A parenthesis in the story of Joseph. We read of Judah’s immorality, but another piece in the line that ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus Christ. We see what happens when an individual rejects the ways of the Lord. Sin multiplies, and damages many lives.

v1  Judah leaves his brothers. The lesson is simple; stay with the family of God. Find strength, and avoid temptation. Fellowship is vital for the Christian.

v2  Judah goes further; he marries a Canaanite woman. This was previously forbidden for both Isaac and Jacob (24.3; 28.1). We presume that the events recorded here happened whilst Joseph was in Egypt.

v7-10  Unfortunately, Judah’s offspring were wicked. The Lord seeks godly offspring (Mal 2.15). See also Neh 13.23-24.
We are not told what Er was guilty of, but Onan was slain because he refused to raise up children for his brother. See Mark 12.19.

v13-14  Years later, Tamar, twice-widowed, is left unmarried. Judah failed to arrange that his third son, Shelah marry her.

v15-16  Tamar apparently dresses as a prostitute; Judah fails to recognise her, and, fired by lust, commits adultery, by which she becomes pregnant.

v17-18  The payment to the "prostitute" is Judah’s undoing. His sin is exposed (v25-26).

v26  Judah realises his mistake, too late. There is regret and some repentance, as he did not sleep with Tamar again.

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