Topical Encyclopedia Tamar is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for her role in the lineage of the tribe of Judah. Her account is primarily found in Genesis 38, where she is depicted as a woman of resilience and determination. Tamar's narrative is intertwined with themes of justice, righteousness, and the fulfillment of God's promises.Background and Marriage to Er Tamar was originally married to Er, the firstborn son of Judah. The Bible describes Er as wicked in the sight of the LORD, and as a result, the LORD put him to death (Genesis 38:7). This left Tamar a widow without children, a precarious position in the ancient Near Eastern context, where lineage and inheritance were of utmost importance. Levirate Marriage and Onan Following the custom of levirate marriage, Judah instructed his second son, Onan, to marry Tamar and raise offspring for his deceased brother. However, Onan was unwilling to produce offspring that would not be considered his own. The Bible states, "But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he lay with his brother’s wife, he spilled his seed on the ground to avoid providing offspring for his brother" (Genesis 38:9). This act displeased the LORD, and He put Onan to death as well (Genesis 38:10). Judah's Promise and Tamar's Deception Judah then promised Tamar that she could marry his youngest son, Shelah, when he came of age. However, fearing for Shelah's life, Judah delayed fulfilling this promise. Tamar, realizing that she was being denied her right to continue the family line, took matters into her own hands. She disguised herself as a prostitute and seduced Judah, who did not recognize her. As a pledge for payment, Judah gave her his seal, cord, and staff (Genesis 38:18). The Revelation and Acknowledgment When Tamar's pregnancy became known, Judah initially condemned her to death for immorality. However, Tamar presented the items Judah had given her, revealing that he was the father of her child. Judah acknowledged his wrongdoing, saying, "She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah" (Genesis 38:26). This acknowledgment highlights the themes of justice and righteousness, as Judah recognized Tamar's actions as a pursuit of her rightful place in the family lineage. The Birth of Perez and Zerah Tamar gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah. The birth of Perez is particularly significant, as he becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogies found in the Gospels (Matthew 1:3; Luke 3:33). Tamar's inclusion in the genealogy of Christ underscores the importance of her account in the broader narrative of redemption and God's sovereign plan. Legacy Tamar's account is a testament to her courage and determination to secure her place within the covenant community. Her actions, though unconventional, were driven by a desire to uphold the family line and ensure the continuation of Judah's lineage. Through Tamar, God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan are vividly illustrated, as she becomes a pivotal link in the genealogy leading to the Messiah. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 38:6-24And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar. Nave's Topical Index Ruth 4:12 1 Chronicles 2:4 Library The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ... Chapter xxxviii The Book of Jubilees Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew. The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia. Index of Subjects. Against Jovinianus. Resources Who was Judah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Absalom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is onanism? Is onanism a sin? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Tamar: A City of Unknown Location Tamar: Wife of the Sons of Judah Tamar: Wife of the Sons of Judah: Called Thamar Related Terms Daughter-in-law (16 Occurrences) Haz'azon-ta'mar (2 Occurrences) Meribath-kadesh (4 Occurrences) Meribah-kadesh (3 Occurrences) Meribath-ka'desh (2 Occurrences) |
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