Genesis 38:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He instructed Abnan, who had taken his brother's wife, to ensure the continuation of his brother's lineage. This aligns with the law, which states that if a man dies without leaving behind offspring, his brother is to marry the widow and preserve his brother's heritage (Deuteronomy 25:5).

Abnan quickly took her as his wife, being the second born both in order and in time. Following him, the next figure, akin to a son of God, offered redemption and led his people ‘out of the house of bondage.’ This refers to those who journeyed after him, crossing the Jordan under Joshua’s guidance, to possess the land of promise.

Bring back descendants to your brother. This practice, whose beginnings are shrouded in history, has been formalized and regulated by the law given through Moses (Deuteronomy 25:5, 10).