Genesis 38:20 - Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, but he didn’t find her.
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What does "Genesis 38:20" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38. To understand the meaning, here's the context:
Background: Judah's son Er died childless. As custom demanded, Judah instructed his second son, Onan, to impregnate Er's widow, Tamar, to produce an heir for Er. Onan refused, resulting in his death. Judah was hesitant to give his youngest son, Shelah, to Tamar, fearing he would also die. He told Tamar to wait in her father's house until Shelah was old enough, but Judah never intended to give Shelah to her.
Tamar's Plan: Tamar realized Judah was not going to let her marry Shelah. To secure her future and ensure the family line continued, she disguised herself as a prostitute and waited by the road Judah would take.
Judah and Tamar: Judah saw her but didn't recognize her (because of her veil). He wanted to sleep with her, but she demanded a pledge of security until he could pay her. Judah agreed to give her his signet ring, cord, and staff as collateral. After they had relations, she left.
The Verse (Genesis 38:20): This verse describes Judah's attempt to redeem his pledged items (the signet ring, cord, and staff) and pay the prostitute. He sent his friend, who was from Adullam, with a young goat as payment. The purpose was to get the items back and avoid public shame, as he assumed the woman was a common prostitute.
"Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite": Judah is being discreet. He doesn't want to go himself and risk being recognized. He's using his friend as an intermediary.
"to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand": He wants his signet ring, cord, and staff back.
"but he didn’t find her": This is the key detail. His friend couldn't find the prostitute anywhere. This sets up the next part of the story, where Judah tries to find the woman in the town and no one knows her, and will bring up the following events
In essence, the verse highlights:
Judah's attempt to fulfill his debt and retrieve his valuable items discreetly.
The failure of his plan, adding to his potential embarrassment.
It foreshadows the unfolding drama and the reveal of Tamar's identity and her pregnancy.
The verse is a crucial step in the narrative, setting the stage for the confrontation between Judah and Tamar, which will ultimately lead to Judah acknowledging his wrongdoing and Tamar securing her place in the lineage of Jesus.
Genesis 38:20 - Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, but he didn’t find her.
What does "Genesis 38:20" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38. To understand the meaning, here's the context:
Background: Judah's son Er died childless. As custom demanded, Judah instructed his second son, Onan, to impregnate Er's widow, Tamar, to produce an heir for Er. Onan refused, resulting in his death. Judah was hesitant to give his youngest son, Shelah, to Tamar, fearing he would also die. He told Tamar to wait in her father's house until Shelah was old enough, but Judah never intended to give Shelah to her.
Tamar's Plan: Tamar realized Judah was not going to let her marry Shelah. To secure her future and ensure the family line continued, she disguised herself as a prostitute and waited by the road Judah would take.
Judah and Tamar: Judah saw her but didn't recognize her (because of her veil). He wanted to sleep with her, but she demanded a pledge of security until he could pay her. Judah agreed to give her his signet ring, cord, and staff as collateral. After they had relations, she left.
The Verse (Genesis 38:20): This verse describes Judah's attempt to redeem his pledged items (the signet ring, cord, and staff) and pay the prostitute. He sent his friend, who was from Adullam, with a young goat as payment. The purpose was to get the items back and avoid public shame, as he assumed the woman was a common prostitute.
"Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite": Judah is being discreet. He doesn't want to go himself and risk being recognized. He's using his friend as an intermediary.
"to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand": He wants his signet ring, cord, and staff back.
"but he didn’t find her": This is the key detail. His friend couldn't find the prostitute anywhere. This sets up the next part of the story, where Judah tries to find the woman in the town and no one knows her, and will bring up the following events
In essence, the verse highlights:
Judah's attempt to fulfill his debt and retrieve his valuable items discreetly.
The failure of his plan, adding to his potential embarrassment.
It foreshadows the unfolding drama and the reveal of Tamar's identity and her pregnancy.
The verse is a crucial step in the narrative, setting the stage for the confrontation between Judah and Tamar, which will ultimately lead to Judah acknowledging his wrongdoing and Tamar securing her place in the lineage of Jesus.