Biblical Women: Tamar II

In time, Judah has become a widower himself. He mourned the death of his wife, and afterwards, he planned a trip to Timnah to shear his sheep. When Tamar heard of his plans, she disguised herself as a prostitute and quickly went to Enaim, which was along the way to where Judah was traveling. In this article, you will learn how Tamar was able to give birth to children.

When Judah arrived at Enaim, a woman caught his eye. He didn’t know that it was Tamar because she wore a veil over her face. He thought she was a prostitute and requested her services.

It was Tamar’s plan to become pregnant and give birth to a child to continue Judah’s line. Playing the role of a prostitute, Tamar strikes a deal with Judah for a goat. He arranges to leave a security deposit with his staff, seal, and cord. When Judah was ready to send a goat to Enaim to collect his staff and seal from the prostitute, she had disappeared. To make matters worse, no one knows of any prostitute in Enaim.

Three months had passed and Tamar was accused of prostitution because she was now suddenly pregnant. When Judah heard of her condition, he put in the order to have her burned to death. Tamar sent the staff, seal, and cord to Judah. A message accompanying the items said that it was the man who owned the items was the one responsible for making her pregnant. When Judah recognized his security deposit, he set Tamar free and revoked her sentence. The Book of Genesis (38:24-30) goes on to state that Judah did not have further sexual relations with Tamar.

Tamar then gave birth to twins , Perez and Zerah. Perez became the ancestor of King David, who is portrayed as a righteous king who had some faults of his own. In addition for receiving credit for composing many of the psalms found in the Book of Psalms, King David is also described as an accomplished warrior, poet and musician. Perez is known as becoming the king of Persia.

Facts Concerning Tamar’s Family Tree

1. According to the Book of Genesis, Judah is the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. He is the founder of the Israelite Tribe of Judah.

2. Biblical references of Perez are mentioned in the Book of Ruth, which lists him as being a part of the ancestral genealogy of King David, as well as in the Book of Matthew, which makes mention of Perez when referencing the genealogy of Jesus.

3. Biblical references for Zerah state that when he stuck his hand out before being born, the midwife tied a bright scarlet threat around his wrist. His name is meant to reference the color of the thread. He is also mentioned in the Bible as the founder of one of the Simeonite clans.

4. Tamar’s name means ‘date palm,’ which suggests that she is strong, provides food, shade and life.

5. Perez’s name means ‘he who pushes through,’ since he is the first out of the twins to break through the womb.