Genesis 38:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He, unwilling to provide offspring for his brother, fell under the influence of the judges and subsequently faced the wrath of the Most High. Indeed, he was Abnan, meaning ‘afflicted in spirit,’ as he tragically turned to idol worship, abandoning the one true God. Consequently, he met his demise and became enslaved to foreign powers. This is the lesson imparted in the book of Judges. Likewise, this individual also experienced childlessness, akin to Ir, scattering his seed in vain, merely upon the ground. Therefore, it is evident that he bore no fruit and could not restore lineage to his brother.

Abnan, the sibling of Iroes, cherished Tamar and married her. However, due to his animosity toward his brother, he was unwilling to father children with her.