Genesis 38:15 - When Judah saw her, he thought that she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face.
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What does "Genesis 38:15" mean?
This verse from Genesis 38:15 is part of the story of Tamar, Judah (one of Jacob's sons), and their complicated family drama. To understand it, we need the context:
Tamar's Situation: Tamar was married to Judah's eldest son, Er. Er was wicked, so God killed him. According to the levirate marriage custom of the time, Judah's second son, Onan, was obligated to marry Tamar and provide her with an heir to continue Er's line. Onan didn't want to provide an heir for his brother, so he practiced coitus interruptus (spilled his seed on the ground). God was displeased with Onan and killed him too.
Judah's Deception: Judah then told Tamar to wait until his youngest son, Shelah, was old enough to marry her. However, Judah delayed fulfilling this promise, fearing he'd also lose Shelah.
Tamar's Plan: Tamar realized Judah was never going to give her Shelah. Desperate for a place in society and to fulfill her obligation to continue Er's line, she devised a plan. She heard Judah was going to Timnah to shear his sheep. She removed her widow's garments, covered her face with a veil, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, a place Judah would likely pass.
Meaning of Genesis 38:15:
Judah's Mistake: When Judah saw Tamar at the entrance to Enaim, he didn't recognize her because she was veiled. Customarily, prostitutes in that time and place would cover their faces. Widows, on the other hand, would wear mourning clothes.
Implied Deception: Because Tamar was veiled, Judah assumed she was a prostitute. This was precisely her intention. By disguising herself, she was able to attract Judah's attention without him knowing her true identity.
Irony: The verse is laden with irony. Judah, who was supposed to be providing for Tamar, is instead deceived into thinking she is a common prostitute. This sets the stage for the rest of the story, where Tamar cleverly manipulates him and secures her rightful place in the family.
In summary, Genesis 38:15 describes Judah's misidentification of Tamar as a prostitute due to her veiled face. This misunderstanding is crucial to the plot, as it allows Tamar to trick Judah and ultimately fulfill her desire for an heir.
Genesis 38:15 - When Judah saw her, he thought that she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face.
What does "Genesis 38:15" mean?
This verse from Genesis 38:15 is part of the story of Tamar, Judah (one of Jacob's sons), and their complicated family drama. To understand it, we need the context:
Tamar's Situation: Tamar was married to Judah's eldest son, Er. Er was wicked, so God killed him. According to the levirate marriage custom of the time, Judah's second son, Onan, was obligated to marry Tamar and provide her with an heir to continue Er's line. Onan didn't want to provide an heir for his brother, so he practiced coitus interruptus (spilled his seed on the ground). God was displeased with Onan and killed him too.
Judah's Deception: Judah then told Tamar to wait until his youngest son, Shelah, was old enough to marry her. However, Judah delayed fulfilling this promise, fearing he'd also lose Shelah.
Tamar's Plan: Tamar realized Judah was never going to give her Shelah. Desperate for a place in society and to fulfill her obligation to continue Er's line, she devised a plan. She heard Judah was going to Timnah to shear his sheep. She removed her widow's garments, covered her face with a veil, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, a place Judah would likely pass.
Meaning of Genesis 38:15:
Judah's Mistake: When Judah saw Tamar at the entrance to Enaim, he didn't recognize her because she was veiled. Customarily, prostitutes in that time and place would cover their faces. Widows, on the other hand, would wear mourning clothes.
Implied Deception: Because Tamar was veiled, Judah assumed she was a prostitute. This was precisely her intention. By disguising herself, she was able to attract Judah's attention without him knowing her true identity.
Irony: The verse is laden with irony. Judah, who was supposed to be providing for Tamar, is instead deceived into thinking she is a common prostitute. This sets the stage for the rest of the story, where Tamar cleverly manipulates him and secures her rightful place in the family.
In summary, Genesis 38:15 describes Judah's misidentification of Tamar as a prostitute due to her veiled face. This misunderstanding is crucial to the plot, as it allows Tamar to trick Judah and ultimately fulfill her desire for an heir.