WHOSE SIN WAS IT?

As Joseph was finding himself living as a slave in Egypt, his brother, Judah,  was having his own culture shock.  Judah had left his brothers going to stay with a man named Hirah.  Over the years, Judah married outside of his own race to a Canaanite woman who bore several sons.  The wife of Judah's eldest son, Er, was named Tamar; but that son was a wicked man, so the Lord put him to death.  The second son, Onan, was then in the position to marry Tamar, as it was his duty to impregnate his brother's wife with offspring.  But Onan knew any child he fashioned would not belong to him, but would belong to his dead brother, so as he lay with Tamar, he spilled his semen on the ground.  The Lord saw his wickedness and put him to death, also.


Next, Tamar was kept as a widow in her father's house.  Tamar was told somewhat later that her father-in-law (the father of her dead husband, who was the only man left who could give her children in the name of her late husband)would be going  to Timnah to shear his sheep.  So, Tamar took off her widow's clothes, disguised herself and sat down at the city's entrance.


When Judah saw her with a covered face, he thought she was a prostitute,, and propositioned her.  "And what will you give me to sleep with you?" she asked, adding,"I want some kind of pledge."
"What should I pledge?" he asked.  Her answer? "Your seal and its cord, and the staff in your hand."  He agreed, and he slept with her.


About three months later, Judah was told, "Your daughter-in-law is guilty of prostitution!  And as a result is now pregnant!"  Judah said, "Bring her out and have her burned to death!"


As she was being brought out, Tamar sent a note to her father-in-law saying, "I am pregnant by the man who owns these.  Do you recognize the seal and staff?"


Judah recognized them and said, "She is more righteous than I."  And he did not sleep with her again.


P.S.  Tamar had twin boys!


Often sins we cover up are the ones that anger us most when we see them in others.  If one becomes indignant to the sins of others, one may have a similar tendency to sin the same way.  I am very familiar with this situation.  And with God's help, will do better next time.


We must admit our sins to God, and ask God to forgive us.  Forgiving others then becomes easier..


Tomorrow, back to Joseph--in jail!


Much love,


Jo  INMN