Chapter 38
Verses 1-30: The Story of Judah and Tamar
- And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.
- And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.
- And she conceived, and bore a son; and he called his name Er.
- And she conceived again, and bore a son; and she called his name Onan.
- And she yet again conceived, and bore a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bore him.
- And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.
- And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.
- And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.
- And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother’s wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother.
- And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.
- Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father’s house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.
- And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah’s wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheep shearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.
- And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.
- And she put her widow’s garments off from her, and covered her with a veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.
- When Judah saw her, he thought her to be a harlot; because she had covered her face.
- And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?
- And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it?
- And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
- And she arose, and went away, and laid by her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.
- And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand: but he found her not.
- Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place.
- And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place.
- And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.
- And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
- When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff.
- And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.
- And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb.
- And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.
- And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.
- And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zerah.
Interpretation: Genesis 38 shifts focus to Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers, detailing his interactions with Tamar, his daughter-in-law. This narrative explores themes of duty, deception, and justice, highlighting the complexities of family obligations and societal norms. Tamar’s actions, while deceptive, are portrayed as a pursuit of justice for herself and her deceased husband’s lineage. The story culminates in the birth of twins, Pharez and Zerah, underscoring the unexpected ways in which the continuation of a lineage can occur. This chapter not only provides insight into Judah’s character but also contributes to the larger narrative of the Israelite ancestry.
2 Responses
Genesis 38:1-5 – Judah’s Family
Verses 1-5 describe Judah leaving his brothers, marrying a Canaanite woman, and having three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Kabbalistically, Judah’s departure and marriage represent an aspect of Hod (splendor), as he establishes his own identity and lineage, separate from his brothers. Quantum mechanically, these events introduce a new branch in the narrative, with Judah’s actions creating a set of potentialities that will significantly impact the future of his lineage.
Genesis 38:6-11 – The Death of Er and Onan
Verses 6-11 detail how Er, Judah’s firstborn, is killed by God for being wicked. Onan is then instructed to perform the duty of a brother-in-law (levirate marriage) to Tamar, Er’s widow, but he also dies for his refusal to raise offspring for his brother. Kabbalistically, this reflects Din, divine judgment, ensuring that actions contrary to divine will and the purpose of creation are corrected. Quantum mechanically, the deaths of Er and Onan represent the collapse of potential futures for Judah’s lineage, focusing the narrative on Tamar’s role in its continuation.
Genesis 38:12-19 – Tamar’s Deception
Verses 12-19 narrate how Tamar, after being denied marriage to Shelah, disguises herself as a prostitute and conceives twins by Judah. Kabbalistically, Tamar’s actions can be seen through the lens of Binah, deep understanding, and insight into the higher purpose of preserving the lineage. Quantum mechanically, Tamar’s strategy introduces a significant perturbation into the system, radically altering the narrative’s trajectory and ensuring the continuation of Judah’s lineage.
Genesis 38:20-23 – Judah’s Attempt to Pay
Verses 20-23 recount Judah’s failed attempt to pay the “prostitute” and his decision to let her keep the items he left as a guarantee. Kabbalistically, this passage highlights the aspect of Chesed, as Judah’s willingness to fulfill his promise reveals a dimension of integrity and kindness within him. Quantum mechanically, Judah’s actions and his eventual letting go of the guarantee items reflect a transition to a new state of acceptance and moving on from the incident, without realizing its implications.
Genesis 38:24-26 – Tamar’s Vindication
Verses 24-26 depict Judah’s realization of Tamar’s righteousness when she presents his own items as proof of the father of her children. Kabbalistically, this moment is a manifestation of Tiferet, beauty and balance, as justice and truth are restored, and Judah recognizes the righteousness of Tamar’s actions. Quantum mechanically, this realization represents a coherent integration of previously separate narrative elements, collapsing the wave function into a resolution that aligns with divine justice and the moral imperatives of the story.
Genesis 38:27-30 – The Birth of Perez and Zerah
Verses 27-30 detail the birth of Tamar’s twins, Perez and Zerah, with Perez emerging first after Zerah’s hand is withdrawn. Kabbalistically, the birth of the twins and the circumstances around it symbolize the ongoing dynamic between Gevurah and Chesed, with Perez’s emergence signifying a breakthrough (ratzo) in the continuation of the lineage. Quantum mechanically, the birth of the twins and the sequence of events represent the emergence of new possibilities and the establishment of a critical lineage that will lead to King David and ultimately to the Messiah, illustrating the unpredictable yet divinely guided pathways of quantum potentialities in the unfolding of sacred history.
Divine Purpose and Human Agency
Genesis Chapter 38, through the story of Judah and Tamar, explores deep themes of justice, redemption, and the intricate workings of divine purpose through human agency. Through the lenses of Jewish mysticism and quantum mechanics, the narrative invites reflection on the ways in which individuals play pivotal roles in the divine plan, often through unexpected means, and how divine attributes are manifested in the complex web of human relationships and decisions. This chapter challenges us to consider the balance between judgment and mercy, the importance of righteousness and integrity, and the mysterious ways in which the divine narrative advances through our lives and actions.