Genesis 38:6

And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name [was] Tamar.

And Judah {H3063} took {H3947} a wife {H802} for Er {H6147} his firstborn {H1060}, whose name {H8034} was Tamar {H8559}.

Y'hudah took a wife for 'Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.

Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.

And Judah took a wife for Er his first-born, and her name was Tamar.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 38:6 marks a significant narrative interlude within the larger story of Joseph. Chapters 37 and 39-50 focus on Joseph's life, but chapter 38 abruptly shifts to the personal history of Judah, one of Jacob's sons. This chapter provides a detailed account of Judah's family, his sons Er and Onan, and his daughter-in-law, Tamar. This diversion is crucial because it highlights the importance of Judah's lineage, from which the Messiah would eventually come. At this point in the narrative, Judah had separated from his brothers after their collective act of selling Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:26-27). The verse introduces Judah's firstborn son, Er, and his arranged marriage to Tamar, setting the stage for the controversial and pivotal events that follow in the chapter, including the levirate marriage custom and Tamar's determined actions to ensure the continuation of the family line.

Key Themes

  • Patriarchal Authority and Custom: The verse explicitly states that "Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn," illustrating the common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures where fathers arranged marriages for their sons. This highlights the patriarchal structure of the Israelite family and society during this period.
  • Importance of Lineage: The detailed account of Judah's family, particularly the focus on the continuation of his line, underscores the biblical emphasis on heritage and posterity. This is especially significant given that the tribe of Judah was destined to be the royal line, and the Messiah would descend from Judah, with Tamar herself appearing in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
  • Introduction of Tamar: This verse formally introduces Tamar, a woman who will play a central and proactive role in ensuring the survival of Judah's family line, even through unconventional means. Her character embodies determination and a strong desire for posterity within the Israelite framework.

Practical Application

While Genesis 38 is often considered a challenging chapter due to its moral complexities, this introductory verse reminds us of several enduring truths:

  • God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs: Even amidst human choices, customs, and later, moral failures, God's overarching plan for His people and the lineage of salvation continues to unfold. This narrative demonstrates how God works through imperfect individuals and situations to achieve His divine purposes.
  • Understanding Cultural Context: The verse provides insight into ancient marriage customs, helping readers appreciate the cultural backdrop against which biblical events occurred. Understanding these customs is vital for interpreting the actions and motivations of biblical characters.
  • The Significance of Family and Legacy: The emphasis on Judah's lineage, even with its complexities, points to the biblical value placed on family, heritage, and the passing down of faith and identity through generations.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 24:3 (2 votes)

    And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

  • Genesis 21:21 (2 votes)

    And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

  • Matthew 1:3 (2 votes)

    And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;