Consider the mystery of God’s construction of a family through Judah, as well as through Tamar. It is worth noting that while there are individuals within the sacred texts who exhibit evident glory yet engage in morally questionable actions, we should not allow ourselves to be misled by this apparent harm. We must remain aware of the divine provisions made for our spiritual advantage. For instance, the blessed prophet Hosea chose a wife who was a harlot, and he did not renounce this dishonorable union, even referring to himself as the father of children who bore distressing names: ‘not my people’ (Hosea 1:9) and ‘I will have no more mercy’ (Hosea 1:6). This scenario serves a significant purpose.
Because those who were esteemed among the Israelites resisted the prophetic message, God's actions through the saints have occasionally reflected their situation, allowing them to comprehend, like a message inscribed clearly, what is truly beneficial and worthy of pursuit. As a result, they were shown that if they remained cruel and disobedient, they would find themselves counted among ‘not My people’ and deemed unforgiven. The prophet's relationship with a harlot (Hosea 1:2-3) symbolized God's union with the unfaithful people of Israel, resulting in a harsh birth—much like children born through such an unholy connection. Consequently, as we reflect on the historical context of divine family-building, we can justly absolve both Tamar and Judah from accusations of immorality, regarding their union instead as part of God’s providential plan. Tamar sought a rightful heir in light of her lost husband, and Judah faced no significant blame in seeking companionship after the death of his first wife.
This union and the resulting physical birth can serve as metaphors for spiritual communion and mental rebirth, guiding humanity toward the divine truth. He was indeed captivated by desire for her; when she requested compensation, he promised a goat. Upon her insistence for a pledge, he gave her a staff, a ring, and a necklace—items that symbolize adornment. It is often noted, and rightly so, that Judah, being of Chaldean heritage, would not have neglected personal adornment, as it was customary for the Chaldeans to embellish themselves with gold and create elaborate hairstyles.
As Judah traveled ‘to shear his sheep’ (Genesis 38:13), he encountered Tamar both on his journey and in between encounters, allowing her to possess the staff, ring, and necklace while promising to send her a goat. In a parallel manner, Christ, with His profound concern for receiving the fruits of those who have believed and are sanctified, offers communion, albeit a somewhat superficial connection, with the Jewish synagogue. However, He shall cultivate the wisdom originating from Him and will present Himself to her as an embodiment of power (the staff), as the reflection of the Father (the ring), and as ‘more beautiful than the sons of men’ (Psalms 44:3), as suggested by the necklace. Every element of adornment portrays a manifestation of beauty. Moreover, His sending of the goat signifies the granting of forgiveness, as in accordance with the law, the goat was sacrificed for sin, representing the absolution of transgressions.
THEOSIS