Genesis 38
Pastor Mark Hudson
One of the initial observations most readers have of this chapter is, “Why is this placed here? It seems so out of place.” If you read from the end of 37 to 39:1, it flows seamlessly. Joseph is in Egypt and now we return to Canaan to focus on Judah. This ‘intrusion’ builds suspense on the readers part. While it may seem out of place, upon closer inspection, maybe not. We might conclude that Joseph is in Egypt for a while. At least enough time for Judah to marry a Canaanite and have three sons.
Instead of telling the story, let’s instead focus on the themes we find here that makes sense for the placement after chapter 37. First, if you study the Old Testament academically, you will quickly realize that scholars are trying to understand the various authors that wrote Genesis. That should sound strange to you. You know Moses wrote it but these scholars see competing communities, interests, and authors all merged into the books Gen – Deut. These various authors are represented by the letters J, E, D, or P. So when we look at this chapter, we assume there is one author and seek to see why this chapter fits. Most modern scholars assume the different strands compete and do not present a unified story. They are looking for what J (Y(J)ahweh) might contribute or what E (Elohists), or D (Deuteronomist) or P (Priestly) authors have contributed. So, we are bringing the opposite assumption to the table. We look for coherence and when we don’t see it, we dig deeper because we know that one Author has inspired Moses to tell the story.
So we see Judah who is sexually unfaithful who contrasts with Joseph who runs from sexual sin. Jacob fools his father with clothing and a kid. Jacob’s father-in-law deceives him with clothing (veil) and now Judah is deceived by clothing but is trying to pay with a kid. Jacob will be deceived by his children with clothing dipped in the blood of a kid.
Judah separates from his brothers on his own and marries a Canaanite which puts the promised seed in jeopardy. Joseph is in among pagans and yet shines like a light in Egypt. Joseph barely does anything wrong while Judah barely does anything right. This contrast makes us wonder why God would choose Judah over Joseph, the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob’s first (and only?) love. The choice of Judah confirms that it is God’s choice that stands not social convention or the preference of a parent. We see this theme over and over. God favors the unloved, does not choose the firstborn and He seems to love to accomplish His will in unconventional ways.
One of the themes we will read about is ‘to recognize’ in Genesis. The phrase please recognize (haker na) or variants of this phrase will be found throughout the book. In verse 25, “Please identify whose these belong to” Tamar says, exposing Judah. In 37:32, “please identify (haker na) whether it is your son’s robe or not. And he (Jacob) identified it. Isaac did not recognize his son in 27:23. Joseph recognized his brothers (42:7) but they did not recognize him (42:8). Contrast that with the God who sees all and even in darkness (Ps. 139:11, 12, 16).
This story has fascinated generations of believers for thousands of years. Of course, this is not the way believers should act. But in v. 9, Onan will not perform his duty as a brother-in-law. He was supposed to marry his deceased brother’s wife and raise up children (a son especially to carry on the family name) for his brother’s sake. This is called Levirate marriage from the Latin Levir for ‘husband’s brother.’ Since Er and Onan died, Judah was not about to give his youngest son to Tamar. Tamar realizes this and springs into action. In v. 14, looking like Rebekah in action, she changes her clothes and manages to gets in bed with Judah. Judah looks like a creep, frankly. He is crude and business-like and while telling Tamar to wait for Shelah, he can’t wait to get married to have sexual relations.
The one shining moment is Judah in v. 26, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah. And he did not know her again.” Judah in 37:26ff looks heartless. He looks heartless in 38:24. But in 44:18-34, Judah give the most tender, selfless speech to Joseph that makes Joseph break down in tears (as well as some readers!). Something happened to Judah. He repented, admitted his fault, confessed what he did was wrong, and praised Tamar (although he actions are complicated as well).
We all sin. When we sin we try to cover it up, minimize it, claim we can manage it, and become less gracious. But just by admitting that God sees everything and realizing hat most people can see our behavior and listen to our words, this opens the door to genuine repentance and faith. How freeing to admit your sin rather than defend your sin. Why is it so hard for us to admit when we sin? Why couldn’t Adam have not blamed his wife and just owned up to his sin? Next time someone calls you out on some sin, admit it. See what happens. The world will not stop turning. In fact, the person who is calling you ought will appreciate it and move on.
As you read these stories, watch the characters to see how they change, harden, soften, grow in holiness, or continue in their hardness. It is a lot like people all around us. Some change for the better the older they get. Some move farther away from God. Some of us struggle to be humble; most of us are proud. But as you look around you, look inside you. What are you doing to get closer to Christ? Are you making any effort to read, pray, and grow spiritually?
Dear heavenly Father, You continue to show us that You choose who You will. You use sinful people because they are the only people you have. Your eternal plan cannot be thwarted. Your will is done in spite of what Your people do or refuse to do. Lord, help us to have discerning minds as we read these stories. With the help of Your Spirit, keep us searching to plume the depths of Your Word even though we admit we will never fully grasp the grace of God in the Scriptures. But most of all, help us to keep repenting and believing in the gospel. We adore Your beauty and majesty. In Christ’s name. Amen.