01.16.2016 Old Testament: Gen 38.24–26

To read the Bible in a year, read Genesis 38–40 on January 16, In the year of our Lord 2016

By Don Ruhl

Judah had not given his son to Tamar as promised. Therefore, she disguised herself as a prostitute and lured Judah, and he went gladly, and she conceived by him. Later, when Judah heard that she was pregnant, he demanded that she be burnt,

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!” 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.” 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 (Genesis 38.24–26). 

Later, Judah became the man that God wanted him to be, but unfortunately he had done something that brought shame upon him. However, we now know him as the one son among the twelve through whom the Messiah would come into the world.