This verse (Genesis 38:12) is a simple statement of events, but it sets the stage for the next part of the story involving Judah and Tamar. Let's break it down:
"After many days, Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died." This states that Judah's wife (whose father was named Shua) passed away after an unspecified amount of time. This is a significant event as it frees Judah from his marital obligations.
"Judah was comforted..." This indicates a period of mourning for Judah after the loss of his wife.
"...and went up to his sheep shearers to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah, the Adullamite."
Sheep shearers: Sheep shearing was a significant event as it produced wool. This would have been a celebratory occasion for Judah and his household.
Timnah: This specifies the location of the sheep-shearing event. It was a Canaanite city.
Hirah, the Adullamite: Hirah was Judah's friend from Adullam. His presence suggests that Judah was now ready to socialize and move on with his life.
In essence, this verse is a transition point:
It marks the end of one chapter of Judah's life with the death of his wife.
It shows Judah entering a new phase, ready to move on and possibly remarry.
It sets the scene for Judah's trip to Timnah, where he will encounter his daughter-in-law, Tamar, who is disguised as a prostitute, leading to the controversial events that follow.
The verse is a simple narrative bridge, but it is essential for understanding the subsequent actions and motivations of the characters in the story. It signals a turning point in Judah's life and paves the way for the surprising and important events to come.
This verse (Genesis 38:12) is a simple statement of events, but it sets the stage for the next part of the story involving Judah and Tamar. Let's break it down:
"After many days, Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died." This states that Judah's wife (whose father was named Shua) passed away after an unspecified amount of time. This is a significant event as it frees Judah from his marital obligations.
"Judah was comforted..." This indicates a period of mourning for Judah after the loss of his wife.
"...and went up to his sheep shearers to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah, the Adullamite."
Sheep shearers: Sheep shearing was a significant event as it produced wool. This would have been a celebratory occasion for Judah and his household.
Timnah: This specifies the location of the sheep-shearing event. It was a Canaanite city.
Hirah, the Adullamite: Hirah was Judah's friend from Adullam. His presence suggests that Judah was now ready to socialize and move on with his life.
In essence, this verse is a transition point:
It marks the end of one chapter of Judah's life with the death of his wife.
It shows Judah entering a new phase, ready to move on and possibly remarry.
It sets the scene for Judah's trip to Timnah, where he will encounter his daughter-in-law, Tamar, who is disguised as a prostitute, leading to the controversial events that follow.
The verse is a simple narrative bridge, but it is essential for understanding the subsequent actions and motivations of the characters in the story. It signals a turning point in Judah's life and paves the way for the surprising and important events to come.