In a tale echoing the dramatic and often convoluted threads of family politics, this story dives into the complex saga of Judah, one of the Biblical patriarchs, and Tamar, a woman of strategic shrewdness and daring resolve. The story can be found in Genesis 37-38.
Judah, the son of Jacob and Leah, had grown notorious for his inability to uphold moral principles. The leader of a tribe, his strength and influence should have been matched with equally steadfast morality. Instead, Judah’s character was marred by a lack of integrity, evidenced by his failings in family dealings, particularly in relation to his daughter-in-law, Tamar.
Tamar, originally betrothed to Judah’s eldest son Er, found herself a widow at a young age. Her husband’s life was cut short due to his wickedness, leaving Tamar in a precarious situation. In accordance with ancient customs, the mantle fell to Onan, the second son of Judah, to marry her and produce an heir for his deceased brother. But Onan’s greed and selfishness prevented him from fulfilling his duty, leading to his untimely demise as well.
Promised to Shelah, the third and youngest son, Tamar awaited the fulfillment of this pledge. However, Judah, held captive by fear and mistrust, reneged on his promise, leaving Tamar in a state of marital and societal limbo.
In a world bound by patriarchal dictates, Tamar was seemingly powerless. However, she used her wit and strategic cunning to secure her future and protect her rights. Disguising herself as a prostitute, Tamar ensnared Judah into a sexual relationship that resulted in the birth of twin boys, Perez and Zerah.
This conniving act of Tamar, while unconventional, perhaps even scandalous by some standards, secured the lineage that would eventually lead to the birth of King David, and centuries later, Jesus Christ. The irony in this tale is as profound as it is compelling: the Messiah, revered as the epitome of righteousness, descends from a lineage characterized by deceit, trickery, and moral ambiguity.
However, one might argue that this tale underscores the essence of redemption central to the Christian faith. From the sins and errors of Judah and Tamar, emerged a lineage destined to alter the course of human history forever. It is a powerful reminder that the path to salvation isn’t often straightforward or devoid of human flaws and frailties.
With that as a backdrop let me introduce you to Dr. Gerry Breshears who talks about this story in a very compelling manner. His teaching style is captivating and engaging. I had a chance to create to interview with Gerry prior to his talk at Corban where he begins to set the stage for a very compelling conversation.
The surprise of Gerry’s talk is that he takes us from the story of Judah and Tamar and brings it full circle to today. From the ugliness of Judah to Rachel Denhollander and her new book What Is a Girl Worth?: My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics.
From a story in the Bible to a story today of truth and grit. His whole talk is worth a listen and is available to listen to on Soundcloud.
About Dr. Gerry Breshears
Dr. Gerry Breshears is a Professor of Theology at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Breshears is passionate about the transforming power of the gospel, as it “brings freedom from guilt, shame, fear, and defilement before God.” He has taught at numerous Bible colleges and seminaries around the world, in countries such as Lebanon, Ukraine, Netherlands, Taiwan, Poland, Canada, and the Philippines. Dr. Breshears serves as a preaching elder at Grace Community Church. He and his wife, Sherry, have been married since 1968 and have two sons, one daughter, and are enjoying their season of life as grandparents.
About Judah
Judah was a pivotal figure in the Hebrew scriptures, born to Jacob and Leah around 1600 BCE during the second millennium. An instrumental character in the early formation of Israelite tribes, Judah married Shua’s daughter, an unnamed Canaanite woman. They had three sons together – Er, Onan, and Shelah. Later, under complex circumstances, Judah fathered twin boys, Perez and Zerah, with his daughter-in-law Tamar.
Despite the moral complexities of his early life, including his role in selling his brother Joseph into slavery, Judah eventually emerged as the progenitor of the royal lineage leading to King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. His story, which spans approximately 119 years according to biblical accounts, underscores the transformative power of repentance and redemption.
Judah’s enduring legacy is evident in the tribe named after him, one of the most significant of the twelve tribes of Israel. Today, his life continues to be a subject of theological exploration and discussion.
About Tamar
Tamar was a significant figure in the Hebrew scriptures during the second millennium BCE. Initially married to Judah’s sons Er and Onan, both of whom died leaving her childless, Tamar secured her future through a strategic plan that led to her bearing twin sons, Perez and Zerah, with Judah himself. Her actions had a profound impact on biblical lineage, leading to the birth of King David and eventually, Jesus Christ. Her life represents resilience and resourcefulness, significant themes in biblical studies.
