Genesis 38:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let no one judge Tamar upon hearing this; she served as an instrument of Divine Providence in this situation. Therefore, she was neither reproached, nor was Judas found guilty. Moving forward, it will become clear that Jesus Christ is a descendant of those born to her. In addition, the two sons of Judas brought forth two nations, symbolizing both Jewish and spiritual existence. Should we neglect to consider the intentions and implications of each event mentioned here, we risk condemning her for her relations with her father-in-law, just as we might unjustly reproach Abraham for his willingness to sacrifice his son and Phinehas for his dual act of violence.

Who exhibits greater purity: the woman who patiently awaited the promised blessing, or the man who succumbed to the allure of love? Is it she who remained faithful to her fiancé's kin, or he who viewed her as unworthy? Was it her choice to resist the advances of those who sought to touch her, or he whose initial actions were driven by lust, only later to find favor in the grace granted through Tamar’s virtue, resulting in the blessing of offspring? Consider whether it was she, childless and anxious that the postponement of marriage would hinder her chance for motherhood, who opted for an elder partner or he who was entranced by her youth. He himself confessed: "Tamar is more righteous than I, because I did not give her to my son Shelah” (Genesis 38:26).