1. Judah and Tamar
Joseph Interuptus

2. OBSERVATIONS: * Why does the Joseph story get interrupted?
* Story is under told.
* Judah marries Canaanite
* Wife is not identified by name
* 3 sons
Er- watchful or childless
Onan- vigorous
Shelah- to be at ease

3. Er is first individual God kills
Levirate (Latin for brother in law)- Deut. 25: 5-10
Judah never addresses Tamar by name
Onan is a poser.
Judah fearing the loss of third son and being with out his own heir sends Tamar back to her father with the promise of Shelah when he is old enough to be fertile.
Tamar quietly obeys
Judah’s wife dies, he grieves.

4. Sheep shearers convention, think Kentucky derby
Tamar knows Judah is now a widow, she also knows that Shelah is no longer a youth.
Tamar’s veil
Tamar takes advantage of Judah for a noble purpose
Esther and King Ahasuerus; Naomi and Boaz
Judah seeks to save face
Tamar is pregnant
Judah is indignant- burn her!

5. Judah, I think is trying to protect Shelah
Tamar’s timing is perfect!
Judah owns his sin and vindicates Tamar
Tamar has twins
Zerah- scarlet
Perez- he who pushes thru a wall.

6. Nuggets:
Judah surrenders his symbols of authority to Tamar and a son who would produce Israel’s greatest king and the King of Kings
Tamar’s actions prevent Judah’s shame
Talmud observed Tamar’s actions as redemptive
Women are marginalized in the story by men, but recognized by God.
If the focus of the story is on our actions rather than God’s it’s ugly.
Judah’s ownership is immense. Pivotal spiritual awakening, (Gen. 44)

7. Imitation into humility
This is a grand picture of grace, the unfailing love of God and His merciful heart.