Genesis 38:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let no one blame Tamar upon hearing this; as previously mentioned, she acted as an instrument of Divine Providence in this matter, and thus she faced no reproach, nor did Judas receive condemnation. As we delve deeper, we come to understand that Jesus Christ traces His lineage to the descendants resulting from this union. Furthermore, the two sons born to Judah gave rise to two nations, symbolizing both Jewish identity and spiritual existence. If we choose not to explore the justifications and divine intentions behind these occurrences, we risk not only blaming Tamar for her act with her father-in-law but also finding fault with Abraham for his willingness to sacrifice his child and with Phinehas for his dual acts of violence.

As Tamar engaged in her prayers, Judas entered and beheld her, bowing to her inappropriately like one would to a prostitute, drawn in by the sincerity of her supplication. However, when he uttered the sign she had requested, she understood that her actions had found favor with God. With newfound confidence, she revealed her countenance, boldly requesting a reward from the owner of the riches.

Who is more virtuous: the woman who awaited the promise for so long or the man who succumbed to the love presented to him? Is it she who remained loyal to her fiancé's lineage, or he who viewed her as immoral? Was it she who rejected those who sought to violate her purity, or he who was initially led by base desires and, through Tamar's virtue, was granted the blessing of descendants? Is it she who remained childless and feared that delaying marriage would jeopardize her chance for motherhood, the one who chose an older partner, or he who was entranced by her youthful beauty? He himself acknowledged: Tamar is more righteous than I, for I have not given her to my son Shelah (Genesis 38:26). She sought to challenge this moral guardian who insisted on her purity.