Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah, is introduced in Genesis 38. She was the wife of Judah’s firstborn son, Er, whom the Lord put to death because of his wickedness (Genesis 38:6–7). According to the custom of levirate marriage, Judah instructed his second son, Onan, to marry Tamar and raise up offspring for his deceased brother. However, Onan also acted wickedly and was struck dead by the Lord (Genesis 38:8–10).
Judah then told Tamar to remain a widow in her father’s house until his youngest son, Shelah, was grown. Yet Judah had no intention of giving Shelah to Tamar, fearing he too might die (Genesis 38:11). Tamar realized this and took matters into her own hands.
When Judah traveled to Timnah, Tamar disguised herself as a harlot and sat by the road. Judah, not recognizing her, propositioned her. As a pledge, he gave her his signet, cord, and staff. She conceived by Judah and returned to her home, still veiled in secrecy (Genesis 38:14–19).
Three months later, when it became known Tamar was pregnant, Judah ordered her to be burned, not knowing he was the father. Tamar then revealed Judah’s items, saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child” (Genesis 38:25). Judah recognized them and declared, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son” (Genesis 38:26).
Tamar gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah. Perez would become an ancestor of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3), showing that God redeemed this broken situation for His redemptive purposes.
Tamar’s account is one of perseverance, justice, and boldness in a context of neglect and deceit. Though her actions were unconventional, her determination to uphold her right to offspring within Judah’s family preserved the Messianic line and fulfilled God’s purposes.
