Genesis 38:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let us refrain from judging Tamar when we hear this; as previously mentioned, she was a vessel of Divine Providence in this scenario, which meant she faced no reproach, nor did Judah suffer condemnation. Moving forward, it becomes evident that Jesus Christ is a descendant of the offspring she bore. The two sons of Judah not only fathered two nations but also served as symbols of Jewish and spiritual existence. If we shy away from exploring the intentions and significance behind each event recounted here, we risk not only casting aspersions on her (Tamar) for her illicit relations with her father-in-law but also faulting Abraham for his willingness to sacrifice his son, as well as Phinehas for taking two lives in one act.

Who demonstrates greater purity: the one who patiently awaited the promised blessing, or the one who succumbed to the allure of love? Is it she who remained faithful to her betrothed’s family, or he who viewed her as unchaste? Was it she who resisted those seeking to violate her sanctity, or he who was initially led by sinful lust only to be granted the blessing of offspring through the virtue of Tamar? Was it she who faced childlessness and worried that postponing marriage would jeopardize the chance for conception, choosing an elder partner, or he who was enchanted by her youth? He acknowledged this: Tamar is more righteous than I, since I failed to give her to my son Shelah (Genesis 38:26). She sought to challenge this moral guardian who demanded her purity.