Genesis 38
BSB1 About that time, Judah left his brothers and settled near a man named Hirah, an Adullamite. 2 There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua, and he took her as a wife and slept with her. 3 So she conceived and gave birth to a son, and Judah named him Er. 4 Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Onan. 5 Then she gave birth to another son and named him Shelah; it was at Chezib that she gave birth to him. 6 Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death. 8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother." 9 But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother’s wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. 10 What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well. 11 Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. 12 After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had finished mourning, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah. 13 When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep," 14 she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife. 15 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face. 16 Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her and said, “Come now, let me sleep with you.” “What will you give me for sleeping with you?” she inquired. 17 “I will send you a young goat from my flock,” Judah answered. But she replied, “Only if you leave me something as a pledge until you send it." 18 “What pledge should I give you?” he asked. She answered, “Your seal and your cord, and the staff in your hand.” So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him. 19 Then Tamar got up and departed. And she removed her veil and put on her widow’s garments again. 20 Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her. 21 He asked the men of that place, “Where is the shrine prostitute who was beside the road at Enaim?” “No shrine prostitute has been here,” they answered. 22 So Hirah returned to Judah and said, “I could not find her, and furthermore, the men of that place said, ‘No shrine prostitute has been here.’" 23 “Let her keep the items,” Judah replied. “Otherwise we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you could not find her." 24 About three months later, Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has prostituted herself, and now she is pregnant.” “Bring her out!” Judah replied. “Let her be burned to death!" 25 As she was being brought out, Tamar sent a message to her father-in-law: “I am pregnant by the man to whom these items belong.” And she added, “Please examine them. Whose seal and cord and staff are these?" 26 Judah recognized the items and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not have relations with her again. 27 When the time came for Tamar to give birth, there were twins in her womb. 28 And as she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it around his wrist. “This one came out first,” she announced. 29 But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, “You have broken out first!” So he was named Perez. 30 Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread around his wrist, and he was named Zerah.
Study Notes — Genesis 38
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Genesis 38
- Themes from Genesis 38
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Genesis 38
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Genesis 38 tells the story of Judah, one of Jacob's sons, and his family. The chapter begins with Judah marrying a Canaanite woman and having three sons, Er, Onan, and Shelah. However, Er's wickedness leads to his death, and Onan's refusal to fulfill his duty to Er's widow, Tamar, results in his death as well. Tamar then disguises herself as a prostitute and seduces Judah, becoming pregnant with twins. The chapter ends with the birth of Perez and Zerah, who become part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Genesis 38:27-30). The story highlights God's sovereignty in human affairs, as He works through the lives of His people to fulfill His purposes.
Context for the Chapter
Genesis 38 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Genesis, which tells the story of creation, the early history of humanity, and the lives of the patriarchs. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, which explores God's relationship with His people and His ultimate plan of redemption. In the context of the book of Genesis, chapter 38 serves as a transition between the stories of Jacob and Joseph, highlighting God's sovereignty in human affairs and the importance of faithfulness and obedience.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages readers to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of sin and failure. It also emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will, highlighting the consequences of sin and the ultimate plan of redemption. As we reflect on the story of Judah and Tamar, we are reminded to seek God's guidance and wisdom in our own lives, trusting in His sovereignty and living faithfully to His will.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Genesis 38 tells the story of Judah and his family, highlighting God's sovereignty in human affairs. The chapter shows how God works through the lives of His people, even in the midst of sin and failure. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will, as seen in the story of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:1-30).
Voices from the Church
“The death of Er and Onan serves as a warning to us all, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of living faithfully to God's will.”
— John Calvin
“The story of Judah and Tamar is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty in human affairs, working through the lives of His people to fulfill His purposes.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Judah Marries a Canaanite Woman (Genesis 38:1-5) — The chapter begins with Judah marrying a Canaanite woman and having three sons, Er, Onan, and Shelah.
- The Death of Er and Onan (Genesis 38:6-10) — The chapter explores the consequences of sin, as Er and Onan's wickedness leads to their death.
- Tamar's Disguise and Judah's Sin (Genesis 38:12-23) — Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and seduces Judah, becoming pregnant with twins.
- The Birth of Perez and Zerah (Genesis 38:24-30) — The chapter ends with the birth of Perez and Zerah, who become part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
- Conclusion (Genesis 38:30) — The chapter concludes with the statement that Perez and Zerah were born, highlighting God's sovereignty in human affairs.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter highlights God's sovereignty in human affairs, working through the lives of His people to fulfill His purposes.
- Consequences of Sin
- The chapter explores the consequences of sin, as Er and Onan's wickedness leads to their death.
- Faithfulness and Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will, as seen in the story of Judah and Tamar.
- Redemption
- The story of Judah and Tamar foreshadows the theme of redemption, which is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Lessons from Genesis 38
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — The chapter encourages readers to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of sin and failure.
- Avoid Sin and Its Consequences — The chapter warns against sin and its consequences, highlighting the importance of living faithfully to God's will.
- Seek God's Guidance and Wisdom — The chapter encourages readers to seek God's guidance and wisdom in their lives, trusting in His sovereignty and living faithfully to His will.
- Learn from the Past — The chapter teaches readers to learn from the past, avoiding the mistakes of others and seeking to live faithfully to God's will.
- Look to the Future with Hope — The chapter encourages readers to look to the future with hope, trusting in God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan of redemption.
Themes from Genesis 38
- Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty in human affairs, working through the lives of His people to fulfill His purposes.
- Consequences of Sin — The chapter explores the consequences of sin, as Er and Onan's wickedness leads to their death.
- Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will, as seen in the story of Judah and Tamar.
- Redemption — The story of Judah and Tamar foreshadows the theme of redemption, which is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- God's Providence — The chapter teaches readers to trust in God's providence, even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the chapter teach about God's sovereignty in human affairs?
- How does the chapter explore the consequences of sin?
- What importance does the chapter place on faithfulness and obedience to God's will?
- How does the story of Judah and Tamar foreshadow the theme of redemption?
- What practical lessons can we learn from the chapter about living faithfully to God's will?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Judah Marries a Canaanite Woman (Genesis 38:1-5)
| 38:1 | The chapter begins with Judah marrying a Canaanite woman and having three sons, Er, Onan, and Shelah. |
| 38:2 | Judah marries a Canaanite woman, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God's will and avoiding idolatry. |
2. The Death of Er and Onan (Genesis 38:6-10)
| 38:6 | Er's wickedness leads to his death, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of living faithfully to God's will. |
| 38:7 | The Lord puts Er to death, emphasizing God's sovereignty in human affairs and His judgment of wickedness. |
3. Tamar's Disguise and Judah's Sin (Genesis 38:12-23)
| 38:12 | Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and seduces Judah, becoming pregnant with twins. |
| 38:14 | Tamar's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will, as well as the consequences of sin. |
4. The Birth of Perez and Zerah (Genesis 38:24-30)
| 38:24 | The chapter ends with the birth of Perez and Zerah, who become part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. |
| 38:27 | Perez and Zerah are born, highlighting God's sovereignty in human affairs and His ultimate plan of redemption. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Judah's marriage to a Canaanite woman?
Judah's marriage to a Canaanite woman highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's will and avoiding idolatry (Genesis 38:1-5).
Why did Er and Onan die?
Er and Onan died due to their wickedness, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of living faithfully to God's will (Genesis 38:6-10).
What is the significance of Tamar's disguise and Judah's sin?
Tamar's disguise and Judah's sin serve as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will, as well as the consequences of sin (Genesis 38:12-23).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 38:1 → Genesis 46:9 | Judah's marriage to a Canaanite woman is mentioned in Genesis 46:9, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God's will and avoiding idolatry. |
| 2 | Genesis 38:7 → Deuteronomy 22:22 | The death of Er is mentioned in Deuteronomy 22:22, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of living faithfully to God's will. |
| 3 | Genesis 38:12 → Ruth 4:18-22 | Tamar's story is connected to the story of Ruth, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will. |
| 4 | Genesis 38:14 → Hebrews 11:31 | Tamar's faith is mentioned in Hebrews 11:31, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and living faithfully to His will. |
| 5 | Genesis 38:24 → Matthew 1:3 | The birth of Perez and Zerah is mentioned in Matthew 1:3, highlighting the significance of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. |
| 6 | Genesis 38:27 → Luke 3:33 | The birth of Perez and Zerah is mentioned in Luke 3:33, highlighting the significance of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. |
| 7 | Genesis 38:1-5 → Exodus 34:15-16 | The importance of avoiding idolatry is highlighted in Exodus 34:15-16, emphasizing the need for faithfulness to God's will. |
| 8 | Genesis 38:6-10 → Leviticus 18:29 | The consequences of sin are highlighted in Leviticus 18:29, emphasizing the importance of living faithfully to God's will. |
| 9 | Genesis 38:12-23 → Proverbs 7:1-27 | The importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will is highlighted in Proverbs 7:1-27, emphasizing the need to avoid sin and its consequences. |
| 10 | Genesis 38:24-30 → Galatians 3:29 | The significance of the genealogy of Jesus Christ is highlighted in Galatians 3:29, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and living faithfully to His will. |
Sermons on Genesis 38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Genesis by Jim Cymbala | Jim Cymbala preaches on Genesis 38, focusing on the flawed character of Judah and the messy circumstances surrounding his family. He emphasizes that despite Judah's moral failures, |
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(Genesis) Genesis 38:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Judah from the book of Genesis, specifically chapter 38. Judah, a member of the kingly line, goes down to do business and encou |
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(Genesis) Genesis 38:24-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being concerned with the size of the crowd when preaching the word of God. He believes that if the word of God is given |
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(Genesis) Genesis 38:12-24 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Judah and Tamar from the Bible. He emphasizes that the actions of Judah and Tamar were not approved by God, despite being record |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:34-36 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the grief of Jacob over the loss of his son Joseph. Jacob is seen mourning for his son and refusing to be comforted. The speaker suggests tha |
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(The Works of Faith) God Loves Us as He Loved Jesus by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. He encourages the audience to consider how they are spending their time and to make |
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Genealogy of Our Lord by Charles Anderson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the story of the Bible can be summed up in one sentence: the story of man's ruin in sin and God's remedy in Christ. The main theme runn |
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(Genesis) 54 - Judah and the Messianic Succession by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Judah and Tamar from the book of Genesis. The sermon begins by highlighting the possibility of evil that exists within human nat |
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Introducing Naomi and Ruth by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith introduces the book of Ruth by exploring the lives of Naomi and Ruth against the backdrop of the moral decay during the time of the Judges in Israel. He emphasizes how |
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Descendents of David & Abraham - Jim Cymbala by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dual nature of Jesus as both fully man and fully divine. He highlights how Jesus, despite being the promised Messiah, did not fit the pre |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 38
Matthew Henry's commentary on Genesis 38 highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will, as well as the consequences of sin. Henry notes that the chapter serves as a warning against sin and its consequences, emphasizing the need for trust in God's sovereignty and living faithfully to His will. He also highlights the significance of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's plan of redemption. As Henry writes, 'The Lord is long-suffering and of great mercy, but He will not always bear with sin; and those who persist in it shall be cut off.' (Genesis 38:7) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty in human affairs, as He works through the lives of His people to fulfill His purposes. This is evident in the death of Er and Onan, as well as the birth of Perez and Zerah.
Consequences of Sin
The chapter also explores the consequences of sin, as Er and Onan's wickedness leads to their death. This serves as a warning to God's people to live faithfully and obediently to His will.
Faithfulness and Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will. This is seen in the story of Judah and Tamar, who both make mistakes but ultimately learn to trust in God's sovereignty.