CHARACTER STUDY ~ TAMAR I

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Tamar is a Hebrew origin name meaning "date palm tree." There are three Tamar's mentioned in the Bible. First, the daughter-in-law of Judah and the second the daughter of David and sister of Absalom, and Absalom also named his only daughter Tamar. In our discussion today, we will learn about the first and do the second next week God willing. Not much has been given about the daughter of Absalom apart from her being mentioned among the children of Absalom so we will not delve into her. 


Some Characteristics of Tamar (The Daughter-in-law of Judah):

√ She was first married to Er the firstborn of Judah. He is said to be very wicked in the sight of God so the Lord slew him making Tamar a widow.

√ She was given to Onan the second son of Judah so he could have children with her for his brother Er but he was unfaithful in that regard. The Lord slew him because he spilled his semen on the ground whenever he lay with Tamar. 

√ She was unfortunate with her marital life as the Lord killed her husband and his brother. Her father-in-law sent her back to her father's home with the fear of Shelah dying too. From her story, we have learned the challenges widows faced in the past.  

√ Despite her challenge, she was determined not to give up on making a home. She saw that Shelah was of age yet Judah was not ready to risk losing him looking at the circumstances of his two sons' deaths. 

√ She lay with Judah in disguise in order to conceive. She was wise in how she went about it. She took off the widowhood cloth that kept her bound and dressed like any other maiden. Unfortunately, Judah took her for a harlot. 

√ During the bargain, she requested Judah's signet, cord, and staff to keep until he brought the young goat of his flock. She later used these items of pledge to redeem her shame when she was found pregnant.

√ She gave birth to Perez and Zerah. She is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as a grandparent.  

√ She demonstrated that her situation is never hopeless and proved that indeed she was the date palm tree which symbolizes victory, triumph, peace, and eternal life. 

 

Supporting Scripture: Genesis 38 

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