Take Two: Genesis 38, Proverbs 29

As you read chapter 38, you really have to take a deep breath and try to put yourself in the context of the writing. In today's culture, the events sound more like something from MTV reality shows than from the biblical code (Deut 25:5-10).

Gen 38:1 draws a connection to the events of Joseph's enslavement. Judah had the great idea to sell Joseph into slavery (Gen 37:26-27). This means that Israel's son was "taken down" (same word translated as "departed" in Gen 38:1) to Egypt. Now Judah "departed" his Father's house as well. One can see the unravelling of Israel's clan- thread by thread, and the recurring theme of the promise being jeopardized.

Gen 38:2-5 details that Judah practiced "exogamy" or the taking of a wife outside of the family tree. As with Esau, this is a behavior that is shared...both to explain the origin of tribes that are prominent in Jewish history, as well as to show the deep "issues" in Israel's clan, which work their way out through the rebellious acts we see here.

Gen 38:6-7 details the selection of a wife for Judah's firstborn son. The son, Er, is evil and God "takes his life." The word used here usually refers to the taking of a life by human execution; though it is clear that God is the judge who brings this about as judgment against evil.

Judah directed his second born son to fulfill the responsibility and take Er's wife as his own. Under the law, the firstborn son would bear the deceased brother's name (Deut 25:5-10), thus preserving the line. Onan refuses to impregnate his brother's wife (Gen 38:9). To give a descendent would mean that Onan would lose the prime share of inheritance (which becomes his as the oldest successor.) Again, this is shared to reveal the strife in the family.

Some commentators argue that Judah's next actions reveal that he held Tamar responsible (to some degree) for the death of his two sons. As such, Judah withholds his third (and final) son from marrying her (Gen 38:11-14). However, Judah had left Tamar as a widow in her father's house...meaning that she was legally on hold and prevented from marrying another. This made her a special class of people and vulnerable in society.

Tamar takes matters into her own hands. She deceives her father-in-law by posing as a prostitute and enticing him. He has relations with her and impregnates her (Gen 38:15-24). Upon being told that his daughter-in-law was pregnant (but not knowing that he was the father of her offspring), Judah acts self-righteously and orders her "execution." Tamar shows the staff that Judah had left to him (via a messenger) (Gen 38:25-26). Judah realizes the truth about Tamar's actions and is convicted of his own sin in the matter. He repents of the sin and withdraws the execution order, realizing that it is the consequence of his actions that is the underlying motivation.

Gen 38:27-30 details the birth of twins in similar fashion to the birth of Jacob and Esau. This imagery is intentional as a reminder to the reader. It is also significant to recall that both Perez and Zerah appear in the lineage/genealogy record of Jesus (Matt 1:3).

As we discern a theme in this twisted and sordid affair, it must be that all plans that are apart from the will of God lead to strife, suffering, and ultimately-- defeat. Judah sought to improve his life (and hurt his father) by selling off the "special son" Joseph. Riddled with guilt and unresolved bitterness, he strikes out on his own to make a new life. This resulted in the death of two sons, an embarrassing affair with his daughter-in-law, and...ultimately...his own repentance and character change. All could have been avoided by simply sticking with the plan and purpose of God, rather than trying to control the outcome. Everyone I know can learn from this... beginning with myself.

Proverbs 29:4 is the takeaway today. A couple of characters in the news come to mind...but the principle is the main focus. Justice (or doing the right thing) brings stability. Unrighteousness (i.e. selfish and self-serving actions) bring destruction. Whenever we do what is right because it is right...we find stability, growth, strength, and profit. Whenever we seek our own profit over what is right (no matter how we justify it), we set ourselves up for destruction.

Grace,