Gen 38:1 At that time, Judah left his brothers and went down to stay with a man of Adullam named Hirah.
I’m a bit at a loss for today’s reflection. The focus of the chapter seems more on Tamar than Judah. Judah gets her as a wife for his oldest son Er. Er is judged wicked in the LORD’s sight and killed. Judah gives her to his second son, Onan, as is the custom of the time. Onan does not want to provide offspring for his brother, so he deliberately takes steps to avoid that, is judged wicked in the LORD’s sight, and killed.
Gen 38:6-7 Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the LORD’s sight.
Judah tells her to live as a widow in his house until his youngest son grows up. Tamar has little choice but to obey. But Judah is afraid the youngest will find the same fate as his brothers and never fulfills his promise to her. Tamar eventually takes matters into her own hands and becomes pregnant with twins by Judah. One of the twins, Perez, is a direct ancestor to Jesus.
Gen 38:10 What [Onan] did was wicked in the LORD’s sight; so the LORD put him to death also.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for this scripture. This chapter is hard for me in that no immediate revelations come after the reading except that You, in Your infinite wisdom, grace, and mercy, continue to make a way where there is no way. Help us to persevere through our trials in life, knowing that You have a plan for us, for our good and Your glory, and that You are sovereign and in control. Draw us closer. Amen.
Gen 38:26 Judah recognized them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I would not give her to my son Shelah.” …
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.