Weekly Torah

To many the main character of this week’s Torah Portion is Jacob’s next to youngest and his favorite son, Joseph. The Genesis passage tells of his dreams, the betrayal of his brothers, his resistance to the advances from Potiphar’s wife, and his interpretation of the dreams of the baker and cupbearer. And while more time will be spent on Joseph in next week’s portion, this week we will examine a little-known, awkwardly uncomfortable, but ultimately, in the Messianic scheme of history, an important encounter between Judah and Tamar – his daughter-in-law.

Judah was the fourth son of Leah and Jacob. Rueben the firstborn had slept with Bilhah. Simeon and Levi had slaughtered Hamor and Shechem. And so, in a very true and real sense, Judah would ultimately take on the mantle of family leadership (Gen. 49:10). Yet at this time in the narrative, Judah was not an angel because while he saved Joseph from death, he was complicit in his being sold to the Midianites. His greatest failing, however, in my opinion, involved his actions toward and reactions to his daughter-in-law Tamar.

Tamar was married to Judah’s son, Er. Er died because of evil actions before he could become a father. Judah then proceeded to send Onan to Tamar in marriage. Onan who, for the sake of being tactful, chose death over providing children for Tamar. Judah was then required to send his son Shelah to be Tamar’s husband but for some reason (and any speculation as to why is mere speculation) that event never occurred. Tamar was a widow twice and was forced to return to her father’s house with no hope, no prospects, and no children.

After an undisclosed period, Tamar discovered Judah was in the village of Timnah and so to have children she was rightfully owed; she disguised herself as a prostitute and had sexual relations with Judah who remained unaware of her identity. Judah committed fornication with who he thought was a prostitute but upon discovering Tamar’s “situation,” became indignant and wanted her to be put to death by fire for her sinful actions. Can one say, hypocritical?

Tamar, however, proved that Judah was the father and that she was simply forcing him to keep his word to provide children through his family. Tamar was saved from death, and subsequently gave birth to twin boys – Perez, who was born breach, and Zerah.

Now this might seem to be an odd passage to place in the middle of the Joseph portion of Genesis. And it would be except for one simple factor – the Messiah would come through the lineage of Judah, her son Perez, and a woman who did indeed prostitute herself to force someone to keep a promise. The lesson, therefore, is to realize that man’s sinful actions will in no way prevent God’s ultimate design from being realized.

Messiah Jesus was born of a miraculous and sinless conception. His ancestors, on the other hand, were another story (think Soap Opera quality) but that is another one of the miracles of this season. God uses sinners to accomplish His plans, including fulfilling the greatest plan of all! Shalom. God bless.