Genesis 38:13

KJV

And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was told {H5046} Tamar {H8559}, saying {H559}, Behold thy father in law {H2524} goeth up {H5927} to Timnath {H8553} to shear {H1494} his sheep {H6629}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tamar was told, "Your father-in-law has gone up to Timnah to shear his sheep."

Berean Standard Bible

When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,”

American Standard Version

And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold, thy father-in-law goeth up to Timnah to shear his sheep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 38:13 serves as the critical turning point in the narrative of Judah and Tamar, revealing the precise intelligence that empowers Tamar to execute her audacious plan. This verse details the communication Tamar receives regarding Judah's imminent journey to Timnath for the annual sheep shearing, an event that provides her with the strategic opportunity to confront him and secure her rightful place and lineage within the family, following Judah's failure to fulfill his levirate obligations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the highly significant, yet often perplexing, digression from the main narrative of Joseph, which spans [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Joseph Sold into Slavery") through [Genesis 39](/genesis/39 "Joseph and Potiphar's Wife"). Chapter 38 interrupts the flow of Joseph's story to focus on Judah, one of the patriarchs from whom the messianic line would emerge. Immediately preceding [Genesis 38:13](/genesis/38-13 "Tamar Learns of Judah's Journey"), Judah's wife, Shua's daughter, has died and the period of mourning has concluded, as noted in [Genesis 38:12](/genesis/38-12 "The Death of Judah's Wife"). This emotional vulnerability and the conclusion of his mourning period set the stage for Judah's journey and Tamar's subsequent actions. The verse itself acts as the narrative trigger, informing Tamar of Judah's plans, which she then leverages for her own strategic purposes, leading directly into her disguise and encounter with Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sheep shearing in ancient Israel was far more than a mere agricultural task; it was a significant annual event, akin to a harvest festival, often accompanied by feasting, celebration, and social interaction. It marked a period of prosperity and communal gathering. Timnath, located in the Shephelah (the low hills between the Judean mountains and the coastal plain), was a known Philistine town, indicating Judah's travel beyond his immediate tribal territory. The cultural expectation of levirate marriage (Yibbum), where a brother-in-law was obligated to marry his deceased brother's widow to raise an heir, is paramount to understanding Tamar's predicament. Judah's failure to give Shelah to Tamar, despite his promise in [Genesis 38:11](/genesis/38-11 "Judah's Unfulfilled Promise to Tamar"), left her in a precarious, childless widowhood, without social or economic security. Her actions, though unconventional, were born out of a desperate need to secure her rights and lineage within a patriarchal society.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "Judah and Tamar") is rich with theological and narrative themes. One prominent theme is **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding the lineage of the Messiah despite human sin, deception, and moral failings. Another is **Justice and Righteousness**, particularly Judah's failure to uphold his familial and covenantal obligations, contrasted with Tamar's determined pursuit of justice, which Judah himself ultimately affirms. The theme of **Lineage and Inheritance** is central, highlighting the critical importance of continuing the family name and securing an heir in ancient Israelite society, especially for the preservation of the covenant promises. Finally, the chapter showcases **Female Agency**, as Tamar, a woman with limited societal power, employs remarkable cunning and resolve to secure her future and contribute to the messianic line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **told (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** (H5046) This primitive root means "to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively to announce (always by word of mouth to one present)." The use of "told" here indicates a direct, verbal communication to Tamar, suggesting she received specific, actionable intelligence about Judah's movements. This was not a rumor but a confirmed report, enabling her strategic planning.
* **father in law (Hebrew, _châm'_):** (H2524) Derived from a root related to affinity, this term precisely identifies Judah's relationship to Tamar. It underscores the familial obligation and the levirate expectation that Judah was failing to uphold. The fact that he is her "father in law" makes his dereliction of duty particularly egregious and Tamar's subsequent actions a direct response to a breach of family covenant.
* **shear (Hebrew, _gazâz'_):** (H1494) This verb means "to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair." In the context of sheep, it refers to the annual removal of wool. This act signals a specific time and place—the sheep shearing festival—which was known to be a public, often festive, and sometimes raucous event. Tamar's knowledge of this particular activity and its associated social environment was crucial for her plan to succeed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was told Tamar, saying,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes Tamar as the recipient of vital information. The passive construction "it was told" implies that the news reached her, possibly through a messenger or common knowledge, but the emphasis is on the fact that she was informed. This highlights her active role in seeking or receiving intelligence, which is foundational to her subsequent actions.
* **"Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath"**: This part specifies the subject (Judah, identified by his relationship to Tamar) and his destination and direction of travel. "Goeth up" (עֹלֶה, _‘oleh_) suggests an ascent, which could be literal (Timnath was in a higher elevation relative to some surrounding areas) or simply a standard idiom for traveling to a place. The mention of Timnath is crucial, as it provides the specific geographical setting for the unfolding drama and indicates a journey away from Judah's usual residence.
* **"to shear his sheep."**: This final phrase clarifies the purpose of Judah's journey. The act of "sheep shearing" was a well-known annual event that carried significant social and economic implications. It was a time of gathering, feasting, and often a less formal atmosphere, providing the ideal context for Tamar's plan to intercept Judah away from the scrutiny of his home.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Foreshadowing** by setting the stage for Tamar's decisive action, hinting at the confrontation that is about to occur. The seemingly mundane detail of Judah's travel to shear sheep becomes a pivotal moment, functioning as a **Catalyst** for the entire dramatic episode of [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "The Story of Judah and Tamar"). The concise reporting of information ("it was told Tamar") also serves as a form of **Narrative Economy**, swiftly conveying the necessary intelligence without elaborate detail, focusing the reader's attention on the impending events. Furthermore, the mention of "Timnath" and "sheep shearing" provides crucial **Setting** details that are not just geographical but also culturally significant, enriching the reader's understanding of why Tamar chose this specific moment and place for her confrontation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative initiated by [Genesis 38:13](/genesis/38-13 "Tamar Learns of Judah's Journey") profoundly illustrates God's sovereign ability to work through complex, even morally ambiguous, human actions to achieve His divine purposes. Despite the ethical dilemmas presented by Tamar's disguise and Judah's initial failures, the story ultimately underscores the preservation of the messianic lineage through Judah. This highlights that God's plan is not contingent upon human perfection but rather unfolds through the often-messy realities of human history, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Tamar's desperate pursuit of an heir, driven by Judah's neglect of his levirate duty, becomes a testament to the vital importance of lineage in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

* [Ruth 4:11-12](/ruth/4-11-12 "The Blessing of Boaz and Ruth")
* [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Jacob's Prophecy Regarding Judah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 38:13, as the trigger for Tamar's bold actions, invites us to reflect on the nature of divine providence and human agency. In a world where justice is often delayed or denied, Tamar's story, though unconventional, reminds us that God can use unexpected means and individuals to bring about His purposes. It challenges us to consider our own responses when promises are broken or duties neglected. While Tamar's methods are not prescriptive for us, her determination to secure her rightful place and contribute to the lineage of promise speaks to the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity. The narrative ultimately affirms that God's redemptive plan is robust enough to encompass human failings and triumphs, guiding history towards its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Tamar's proactive response to her predicament challenge our understanding of agency, especially for those in marginalized positions?**
* **In what ways does this narrative, despite its moral complexities, affirm God's sovereign control over historical events and human lineages?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Judah's eventual acknowledgment of Tamar's righteousness, particularly concerning personal accountability and the fulfillment of obligations?**

### FAQ
**Why is the story of Judah and Tamar inserted here, interrupting the Joseph narrative?**

Answer: The placement of [Genesis 38](/genesis/38 "The Story of Judah and Tamar"), interrupting the flow of Joseph's story, serves several crucial theological and narrative purposes. Theologically, it highlights the importance of the Abrahamic covenant's continuation through Judah's lineage, which is the messianic line. It provides a stark contrast between Judah's moral failings and eventual repentance and Joseph's unwavering integrity, setting up a deeper understanding of the brothers' characters. Narratively, it ensures that the foundational story of the tribe of Judah, from whom kings and ultimately the Messiah would come, is established before the family's descent into Egypt, providing essential context for future developments in Israel's history.

**What was the significance of sheep shearing in ancient Israelite society?**

Answer: Sheep shearing was a major annual event in the agrarian society of ancient Israel, akin to a harvest. It was a time of significant economic activity, as wool was a valuable commodity used for clothing, tents, and trade. Beyond its economic importance, it was often accompanied by feasting, celebrations, and social gatherings, making it a festive and public occasion. This context explains why Judah, a prominent patriarch, would travel for it and why Tamar would choose this specific event to execute her plan, knowing it would offer an opportunity for encounter away from the usual household scrutiny.

**Did Tamar's actions align with God's law?**

Answer: Tamar's actions, particularly her disguise as a prostitute, were certainly unconventional and outside typical societal norms. However, her primary motivation was to secure her rightful lineage and an heir, which Judah had unjustly withheld by failing to give her Shelah in levirate marriage, as promised in [Genesis 38:11](/genesis/38-11 "Judah's Unfulfilled Promise to Tamar"). Judah himself, in [Genesis 38:26](/genesis/38-26 "Judah's Acknowledgment of Tamar's Righteousness"), acknowledges her as "more righteous" than he, implying that her desperate pursuit of justice and the continuation of the family line, though unorthodox in method, was ultimately affirmed in light of Judah's own failure to uphold his covenantal duty and the broader divine plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly scandalous narrative initiated by [Genesis 38:13](/genesis/38-13 "Tamar Learns of Judah's Journey"), leading to Tamar's unconventional actions and the birth of Perez and Zerah, is profoundly Christ-centered. Tamar, a Gentile woman, is notably listed in the [genealogy of Jesus Christ](/matthew/1-3 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ, including Perez and Zerah"), alongside Rahab, Ruth, and the wife of Uriah. This inclusion powerfully underscores God's sovereign choice to work through unexpected individuals and circumstances, even those marked by human sin, societal transgression, and moral ambiguity, to bring about His redemptive plan. It foreshadows the universal scope of Christ's salvation, demonstrating that God's grace extends beyond conventional boundaries and includes all who believe, regardless of their past or origin. The preservation of the messianic line through such a complex and humanly flawed story highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring the arrival of the [Savior of the world](/john/4-42 "Jesus, the Savior of the World") through the lineage of Judah, ultimately fulfilling the ancient prophecies concerning the [seed of the woman](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.