Knowing The Word in Genesis 38:24-30, The Story Continues

24 About three months later Judah was told, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has been immoral. Moreover, she is pregnant by immorality.” And Judah said, “Bring her out, and let her be burned.” [She was betrothed to Shelah and is guilty of adultery. The hypocrisy of Judah is staggering] 25 As she was being brought out, she sent word to her father-in-law, “By the man to whom these belong, I am pregnant.” And she said, “Please identify whose these are, the signet and the cord and the staff.” 26 Then Judah identified them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” [Judah admits he is the guilty party and not she. He declares her innocence.] And he did not know her again.

27 When the time of her labor came, there were twins in her womb. 28 And when she was in labor, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” 29 But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez [break through]. 30 Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah [shining brightness]. [This account runs parallel with the birth of Jacob and Esau with competing twins with the older having to take second place to the younger. This story also sets up the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. Where Judah is contemptible and gets away with it, Joseph is righteous and has to suffer for it. This is a biblical theme that points to who and what Jesus will be as Messiah.]