Chapter Summary
Chapter 38 of Genesis steps away from the main story of Joseph to focus on his older brother, Judah. It tells the complicated and often scandalous story of Judah's family life. Judah marries a Canaanite woman and has three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Both Er and Onan die because of their wickedness, leaving Er's widow, Tamar, childless. Judah promises Tamar his youngest son, Shelah, but delays keeping his word. Feeling cheated and determined to continue her husband's family line, Tamar devises a plan. She tricks Judah into sleeping with her by disguising herself as a prostitute. When her pregnancy is discovered, Judah initially condemns her to death, but when she reveals the truth about their encounter, he realizes his own fault and acknowledges her righteousness. The chapter concludes with Tamar giving birth to twin sons, Pharez and Zarah, who become important ancestors in Israel's history.