By Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg
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The book of Genesis, with its sweeping narratives of creation, covenant, and human struggle, is a foundational text for understanding the theological and moral framework of the Hebrew Bible. Within the dramatic arc of the Joseph story, which spans Genesis 37 to 50, there lies an unexpected detour in Genesis 38: the story of Judah and Tamar. Often referred to as the “Judah Interruption,” this chapter abruptly shifts focus from Joseph’s trials to Judah’s moral failure in withholding a Levirite marriage from his daughter-in-law, Tamar. At first glance, this narrative feels like an intrusion, breaking the momentum of Joseph’s saga. However, a closer examination reveals that Genesis 38 is not a mere aside but a carefully placed story that deepens the themes of communal responsibility, repentance, and divine providence while connecting to the broader covenantal narrative of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as the messianic hope embodied in the line of Judah.
The Context and Structure of the Interruption
The Joseph narrative, which begins with his dreams and betrayal by his brothers in Genesis 37, is a gripping tale of divine providence and familial reconciliation. Nevertheless, just as the reader anticipates the continuation of Joseph’s journey into Egypt, Genesis 38 shifts to Judah, one of Jacob’s sons, and his interactions with Tamar. This interruption has puzzled scholars and readers alike, prompting questions about its placement and purpose. Why pause a high-stakes drama to recount a story of moral failing and deception? The answer lies in the thematic and theological connections that Genesis 38 establishes, both with the Joseph story and the larger patriarchal narrative.
The custom of levirate marriage, outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-6, provides the cultural backdrop for Genesis 38. This practice obligated a man to marry his deceased brother’s widow if the brother died without an heir, ensuring the continuation of the deceased’s lineage. In the story, Judah’s first son, Er, marries Tamar but dies without children. Judah’s second son, Onan, then marries Tamar but deliberately avoids fulfilling his levirate duty by “spilling his seed on the ground” (Gen. 38:9). Onan’s reasoning appears pragmatic: a child born to Tamar would legally belong to Er, reducing Onan’s inheritance and requiring him to support a child not his own. This act of self-interest, however, is portrayed as a grave sin against the community of faith that God is forming through Jacob’s family. As a result, God takes Onan’s life, a punishment that underscores the seriousness of his refusal to uphold communal responsibility.
Judah, fearing for the life of his youngest son, Shelah, promises Tamar that Shelah will marry her when he comes of age. Nevertheless, Judah fails to honor this promise, likely out of fear that Tamar is somehow cursed, given the deaths of his two older sons. This decision marks Judah’s own moral failing, as he withholds from Tamar her right to a child and a place in the family. The narrative thus sets the stage for Tamar’s bold and controversial response, which drives the story toward its redemptive climax.
Tamar’s Agency and the Ethics of Deception
Desperate to secure her place in God’s covenantal family, Tamar takes matters into her hands. Learning that Judah, now a widower, is traveling to Timnah, she disguises herself as a prostitute and positions herself where he will encounter her. Judah, unaware of her identity, solicits her services, offering personal items as a pledge. Tamar conceives twins, Perez and Zerah, through this encounter. When Judah discovers her pregnancy, he harshly condemns her to death for presumed immorality (Gen. 38:24). Tamar reveals her pledge items, declaring, “הַכֶּר־נָא” (“haker na,” “please examine,” Gen. 38:25), echoing the words Judah and his brothers used when presenting Joseph’s bloodied coat to Jacob, saying, “הַכֶּר־נָא” (“haker na,” “please examine,” Gen. 37:32). This linguistic parallel highlights the irony of Judah’s deception coming back to confront him, revealing his hypocrisy and compelling him to face his failure. Moreover, this phrase (please examine) reflects a continuation of a pattern of reckoning already seen when Laban tricked Jacob by replacing Rachel with Leah, just as Jacob had impersonated Esau before Isaac.
Strikingly, the text does not condemn Tamar’s deception or Judah’s engagement with a presumed prostitute. Instead, it focuses on Judah’s sin of withholding Shelah from Tamar, which denied her the right to a child and a place of honor within Israel as a family. This narrative emphasis suggests that the Torah prioritizes communal justice over individual moral purity. Tamar’s actions, though unconventional, are portrayed as a desperate yet righteous effort to secure her place in the covenantal community. Judah’s sin lies not in a violation of sexual convention but in damage to the community, which includes a poor, diminished female. Tamar’s agency, far from being condemned, highlights her determination to participate in God’s redemptive plan, even at considerable personal risk.
Judah’s Repentance and Transformation
The pivotal moment in Genesis 38 transpires when Judah admits his mistake and declares, “She is more righteous than I, because I did not give her to my son Shelah” (Gen. 38:26). This moment of repentance represents a major shift in Judah’s character. Unlike his earlier deception of Jacob, where he callously presented Joseph’s coat to conceal the brothers’ betrayal, Judah now owns his guilt and changes course. The text states that he does not approach Tamar sexually again, signaling a shift in his behavior and a commitment to act justly. This act of repentance aligns Judah with his father, Jacob, who also wrestled with his flaws but ultimately grew into his role as Israel, the patriarch of God’s chosen people.
Conclusion
The Judah Interruption is a masterful narrative that enriches the Joseph story and the broader Genesis account. It stresses the value of communal responsibility, celebrates the agency of the marginalized, and highlights the power of repentance to redirect human destinies. Through Judah and Tamar, we glimpse the unfolding of God’s covenantal plan, which weaves together human imperfection and divine faithfulness to produce a legacy that culminates in David and, ultimately, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Jesus himself. Far from a disruption, Genesis 38 is a vital chapter in the story of God’s redemptive work, inviting readers to reflect on justice, mercy, and the enduring hope of restoration.
That was a really interesting interruption and puts things into perspective.
May we always be interrupted by God.
This is a very beautiful narrative and I think story is about the plan of Satan to truncate the blessings upon the descendants of Judah so that the saviour will not come from the leakage of Judah. Tamar was used to fulfil the plan of God. Satan tried in several ways to disrupt the emergence of jesus from the tribe of Judah this can also be seen in the time of queen Esther and king David,if Mordecai has succeeded jesus emerging from the tribe of Judah wouldn’t have been possible and king Saul was a stop gape measure for the king to come from the tribe of Judah emerges
The lessons I leant from the narrative is that God purpose will always come to pass because God watches over his word to perfect it.
Thank you for your comment!
Thank you! Good reasoning. I have been thinking the same direction. Especially where Judah is willing to give himself for Benjamin. Thank you! God bless you!
Thank you, Aune! May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Thats Revelation is very powerful
We can clearly see the gospel here. I agree!
Dear Dr Eli,
Excellent study. I have seen the thematic connection between the two stories when studying the text in the past. However, you have succinctly woven it all together into the ultimate purpose—God’s redemptive plan through the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Yeshua. Wonderful!
Thank you, Christina!
I never read the narrative of Judah and Tamar. The interaction of both people is incredible. The sinful nature of one is a blessing to another. I believe you captured the story perfectly. The writing is absolutely brilliant with a purely fair perspective.
May the Lord continue to shine his light upon my mind and heart (it can’t be taken for granted)
Really enjoyed this—nice insight into a chapter most people rush past (as I’ve often done). I especially liked the “please examine” parallel; I don’t think I’ve ever considered the parallel to Jacobs coat. I’m curious if you think the birth order of Perez and Zerah has a deeper covenant or some sort of prophetic meaning we miss?
The biggest meaning is that it is reversed like all others. I think.
Praise the Lord 🙌 I love this explanation. So many in today’s theology promote Tamar as a loose woman. The emphasis on communal responsibility to fulfill God’s plan is clearly evident!
The same is the case with the Samaritan woman (I can assure you).
Beautifully written story. It makes it the meaning of Lion of Judah so clear. Thank you.
Bless the Lord oh my soul!
Looks more like our culture.
If you sin a million times if the action beings fruit to community then you’re a hero !
And now it’s said our forefather was from Musarisi clan (sounds like and has the same meaning with Pharisees !
I didn’t really understand your comment :-), perhaps, others, did. Do you care to unpack?
God “prioritizes communal justice over individual moral purity.”
What is the name of the “scholar” you mention soon after?
“Tamar’s agency, far from being condemned, highlights her determination to participate in God’s redemptive plan, even at great personal risk.”
Amen.
I think it was Walter Brueggemann, but it is mine now too 🙂
But, of course, I love individual moral purity! Hahaha. For a better world! All and only for the Lord! With His help and favor!!
Good morning Dr. Eli. This is a great piece especially running it through with the salvation of mankind. Thank you.
Amen! Thank you!
Great conclusions! Thanks
Thank you, dear Albert!
WOW WOW WOW
Only our Sovereign God could have done this.
I Love You LORD
can’t argue with that! 🙂
Thank you, Dr. Eli, for discussing these topics. I agree, the constant reversals stand out. Thank you for pointing them out to us. It shows me God’s sovereignty and His justice in a sin cursed world whether we learn about Him in the Hebrew Scriptures or in the new covenant He above is keeping today, which He talks about in Ezekiel 11:19; Ezekiel 36:22-32; and Jeremiah 31:31-34. I am so thankful for Yeshua haMashiach (or Jesus The Christ), the holy Son of God and also the perfect, sinless Son of Man, the “Just and the Justifier” (Romans 3:26)!!
God bless you
Such an encouraging message here! Thank you Dr. Eli
Dear Patricia, thank you for all you do! God bless you!
The study of Jesus’ lineage is a marvelous biblical journey in itself. The intertwining of Gentile women could be the foreshadowing of God’s design to bring salvation to all mankind.
Thanks, David! One thing though. Tamar’s status as a Gentile or Israelite in Genesis 38 is unclear, as the text provides no explicit genealogy. Some argue she was a Gentile, likely a Canaanite, due to her presence in Adullam, a Canaanite region, and the lack of Israelite lineage mentioned. Ancient Jewish and Christian sources sometimes depict her as a non-Israelite, highlighting her inclusion in Judah’s line as significant. Conversely, later Jewish traditions, like the Book of Jubilees, suggest she was an Israelite or from a related group, aligning her with the covenantal lineage leading to David. Her adherence to levirate marriage customs supports this, though such practices weren’t exclusive to Israelites. The narrative focuses on her role in Judah’s family, not her ethnicity, leaving both possibilities open. Without definitive evidence, her status remains ambiguous, with interpretations varying by theological lens.
David, correct Tamar was the first of the four non Israëlite women in the genealogy of Jesus, the others being Rahab, Ruth, and the wife of Uriah, a.k.a Bathsheba, proofing that God’s salvation is not an exclusive Israël business
Although uncertainty remains, several clues suggest Tamar in Genesis 38 was non-Israelite. The Bible omits any Israelite tribal affiliation for her, uncommon for key figures. Judah’s marriage to a Canaanite (Genesis 38:2) implies he may have chosen a non-Israelite, likely Canaanite or Aramean, for his son Er. Tamar’s name, unlike typical Israelite names, resembles those of neighboring peoples. Her narrative parallels non-Israelite women like Rahab and Ruth, especially in Matthew’s genealogy (Matthew 1:3), which highlights Gentile inclusion in Jesus’ lineage. Her bold act—disguising as a prostitute—reflects the agency of non-Israelite women navigating Israelite society. While rabbinical sources suggest she was a descendant of Shem, the biblical text lacks evidence for this, making a non-Israelite, likely Canaanite, origin more probable. This aligns with the theological theme of God incorporating outsiders into Israel’s story, emphasizing Tamar’s pivotal role in the Messianic lineage.
I really appreciate how you fleshed out this chapter of God’s redemptive story! (I was thrown off, however, by your use of “Levite marriage” in the first paragraph—I assume you meant levirate.)
Embarrassing!! 🙂 Thank you for alerting me to this error. I fixed it. Blessings!
Actually, i am glad that the “error” was made as it inspired me to read on. Whereas I would have had to research the meaning of the word, thereby putting off the reading for another time. Now and again errors great and small, might be used by The Holy Spirit to speak to people like me.
There you go! You know, some people looking at a puddle of water see dirt; others see the stars.
Glórias a Deus.
Amen.
Well done, a great contribution to understanding the Biblical narrative
I am honored to hear that from you, my brother!
Thank you so much. This is an answer to a decades old question mark for me. Tamar’s woeful life of injustice left me thinking men think very little of women, giving an open door to the 20th century free love campaign. This deserves a book of connections of its own, exposing the long consequences of a string of self serving deceptions. Without Integrity to start with, repentance is not understood. We’ve neglected the assignment, in this degenerate culture, to teach our children well, and then we wonder what’s gone wrong.
Well said!
Thankyou – I found this story intriguing the first time I read it and I love your examination of it… it puzzled me that Tamar was so desperate but now that I know it’s because she wanted to be part of the family line that includes the Lord – well it’s much more clear than a woman who just wants babies. I love that it changed Judahs heart aswell acknowledging a woman was more righteous than himself for those times is huge. Thankyou so much for going deeper. Shalom Shalom Sir ❤️
You are most welcome, dear Hazel! Just keep in mind that Tamar could not know about King David or Christ Jesus. So I think it had more to do with wanting the dignity of a wife and a mother than anything else. This is my take on it, at least.
I’m glad you condensed this study making it easier to follow.
I made it longer than the Biblical chapter 🙂
Thank you for such a wonderful explanation. This story has always intrigued me. Its a beautiful story of courage and justice.
Justice is why we all like stories and movies with a great end (when justice is done!)
Genesis 38 in Context – Narrative Flow & Theological Connections
1. Genesis 37–50: Joseph Narrative
Main storyline of betrayal, providence, and reconciliation.
2. Genesis 38: Judah & Tamar
“Judah Interruption” – moral failure, deception, and repentance.
3. Key Cultural Context
Levirate marriage law (Deuteronomy 25:5–6) – obligation to provide heirs for a deceased brother to preserve his lineage.
4. Tamar’s Action
Disguises herself as a prostitute and conceives Perez and Zerah by Judah.
5. Judah’s Turning Point
Admits fault, repents, and later shows leadership when offering himself for Benjamin’s safety.
6. Covenant Connection
Judah’s line leads to King David, and ultimately to Jesus Christ — “the Lion of the tribe of Judah.”
Thank you!
The story of Judah and Tamar is a prime example of many reason why no one should be counted as not worthy of God’s grace and mercy. Tamar was a very determined woman who acted out of desperation and conceived not just a child but two (twins). Judah Judah Judah
a lions cub the father of the tribe of Judah !
The God of Israel looked at Judah’s heart ❤️ and his willingness to admit to his own sin.
Indeed, Donita!
Greetings B’ Shalom, Dr Eli. Once again another great read. 4 minutes becomes 12 when I read through the article 3 or 4 times, lol. This story shows us many things, concerning morals, including this one. When you make a deal, and give your Word on it, you must follow through and honor the deal. A moral imperative. Yudah was forced to honor his deal through trickery, and in a way that forced Yudah to learn several morals, I think. On another tack, Yudah also got sons to replace the eldest 2 sons that died. Like always, there are lessons of a sort on several levels, and his moral development grew greatly, and matured him, made him more responsible. It doesn’t say, but I think Yudah held great guilt over Yosef; especially the “Examine please” brought him back, full circle.
Well… 4 min is a marketing gimmick :-). The idea is once you get into it, you will go very slow and savor the insight.
Dr, Eli, it just now struck me that Esau was also forced to honor the sale of his birthright to Ya’acov, through trickery, too, and their mother even helped her favorite. This has so many things for us to learn in the story of Yosef, and I see why the Writer put the story where it is, and partly because Yudah had lessons to learn, and it must have happened in the Chronological order of events, before the brothers went to Egypt.
And, now that my Hebrew is more advanced, I see more things, all the time.
eTeacher Hebrew is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Todah Rabbah, meod, meod!!
Hebrew learning is so important.
So cool! ❤️✨🙌
indeed!
Wow! Wonderful!
Thank you Dr. Eli.
Blessings!
I love the specific contents that you pulled out. This helped me immensely. Since I think more on a black and white basis. And I found it to be very easy to understand and you helped to open my eyes of the book of Genesis 38. Which has been hard for me to surpass. After all my years reading scriptures this time I can say I can finally ace through it from the help from what I have learned from you! Thank you so much Dr. Eli!! Towdah Rabah Sposibo
~ Shoshanna from South Central Texas
Bevakasha and pozhaluista, dear Shoshannah!
What an in-depth analysis of the story most of us scan over with judgmental altitude against Tamar! God bless you always🙏
Let us not make the same mistake, Ben! Blessings!
Thank you, Dr. Eli, for your enlightening exposition of the story of Tamar and Judah. It brings to mind Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Indeed it does!
I love the way you weave everything together with simplicity and clearness pointing out what most people would miss. Thank you.
May the Lord continue to be gracious to me in this.
Thanks. This is a wonderful thing to learn. I’m being blessed through it
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Dr. Eli. It is all there – “ Inviting readers to reflect on justice, mercy and the enduring hope of restoration.” And indeed, Tamar was a very brave woman.
Yes!
Dr Eli I overlooked Tamar and her role in this story before ( sort of focussed a lot on Joseph’ story) – thank you Dr Eli the conclusion gave me food for thought, and see the bigger picture and God’s plan regardless of deception ( and taking things into our own hands and afterwards asking our Father to Bless this mess) He uses our mistakes to His glory. Enjoyed reading these narratives.
Yes. It is so easy to miss it.
dear dr. Eli : Thank you for sharing such great deep insight into Genesis 28. how God”s Word fits like a puzzle, from beginning to the end. our God, Elohim, always rewards the act of repentance and weaves it with His perfect Will. Shalom, from Port Elizabeth S.A
Blessings and peace to South Africa!
Thank you Dr Eli for this beautifully articulated article. It really makes me pause and reflect on how intentional G-d is by divinely bringing HIS plan in fulfillment, even if it seems out of the norm. G-d is faithful and just. Blessings!!!
Amen, Sylvia!
Thank you for this explanation.Now that I know the signification of this ” Judah interruption”, I understand why the story of Judah and Tamar was appeared in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 1: 3).Amazing story! Amazing grace!
Thank you, Isaac and God bless!
Lots packed into this chapter, thanks for bringing some of it out. For several reasons I believe one purpose of this chapter is to serve as a “prophetic type”, just like the chapters dealing with Joseph. The meanings of people and place names find interesting parallels with other passages of scripture and with church history. One thing (among many) which tips me off that something is going on is when “Chezib” is associated with Shelah’s birth. Why is this fact mentioned? Chezib can mean either to tell a lie, or to fail to live up to expectations. Perhaps Judah would’ve given Tamar to Shelah if he’d lived up to his name and “requested” her? (Shelah means “to ask”) Also ironic that the “open place” where Judah met Tamar is פֶתַח עֵינַיִם which means “open eyes”, yet Judah did not recognize her.
Thanks, Chris!
A masterpiece! Excellent detail contextually set within the broader themes of the Jacob narrative- well done.. a donation coming your way! Shalom from Russ
Thank you so much for your encouragement and support, Russ! For anyone else that would like to help to support and grow this ministry, please do so here: https://drelisblog.com/donate . It is truly valued!
Thank you for this enlightening exposition, which reminds us of the amazing grace of Abba Father, and encourages our personal redemption journey.
Thank you, Brother Basile! Thanks be to God for his light!
This was an excellent and eye-opening revelation!! To see not just the story of Judah and Tamar, but how it all weaves back to Jacob, Joseph and Benjamin, Esau, and forward to David and Yeshua is SO interesting!!! I LOVE to see analyses like this weaving the whole of the Bible together as a part of God’s great tapestry of humanity!!
Thank you Dr. Eli!! And please give us more of these kinds of enlightening, woven pictures for our deeper understanding of God’s perfect plan!!
More is coming, my dear Sue!
Thank you for this enlightening analysis of the Judah and Tamar story Dr. Eli!! It was SO interesting to see all the ways that this story weaves together with Jacob, Benjamin,Esau, David and Yeshua!! This is fascinating to me and I LOVE to have my understanding of the Bible enlightened by these types of connections! I know that God’s woven tapestry of humanity is one big picture but I don’t always know the specific ways that one story or person is tied to another story and other persons, so I love learning these types of things!!
Thank you Dr. Eli!!
Marvelous to hear, Sue! God bless you for all you do!
An excellent exposition of communal (tribal) responsibility, morality and contextual meaning. The story of Tamar’s persistence reminds me of Matthew 15:26-28, the ‘Canaanite’ woman, when Jesus resists her plea for help, replies that “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table”. I am somewhat surprised at the moral judgment against Tamar occasionally expressed here on this thread. We must be _careful_ to judge {for by that judgment that we judge others, we may also be judged…}
true.
You have taught me so very much, not just through these letters but through my classes with the institute. Thank you
Carmen, I am so grateful to God for you!
Very interesting and enlightening! Thank you for sharing that.
Thank you, Mary for your comment!
Thank you for the deep insight on God’s providence weaved through recurring “deceptions.” Your article brought light on Judah to see why and how God eventually made him righteous despite a lot of flaws and sins he committed. I thought Tamar’s motivation was not self-centered, like securing “her place”, but rather receiving and preserving God’s lineage through which Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come, as you mentioned later. She risked her life, since there was no guarantee that Juda would repent and protect her; she could have been stoned to death. Her heart and action centering on God were a reversal of what happened in the garden of Eden: Eve was deceived by Satan/Lucifer, risking her life (“thou shalt surely die”), ate the fruit and “fell” centering Satan, and lost God’s lineage. That’s why Tamer is named in the lineage of Jesus.
I would love to think that except Tamar was not aware of Jesus or getting into his lineage. I think you may be reading into it too much. But as we say “this would preach” 🙂
Amazing analysis with more knlwledge, very educative.
Blessings to you Lawrence! Thank you for your encouragement!
Since Judah – by neglecting to provide a replacement for Tamar’s untimely deceased husband so she could become a mother in an eternal family in Israel – would need to accept that responsibily himself, he had no legal right to condemn her.
Yes, but he did. What is legal and what is possible is often not the same thing :-(.
Very insightful. Thanks
Blessings, Scott.
Dr. Eli, one thing I appreciate about the Tanakh, is it’s replete with instances of God’s chastisement of The Chosen People, warts and all.
The treatment of Tamar highlights the hypocrisy of the Paternal Culture of those Times.
The NT highlights this hypocrisy in the record of the woman brought to Jesus caught in the act of adultery, citing the Law she should be stoned to Death.
Jesus knew Leviticus 20:10 demanded both the man and the woman caught in the act be stoned to death, but the man was not brought to Jesus.
Ray, I may agree, except the story you are referring to is not found in ANY ancient manuscripts of John’s Gospel (it shows up, I think, only in a 5th-century manuscript for the first time). It is possible, of course, that this story circulated as oral tradition (and was true), and only MUCH MUCH later was inserted into the Gospel. Who knows.
Praise the Lord 🙏 I am blessed to read the article and the detailed explanation about God’s redemption. How God works out everything for our good ( Rom.8:28 ). God bless you brother!
Indeed, this is a great story of God’s redemption.
Since the men (only), who brought the adulterous woman before Jesus, had (deliberately?) omitted to bring the adulterous man also, Jesus was just upholding The Law by instructing her to repent, saying “go away, and sin no more”.
Adam, hi. I already mentioned this in my previous comment. The earliest and most reliable manuscripts of the Gospel of John DO NOT contain this otherwise wonderful story. If I recall correctly, it first appears 400 years or so later! It may be a true story but it did not have apostalic authority.
As ever, a very well explained narrative.
Peter, thank you for your kind words.
Your understanding and teaching of the Holy Bible is unmatched. You are loaded with the word of God. Thank you for your services to humanity.
Dear Adu-Boampong, shalom! I hope you are right. If you are right I thank God for his mercy. Blessings and peace!
Thank you for the valuable insight into the Judah Tamar narrative. There is much insight into the Torah revealed in this blog. I will read all your books for deeper insight to know the God of Israel and the Lion of the tribe of Judah. My donations etc. will begin soon. God bless you. I have a deep hunger for the bread of life and the Jewish perspective of the Bible which has been preserved by the Jews and made available to the ends of the earth through the gentiles.
Dear Reeta, I am so grateful! Blessings!
Thank you, Dr. Eli, for giving us these wonderful insights. It’s enlightenment for me as a beginner to see how God handles the whole narrative of this incredible story of Judah and Tamar, from whose tribe Jesus belongs.
Dear Edgar, blessings to your my brother!
Eli, I hope you are sitting down because … I have nothing to add. 🙂 🙂 🙂
This is history in the making indeed!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hello Dr Eli,
Would you accept to recognize that your are a follower of Jesus ?
Would I acccept to recognize that I am a follower of Jesus? What a long way to ask it :-). The answer is very short – YES!
This text offers a well-structured and theologically rich analysis of Genesis 38 within the larger arc of the Joseph narrative. It convincingly argues that the so-called “Judah interruption” is not a narrative digression but a deliberate insertion that deepens key themes such as communal responsibility, repentance, and divine providence. Particularly strong is the identification of verbal parallels (haker na) and narrative echoes between earlier patriarchal episodes and Judah’s encounter with Tamar, as well as the tracing of Judah’s moral transformation from self-interest to responsible leadership. The discussion effectively situates Tamar’s unconventional actions within the framework of covenantal justice, emphasizing agency and inclusion of the marginalized.
Areas for refinement include simplifying some overly long and complex sentences for better readability, and grounding certain messianic connections—especially to John 4:22—more firmly in exegetical argumentation. Overall, the piece is insightful, coherent, and a valuable contribution to the theological interpretation of Genesis 38.
Thank you, Jonathan and his friend ChatGPT :-).
Hahaha, nothing artificial about you Dr. Eli! The insight of the Holy Spirit is real and lasting. The truth is certainly revealed by the light to greater extents and purpose with time, but it doesn’t morph or taint God’s character and holiness as AI does to knowledge!
It’s not in the words but the heart attitudes that you- Dr Eli, are so much more appealing to our minds and hearts (than AI)!!
This article’s depth of exposition blows my mind! Thank you for taking so much time in studying, reading and taking pains to imparting your insights with clarity. This is why I am your student!!
Your simple blog reads better than the ChatGPT output!
I used Grok to help me to edit the blog posts. Just want to be clear about that :-). It is a HUGE help that used to take me days to get from friends and family.
I appreciate your point ‘the Torah prioritizes communal justice over individual moral purity’
In a time that gives weight to the rights of the individual over the communal this was a good point, but then to bring the hypocrisy of one vs the injustice done to another, certainly helps to see the greater picture of Justice, Redemption and finally Salvation.
Brilliant.
Thank you, Paul!
Awesome read, Dr. Eli! Thank you!
Thank you, Ray.
Thank you for this. Learning is so awesome.
Blessings!
Is it just a coincidence that one of King David’s daughters also is named Tamar and a sexual sin is committed leading to a betrayal by a brother and sons?
David, hi. The name Tamar, meaning “date palm,” was common in ancient Israel, so it’s likely a coincidence that King David’s daughter and Judah’s daughter-in-law share it. Both stories involve sexual sin and betrayal—Judah’s daughter-in-law Tamar deceives him, and David’s daughter Tamar is raped by her half-brother Amnon, leading to Absalom’s vengeance. These narratives, in Genesis 38 and 2 Samuel 13, highlight human sin and its consequences, not a deliberate connection. The shared name may emphasize the recurring theme of family dysfunction in biblical accounts.
Great teaching – I love the explanation of “Examine me”. God’s ways are so much higher. Who can understand it. I struggle with many things he asked me to do & ongoing, but there is a reason to his plan & higher calling. I wonder if God directed Tamar’s motives since she wasn’t receiving her inheritance & was being denied her role in history (But..God). I struggle with suffering, but there is a higher plan to depend on him; refine our moral conduct & character. I pray I master these trials & dont have to keep retaking the test of endurance, suffering, obedience & my soul will just comply, surrender & my flesh dies. Lord, help us.
These biblical figures all struggled with suffering. So are many of us (at least in different periods of our lives).
Thank you for that explanation which really helps me understand and appreciate the whole story.
Blessings and peace!
Thanks for this interesting study. Lots of food for thought here, and interesting perspectives. I love the thread of God’s persistent loving redemptive plan unfolding, in spite of the flawed human vessels involved. There is hope for us all!!
Indeed! We flawed people can relate to Judah!
Excellent study. May the Lord continue inspiring you. God bless you
Marco, I rely on the prayerful support of my readers! Thank you, my brother!
…”prioritizes communal justice over individual moral purity”, “flawed yet redeemable figure”, “the value of communal responsibility, celebrates the agency of the marginalized, and highlights the power of repentance” — Wow, just wow, what powerful thoughts, thank you.
Thank you, Rafael. You summarized one comment’s most powerful thoughts, indeed!
Echo Rafael’s comments- WOW!
Yet one thing remains: the Kinsman-redeemer narrative highlights issues on relationships, conflict, resentment, separations, redemption, reconciliation, embracing the forgotten outcast, the communally ostracized, the mentally stigmatized and the internally tortured.
But then you have a book not a blog! 😄
Indeed :-). You should write one!
Thanks for your great insights! I think one thing to see if that at the critical point where Tamar presents her proof, all Judah had to do was decline to recognize his things perhaps even by saying nothing more letting the punishment happen he had already decreed and it is quite possible that no one would have known except God.
Indeed! Judah acted righteously.
Except it was his signet of authority in her possession along with his own cord and staff that were signs to the community of his identity. These items were never separated from a person of repute.
I s’pose he could have accused her of stealing?🤔🤫🤪 but he didn’t, yup, he was righteous!
From the testimony of the Old Testament, it appears that there is a contest between the line of Judah and Joseph (Ephraim) for which tribe Elohim will destine to produce the Messiah!
Please kindly explain where we can see such a contest.
Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your loving kindness, according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sun is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge…… Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.
Ps 51: 1 – 4, 10 – 13
It is always beneficial to read the Bible. I was not sure in which way you are connecting it to the article.
Thank you so much for this eye opening blog. Don’t laugh but I have never even paid attention to chapter 38 interrupting Joseph’s story much less why.
We have a Hebrew Bible study and so I have begun to explore. Thank you so much!
By the way I am 72 years old. Never stops being exciting to learn.
Now that you have reached an age where you possess a wealth of wisdom, you can share it with us younger individuals! Blessings!
This has been very interesting. I am enjoying
Glad to hear!
This story cumulative the Gen 37 -50 FROM the perspetives turches my mind, to see the power of Almighty God to HIS Chosen people and HIS Chosen SON.
Yes. The story of Jacob and his children is the MOST IMPORTANT in Genesis. Everything before that is a warm-up and an introduction.
Can you simplify what is ment by ‘ It stresses the value of communal responsibility, celebrates the agency of the marginalized, and highlights the power of repentance to redirect human destinies’,so I can understand and apply this.?
This passage emphasizes communal responsibility by showing how Judah’s actions affect his family and community, urging collective accountability. It celebrates the agency of the marginalized through Tamar, a widow who boldly secures her rights in a patriarchal society, demonstrating that even the overlooked have power to shape their future. Finally, it highlights the power of repentance by illustrating Judah’s transformation after acknowledging his wrongs, redirecting his life toward righteousness. Set in the broader Genesis narrative, this story connects human flaws to God’s plan, leading to the lineage of King David and Jesus. Rather than a detour, Genesis 38 is a key chapter showcasing justice, mercy, and hope, inviting reflection on how repentance and responsibility align with divine faithfulness to bring restoration.
I find it interesting that “Er” means “watchful”, “Onan” means “strong” and “Shela” means “request”. The early church was often warned to be “on the watch” for false teachers. Judging from history, it appears they failed in many respects. This gave rise to “the Onan” church, which wasted its “strength” (seed) on the ground (earthly things). Fits pretty well with the trend of merging the church and state that came to prominence about the time of Constantine, resulting in the oxymoron known as the holy roman empire. Shelah’s failure to “ask” for “uprightness” fits pretty well with what resulted from Luther’s reforms. Luther bemoaned people who took his teachings as a way to excuse bad behavior. (Tamar’s name means a palm tree, in the sense that they grow “upright”)
It sounds like a stretch.
I found myself having ‘ah ha’ moments reading this. The explanation fit. I saw a similar parallel in Yoseph the step-father of Yeshua and the saving actions, grace and protection of Yoseph, son of Ya’aqov/ Yisra’el.
Great minds think alike!
This is very insightful, educative and also theological. I gained a lot of insight into the workings of God Almighty concerning His chosen ones.
Thanks very much for the deep thoughts.
Thank you, Rotimi! Let us continue to think deeply.
This is an excellent commentary and explanation. It summarizes the details of both Genesis and the gospel message
Blessings, Tim!
Thanks.🫶❤️
Blessings, dear Maribel!
Interesting narative. Considering that Deutoronomy’s levirite custom explanation comes some generations later, is the act by Tamar as a result of God’s guidance to Abraham afer moving to canaan or this custom was inherited from his Syrian background.
Carl, hi. There are always things in oral culture that were passed (sometimes even as laws) by word of mounth. But indeed first levirite marriage law comes up in Deutoronomy. In Genesis 38 it is clear that the second son was expected to fulfill its demands, however.
Wow! Dr. Eli. This one! This is one of the Genesis passages that sounded repugnant to the human mind. I once wished it had not appeared in God’s Book, for the shame it carried. Thank you Dr. Eli for the excellent uncovering of truth. I will get back to reading the passage, this time with and for comfort.
God bless you.
Jimmy, there are so many texts like this one in our Holy Scriptures! We don’t need to be ashamed. The Bible does not need to be rewritten; it needs to be reread!
Very good view Dr. However, I think the story of Tamar has a much richer and comparative placement in ch. 38 than most scholars have argued l. I cannot mention it here as I will be working on an article in that direction.
All success!
This is a challenging article to respond to. Judah reaches his conclusion that Tamar was more righteous than he. Tamar succeeds in bearing sons which should have been her right. But the reader is left with an uncomfortable dilemma.
Was violating the custom of a levirate marriage a tear in the fabric of God’s community? Would that be an affront to God as well? If it is true that two wrongs do not make a matter right, then how are we to resolve this?
When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, right and wrong – it was the serpent’s offering they ate. Should they just have focused on a right relationship with God instead?
What comes across as loudest is the silence of God. Or are we just being willfully deaf?
All excellent questions and observations. Thank you, Ramon.
I believe that such a voice-over is a great supplement especially for not native English speakers to better grasp the content of the text
Thank you, Arend. I am planning to continue to record. I had a choice of AI, but believe that it is important for people to hear me (my heart).
Thank you Dr Eli for this powerful teaching.
You are most welcome, David!
Wow, thanks a million for this wonderful work done.
What a great insight and skilled depth of God’s word.
The deceptive partarn became a bloodline issue. To God be the glory that, opportunity meant for repentance was not mismanaged or blown away.
But the redemptive work is still flowing through to everyone that hears, believed and are saved in Christ Jesus ” Our ultimate Judah”
Amen, our ultimate Judah indeed!
Doctor Eli Thea know you so much for the Juda and Tamar story. Read Tamar book a while ago and loved her boldness in her most best to continue her deceased husband name. 😇💙
Francia, shalom and thank you so much for your comment!
Most teachers of the Bible don’t teach that Judah was in the wrong, they skip over it as if he did nothing wrong. One teacher said Judah was just being a man. This is why I don’t listen to teachings of the Bible…. Most men are MISOGYNIST!
Well… most men think like men (and so they should!), most women think as women (thank God they do!). Misogyny is a dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women. That’s not universaly true of all men. That’s for sure! I think men rather like women :-). But as old politically incorrected song has it: “It’s a man’s world, but it means nothing without a woman and a girl” You can click on it to hear that song I hyperlinked it for you. Enjoy! 🙂
Thank you for your insights. I struggle with the ‘ends justifying the means’ reasoning. It seems that Tamar’s childlessness may have signified more than honor or lack thereof within the family. It seems everything for women was about survival. Physically weaker, often forbidden education and access to resources, her selling of herself had many reasons behind it.
I think you are on to something. It was not just that.
After listening to your presentation, I was reminded of things my mother used to say such as “what goes around, comes around,” and “what you do in the dark will be revealed in the light.” Also, thank you for highlighting deception that existed within the family. I see character traits that have been repeated in my own family. It’s interesting to see how Judah’s deception is similar to Jacob’s. It is enlightening to see the evolution of Judah’s character once he understands the consequence of the deception.
Thank you for your comment, Tina! Grace and peace!
Thank you DR Eli I have Better understanding of Judah and Tamar kept the line of the Lion and the Lamb open Thank you.
Blessings to you and yours, Linda!
Thank you Dr. Eli for sharing! I’ll always keep you and Israel in prayer. Praying for the peace of Jerusalem 🙏🎚️🔥🕊️💙🇮🇱
Rebecca, this means sooooooooooooo much!!!!
Thank you Dr Eli for this wonderful opportunity to collect this GOLDEN THREAD woven through the especially The First Covenant of the Christian Bible Gen 38.
Blessings to you Rabbi Eli
Shaalu Shalom Yerusalyim
Shaalu (?) Shalom Yisra’el
Blessings, Hugo and thank you for your comment!
Thanks for excellent and informative article. Your explanation was very good. The sound was excellent. I enjoyed listening.
Blessings!
Wow, I have read these chapters a number of times and not realised the importance and the significance of them. I have been reading through the Bible Chronologically this year and come across the division of the Israelites and the Separation of Judah from the rest of Israel and wondered why not seeing how this all fits in. Thank you for your explanation. It makes perfect sense and goves me a lot to ponder on and think about. I will go back and re read these chapters as all that goes before makes the story whole. I read in Jeremiah 33 where God says “The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them. I will never abandon the descendants of Jacob or David, my servant, or change the plan “
What an incredibly important habit it is to read Bible all year around! Others be inspired to start today!
THat is awesome I also started reading through the Bible via Spotify and currently on day 210 it’s really opened up the scriptures and context, especially the spilt of Israe to the North and Judah remaining to the South by Jerusalem. Immediately after the split Israel starts worshipping 2 calves again….wow.
Very important to get the BIG picture too, not only to zoom in on a particular text.
Oh what an amazing narrative Dr Eli. Surely God is a God of purpose and plan. The marginalized can still find hope in Jesus Christ, who can turn things round for our good. I liked that the Hebrew language brings meaning into perspective.
Thank you
Emeliah, what a wounderful name you have!
God’s ways are strange…. wonderful.good thoughts for sharing.. God’s Grace is available for all human beings.. whether it is a jew or gentile . The name of Tamar, a gentile women appear in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.Amen.
Thank you for your cooment, Simon.
I appreciate the deeper message in this study. The subtitle “How Tamar fought for justice by questionable means and won” indicates how much God loves it when we abandon ourselves (when necessary) and throw our lives into His hands.
Indeed, Cal, indeed. But in the case of Tamar it may have been the other way around she acted by all means possible for her and God secured her future in Israel despite it all by her faith and His grace.
Because we have a living God it’s no surprise that we can learn a lot about our selves but also about the God who created all things.
Blessed be the one who has the power not only to destroy but is one who can and does build and restore.
Can we get Amen to this?!
Well enunciated, illustrated, unbiased, lucid, appropriate language, and on God’s points.
Blessings and peace!
I am really enjoying the deeper context of Jewish interpretation of the Bible, really brings it to life. Powerful interruption indeed. Just that one phrase “please examine” wow bless you Dr.
Thank you, Marvin!
Thanks. This interruption was great and led to seek others.
I noticed Balaam the prophet. He pops us in the middle of Israel’s journey. God uses him to prophecy good over them.
The other interruption is Elizabeth’s conception of John the baptist in Jesus birth story. He is also a prophet come to bring news.
I think these interruptions are like Selah pauses in the psalms. They make you pause and wonder what God is going to say or do. What must i see or learn? What is its relevance. The pauses/ interruptions put focus on God’s redemtive nature.
I agree interruptions seem to be a literary device to get a stronger point across.
Thank you Sir. God Bless your wisdom and knowledge in Jesus Name Amen. More Anointing
As the old saying has it: More love. More power. More of You in my life.
Thank you. I have learnt so much and understand more fully.
God bless.
I rejoice to hear that!
Thanks a lot for the explanation. May God continue to bless you more with wisdom and knowledge.
Amen and amen!
Thank you, Dr. Eli, for unfolding the depth of the ‘Tamar Interruption.’ Such a beautiful reminder of hope and restoration. God bless you!
Lucia, we all need to be reminded about that as often as possible!
Terrific, as usual
Blessings, Connie!
I love the Mp3 version as well Dr Eli. Thank you so much. Blessings!
You are welcome, Sylvia!
The research you conducted is very interesting and in-depth. Thank you very much for sharing it.
Thank you, Pedro for taking the time to encourage me!
Thank you . I plan to reread this many times. Jew or Gentile aren’t we blessed to be part of the One New Man .
Ephesians 2:15 NKJV — having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, …
He brought us Peace.
Indeed!
A reminder for the People of Faith to watch out for God’s continuing works of Creation, Salvation, and Reconciliation in our Human Lives in all their variegated dimensions. Thanks for your Biblical Scholarship Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg.
Thank you, Danny!
Thank you for open my mind God bless you
May the Lord continue to open our minds. Heart for God. Mind for truth. Feet for the Gospel.
God does interupt to fullfill His plan
Yes, but it also is a story and the way it is told. People are meant to say: Wait. Stop. What?
Your writing has provided clarity on why Judah sacrificed his life for Benjamin. Many of us in this region can relate to the complexities of family and how it connects to the broader church community, especially in terms of the purpose of redemption
What region are you referring to? Would love to hear more.
Thanks Dr Eli! What an amazing exposition! I have been reading genesis 38, but your comprehensive analysis is intriguing. Bless God for subscribing to your blog.♥️
So glad to hear that!
Wow ! That was really good! I have never heard this before and it does make sense as it fits into God’s plan all along…thank you Dr. Eli for sharing this!!!
Charlene, thank you. May the Lord continue to shed His bright light on all of us!
One son died without seed,another died due to neglect of Levirate duty. It is not until Judah lays with Tamar,not knowing who she is, that he realises his own guilt.
Judah is prominent in Josephs’ story also,firstly by wishing his death,then leading his brothers to implore grain from Egypt and finally when Joseph reveals his true identity,Judah vows to be the protector of Benjamin.
The Gospels may contain a similar parable.
That of the adulterous woman,who Yeshua saves from being stoned by turning the guilt onto her accusers. I’m not sure if she is described as a Shelite woman.
Jon, I answered a comment similar to yours before :-). John 8 story is not found in earlierst manuscripts of the Gospel of John. Lets keep thinking together.
This is a must share. I’ve never gone back and forward to compare the Judah of then to this story. So enlightening.
Great to hear! Blessings!
“She is more righteous than I..(Gen 38:26),” is a relativistic phrase about purity and morality. Not an exoneration. Just like saying, “a petty thief is more righteous than a cold blooded murderer” does not suggest theft is righteous.
The plumb line for purity and righteousness is not relativistic. For all have fallen short….all but One.
TC, I think it is his way to say I am wrong, she is right.
Wonderful insights and clear presentation
Thanks you, Samuel!
Very well written and spoken! Enjoyed it immensely. Presently reading the OT. Always amazed at the sovereignty of God in His dealings with the sons of men. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift ( II Cor.9:15), the Lord Jesus Christ, which came out of the loins of the Tribe of Judah. Once appearing as the Lamb of God but a Lion of the Tribe of Judah when He appears in His glory.
Joyfully in Christ (Col.1:27)
Roy
Thank you, amen and amen!
I never thought of the story this way and always pondered on it , your narration is fantastic and has helped me to appreciate the story much better. Thank you
Thank you, dear FLorence.
Dear dr. Eli, I loved the written article as well as the “audiobook”. I really appreciate the slow and steady, well-articulated pace of your pronunciation!
Thank you, so much my good brother!
Well, very interesting and quality observations, thank you.
Thank you, Richard. Let us press on from here!
A well researched and narrated article presented with the lens of modern life. My concerns are: 1. Are the actors then aware of the bigger picture we now see easily in retrospect? 2 Does the great gap between their world and ours justify our modern tools of evaluating their actions? But then, I found the discussion highly educative and edifying. Thanks so much
Victor, thank you for your thoughtful response. #1 The answer is no. #2 Modern standards and values—no, tools? Why not?
Thank you very much for the article. Indeed, it is excellently rendered as well as well articulated for edifying and meaningful purposes.God bless you more. TP Gobolawamang, South Africa
Thank you!
I am Jorge Alberto Barbosa from Bucaramanga, Colombia.
What I just read on this “blog” is truly enlightening. Whenever I read this passage before, I saw it as an intrusion into the central narrative of this episode. From now on, I will revisit it from this perspective to understand it better. A THOUSAND THANKS!
Blessings to you, Jorge Alberto!
Dear Dr Eli, thank you so much for this very powerful and beautiful narrative. I have always overlooked Gensis 38. May God continue to inspire your work.
God Bless from Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Blessings to you, Florence!