Gen 38:12-23 | MHM | STEP | Genesis 38:12-23: Tamar’s Deception and Judah’s Sin This passage tells a troubling story about Judah and Tamar. After Judah’s wife dies, Tamar sees that she has not been given to Shelah as a wife, even though he is now grown. Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute to trick Judah. Judah sins with her, not knowing who she is, and gives her his personal items as a pledge. Later, he tries to send payment but cannot find her. This story shows the dangers of neglecting duties, keeping bad company, and giving in to temptation (Genesis 38:12-23 ). v. 12 : After Judah’s wife dies, he goes with his friend Hirah to Timnath for sheepshearing. This is a time of feasting and can also be a time of temptation.

‏ Genesis 38:12-23

Genesis 38:12-23: Tamar’s Deception and Judah’s Sin

This passage tells a troubling story about Judah and Tamar. After Judah’s wife dies, Tamar sees that she has not been given to Shelah as a wife, even though he is now grown. Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute to trick Judah. Judah sins with her, not knowing who she is, and gives her his personal items as a pledge. Later, he tries to send payment but cannot find her. This story shows the dangers of neglecting duties, keeping bad company, and giving in to temptation (Genesis 38:12-23 ^a).

v. 12: After Judah’s wife dies, he goes with his friend Hirah to Timnath for sheepshearing. This is a time of feasting and can also be a time of temptation.

v. 13-14: Tamar hears that Judah is going to Timnath. She removes her widow’s clothes, covers herself with a veil, and sits by the road. She does this because she sees Shelah is grown, but she has not been given to him as a wife, as Judah promised (Genesis 38:14 ^b).

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v. 15-16: Judah sees Tamar but does not recognize her. He thinks she is a prostitute because her face is covered. He approaches her and asks to be with her, not knowing she is his daughter-in-law (Genesis 38:15 ^c).

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v. 17-18: Tamar asks for a payment. Judah promises to send her a young goat, but she asks for a pledge until he sends it: his signet, bracelets, and staff. Judah gives her these items, and Tamar becomes pregnant by him.

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v. 19: Tamar leaves, removes her veil, and puts on her widow’s clothes again.

v. 20-22: Judah sends the goat by his friend Hirah to get his things back from the woman, but they cannot find her. The people in the area say there has been no prostitute there (Genesis 38:21 ^d).

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v. 23: Judah tells his friend to stop searching and let Tamar keep the items, saying, "Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed." Judah is more worried about being embarrassed than about the sin he has committed .