Genesis 38:1-7

1 And it came to pass at that time that Judah went down from his brethren and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.

2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah, and he took her and went in unto her.

3 And she conceived and gave birth to a son, and he called his name Er.

4 And she conceived again and gave birth to a son, and she called his name Onan.

5 And she yet again conceived and gave birth to a son and called his name Shelah. And he was at Chezib, when she gave birth to him.

6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.

7 And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD and the LORD slew him.

Genesis 38:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 38

This chapter is wholly taken up with matters relating to Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, from whom the Jews have their name, and from whom Christ sprung: it treats of his marriage with a Canaanitess, his children by her, their character and end, Ge 38:1-11; of his incest with his daughter-in-law, though unknown by him, Ge 38:12-23; of his resentment against her, when he heard she was with child, and his confusion when he found it was by himself, Ge 38:24-26; and of the birth of twins by her, named Pharez and Zarah, Ge 38:27-30.