Genesis 38

1 at that time, i.e., during this period, though before the later events of the previous chapter. This narrative is necessary to complete the genealogy of our Lord. It contrasts the purity of Joseph with the licentiousness of Judah; illustrates the Oriental institution of marriage with a brother’s widow; and, in the pollution originated by Judah’s marriage and friendship with heathens, shows how the neglect of religious privileges and the violation of religious restrictions may lead to the grossest crimes.—down. To the lowlands in the southwest. Adullam was a royal city of the Canaanites. Near it was David’s retreat, 1 Sam. xxii. 1.

5. Cherib. Otherwise called Achzib; part of the possession of the tribe of Judah, Josh. xv. 44; Micah i. 14.

8 marry her. The firstborn of such a marriage being reckoned the child of the deceased brother. This custom was restricted by the law of Moses (Deut. xxv. 5-10).

11 grown. This was probably only a pretext. Judah may have thought that Tamar had caused the death of his two sons by magical practices.

13 sheep. Sheep-shearing was an occasion of festivity.

14 in an open place. Rather, “at the gate of Enaim” (R.V.), a little village on the way to Timnath; called Enam in Josh. xv. 34 (so ver. 21).

15 harlot. Or, “a dedicated woman,” i.e., devoted to the licentious worship of Astoreth, to whom “a kid of goats” was the appropriate offering.—covered. Or, “muffled”; so that he did not recognise her.

18 signet. A seal-ring, worn on the right hand, or suspended from the neck.—bracelets. Or, “cord” (R.V.), or “chain,” by which the seal-ring was suspended. (So ver. 25.)

23 to her. That is, “Let her keep my pledges herself; I have fulfilled my part of the agreement in sending the kid, and have nothing more to do with the matter.”

24 burnt. Judah, as head of the family, pronounces sentence; and treats Tamar rigorously as an adulteress, as she was legally Shelah’s wife. Later, under the Mosaic law, this was the punishment of unchastity in a priest’s daughter (Lev. xxi. 9).

29. How hast thou, etc. Rather, “Wherefore hast thou made a breach for thyself?” (R.V.).