RPG Adults
TAMAR PLAYED THE HARLOT
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Genesis 38:12-30
Psalm 22:11-20
The marvellous grace of God is
greater than our sin.
TAMAR PLAYED THE HARLOT
Judah’s wife had died earlier. It was told Tamar that her father-in-law had gone sheep-shearing, usually a time of mirth and merry-making, a time when men were easily tempted. Tamar took the opportunity to play on Judah’s carnality by disguising herself as a prostitute and waited by the wayside. Her bait was swallowed readily by Judah who came along, taking her for a common prostitute. In return for her favour, she demanded and received Judah’s bracelet, signet and staff, a very wise move on her part. Had Judah recognised her, he could have caused her to be burnt, that being the punishment for harlotry. When he later sent her the full payment of a kid, she was nowhere to be found. Tamar’s plot had worked according to plan. Judah was left in a fix.
Carnality and immorality were fast becoming a way of life for Judah. His adultery with Tamar was deserving of death, according to the prevailing custom. But he was trapped by his lust. Tamar had secured from him vital tokens as a pledge. Having gotten these, she withdrew to the shelter of her father’s house. The demand for a pledge was a measure of wisdom on her part, in case she was found out, eg. if she became pregnant, which she did. In the process of time, her pregnancy was evident, and a hue and cry was raised. Judah, her legal custodian, was informed. What should we do with her? Without hesitation, Judah pronounced judgment: Let her be burnt!
At the trial, Tamar calmly produced the three exhibits: Judah’s signet, bracelet and staff. If there was a case against her, the man responsible for her condition must share the punishment. The evidence was irrefutable. At this point, Judah confessed his guilt in not letting Shelah marry Tamar, which was the cause of her immoral act. It is interesting to note that from Tamar came two sons, Pharez and Zarah. From Pharez came King David and our Lord Jesus Christ! We see how despite Judah’s foul sin, God did not cast him off but still used him to carry the most important Messianic line in fulfilment of God’s great plan of redemption. It is all of mercy and grace. God did what He pleased. Men can claim no merit.
THOUGHT: Your sin will find you out.
PRAYER: (Confession of sins in my life.)