Genesis 38:13 - Tamar was told, “Behold, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.”
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What does "Genesis 38:13" mean?
This verse from Genesis 38:13 is a pivotal point in the narrative, setting the stage for Tamar's audacious plan. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: Genesis 38 tells the story of Judah, one of Jacob's sons, and his family. His son Er married Tamar, but Er died without giving Tamar any children. According to the custom of levirate marriage, Judah's second son, Onan, was supposed to marry Tamar and provide an heir for Er. Onan refused, leading to his death. Judah then promised Tamar his youngest son, Shelah, but kept putting it off as Shelah grew older.
"Tamar was told...": This means someone brought this piece of information to Tamar's attention. We don't know who specifically told her, but it could have been a servant, a neighbor, or someone from within Judah's household.
"...Behold, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah...": This reveals Judah's planned trip. Timnah was a nearby town. The word "Behold" is used to draw attention to this significant piece of information.
"...to shear his sheep.": This explains the reason for Judah's journey to Timnah. Sheep-shearing was a significant event, a time for celebration and feasting, often including drinking. It was also a time when people were often more relaxed and susceptible to temptation.
Significance:
Opportunity for Tamar: This information is crucial for Tamar. She realizes that Judah will be away from home and likely in a celebratory mood. This gives her the opportunity to act. She understands that Judah is not fulfilling his promise to let Shelah marry her.
Desperation and Determination: Tamar is desperate to secure her future and bear children, especially an heir to her deceased husband, Er. She is determined to take matters into her own hands.
Setting the Stage: This verse sets the stage for Tamar's deceptive plan. She knows that she must act quickly and decisively if she wants to be provided for and continue her lineage. Knowing Judah is going to Timnah is the catalyst for what she does next.
In short, this verse is a key turning point, providing Tamar with the information she needs to formulate a plan to trick Judah and fulfill her desire to have children and continue her husband's lineage. It highlights her resourcefulness, courage (or perhaps desperation), and determination in a patriarchal society that often left women with limited options.
Genesis 38:13 - Tamar was told, “Behold, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.”
What does "Genesis 38:13" mean?
This verse from Genesis 38:13 is a pivotal point in the narrative, setting the stage for Tamar's audacious plan. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: Genesis 38 tells the story of Judah, one of Jacob's sons, and his family. His son Er married Tamar, but Er died without giving Tamar any children. According to the custom of levirate marriage, Judah's second son, Onan, was supposed to marry Tamar and provide an heir for Er. Onan refused, leading to his death. Judah then promised Tamar his youngest son, Shelah, but kept putting it off as Shelah grew older.
"Tamar was told...": This means someone brought this piece of information to Tamar's attention. We don't know who specifically told her, but it could have been a servant, a neighbor, or someone from within Judah's household.
"...Behold, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah...": This reveals Judah's planned trip. Timnah was a nearby town. The word "Behold" is used to draw attention to this significant piece of information.
"...to shear his sheep.": This explains the reason for Judah's journey to Timnah. Sheep-shearing was a significant event, a time for celebration and feasting, often including drinking. It was also a time when people were often more relaxed and susceptible to temptation.
Significance:
Opportunity for Tamar: This information is crucial for Tamar. She realizes that Judah will be away from home and likely in a celebratory mood. This gives her the opportunity to act. She understands that Judah is not fulfilling his promise to let Shelah marry her.
Desperation and Determination: Tamar is desperate to secure her future and bear children, especially an heir to her deceased husband, Er. She is determined to take matters into her own hands.
Setting the Stage: This verse sets the stage for Tamar's deceptive plan. She knows that she must act quickly and decisively if she wants to be provided for and continue her lineage. Knowing Judah is going to Timnah is the catalyst for what she does next.
In short, this verse is a key turning point, providing Tamar with the information she needs to formulate a plan to trick Judah and fulfill her desire to have children and continue her husband's lineage. It highlights her resourcefulness, courage (or perhaps desperation), and determination in a patriarchal society that often left women with limited options.