Genesis 38:15-30 NKJV
15 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a harlot, because she had covered her face. 16 Then he turned to her by the way, and said, “Please let me come in to you”; for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law.
So she said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?”
17 And he said, “I will send a young goat from the flock.”
So she said, “Will you give me a pledge till you send it?”
18 Then he said, “What pledge shall I give you?”
So she said, “Your signet and cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” Then he gave them to her, and went in to her, and she conceived by him. 19 So she arose and went away, and laid aside her veil and put on the garments of her widowhood.
20 And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her. 21 Then he asked the men of that place, saying, “Where is the harlot who was openly by the roadside?”
And they said, “There was no harlot in this place.”
22 So he returned to Judah and said, “I cannot find her. Also, the men of the place said there was no harlot in this place.”
23 Then Judah said, “Let her take them for herself, lest we be shamed; for I sent this young goat and you have not found her.”
24 And it came to pass, about three months after, that Judah was told, saying, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has played the harlot; furthermore she is with child by harlotry.”
So Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!”
25 When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child.” And she said, “Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.”
26 So Judah acknowledged them and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again.
27 Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins were in her womb. 28 And so it was, when she was giving birth, that the one put out his hand; and the midwife took a scarlet thread and bound it on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” 29 Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez. 30 Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah.
As we conclude the story of Judah and Tamar, Martin Luther invites us to reflect on the profound themes of sin, repentance, and divine providence. Judah’s moral failure, engaging with Tamar in a moment of weakness and immorality, and Tamar’s participation, both reveal how sin can blind us to righteousness and lead to shameful consequences. Their actions highlight the depth of human failure and the need for accountability.
Yet, in the midst of this complexity, Tamar emerges not merely as a figure of deception (and her own sin) but as one seeking justice. Luther emphasizes that her desire to fulfill the levirate law is rooted in righteousness, marking her actions as a pursuit of a greater good (though wrong-headed in her method). This nuance invites us to consider how our motivations shape our actions, especially in morally confusing situations.
A pivotal moment arises when Judah, confronted with the truth of his sin, declares Tamar to be “more righteous than I” (but only by comparison). This acknowledgment of wrongdoing showcases the beauty of repentance. Luther praises Judah’s humility and openness, reminding us that genuine repentance is essential in our walk of faith. It is a turning point that transforms Judah’s moral and spiritual life.
Moreover, through this morally fraught narrative, we see God’s providence at work. Despite human sin and weakness, God orchestrates events for His redemptive plan, ultimately leading to the lineage of the Messiah through Perez, Tamar’s son. Luther’s reflection on this emphasizes the remarkable truth that God’s grace and sovereignty can prevail even in sin’s chaos.
As we meditate on this passage, let us remember that our own stories may also be marked by sin and failure, yet God is faithful. He can bring forth good from our shortcomings, weaving our lives into His grand narrative of redemption.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, help us to recognize our own failings and to seek genuine repentance. May we trust in Your providential care, knowing that You can bring forth good from our shortcomings and even better without them. Strengthen us to pursue justice and righteousness in our lives, reflecting Your grace and faithfulness. Amen.