusal to produce offspring for his brother highlights his self-interest and disregard for familial obligations. This act is condemned in the narrative as it goes against the divine order and the preservation of the family line, which is a significant theme throughout the Old Testament. The importance of lineage is seen in the genealogies that lead to the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises through specific family lines. Onan's actions are a stark contrast to the faithfulness expected of God's people, and his story serves as a warning against selfishness and disobedience.

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 Er's widow, by providing offspring for his brother.

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

3. Judah
The father of Er and Onan, who instructed Onan to fulfill his duty to Tamar.

4. Levirate Marriage
A cultural practice where a man is required to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring in the brother's name.

5. Canaan
The region where these events took place, highlighting the cultural and familial obligations of the time.

Teaching Points

Understanding Duty and Responsibility
Onan's actions reflect a failure to fulfill his familial and cultural responsibilities. As Christians, we are called to honor our commitments and responsibilities to others.

The Consequences of Selfishness
Onan's decision was driven by self-interest, leading to his downfall. This serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of selfishness and the importance of selflessness in our relationships.

The Sanctity of Sexual Relations
Onan's misuse of his sexual relationship with Tamar highlights the importance of respecting the sanctity of sexual relations as designed by God.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
Despite human actions, God's plans and justice prevail. Onan's account reminds us that God sees and judges the intentions of the heart.

Cultural Practices and God's Law
While cultural practices like levirate marriage were significant, they must be understood in light of God's overarching moral law and intentions.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the cultural and familial obligations that Onan was expected to fulfill, and how do they compare to our responsibilities today?

2. How does Onan's account illustrate the consequences of acting out of selfish motives rather than fulfilling one's duty?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our actions align with God's intentions, especially in our relationships with others?

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

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult responsibility. How did your faith guide you in fulfilling it, and what can you learn from Onan's failure to do so?

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 22:24-28
Jesus references the practice of levirate marriage when questioned by the Sadducees, showing its continued relevance in Jewish thought.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Paul speaks about the sanctity of the body and sexual purity, which can be related to Onan's misuse of his sexual relationship with Tamar.