Unexpected: Five Women in the Lineage of JesusSýnishorn

Tamar: Acting Outside the Lines

By Rebecca Rhee

It might seem surprising that Tamar is listed as the first of Jesus’ ancestresses because she definitely acts “outside the lines” of what many think proper. What should we do with her as a lead character in her story? Emulate her? Condemn her? Pass her by in favor of less confusing characters?

While the writer of Genesis could have outrightly declared Tamar’s actions as evil—as he does Er and Onan’s—he does not. And, Judah himself does make a direct statement concerning Tamar, declaring her “more righteous” than himself. His words seem to ring with divine authority, considering the preeminence of his tribe as the origin of the Messiah.

In John 8:1–11, we see how slow Jesus is to condemn even those who seem to deserve it. To the woman caught in adultery (another sexual offense), he merely offers a question: “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” Whereas her accusers would have executed her for her sin, Jesus offers sweet release from it: “Neither do I condemn you; go your way and sin no more.”

In addition, two events in Tamar’s story suggest that God sees and strongly supports her (2 Chronicles 16:9).

First, it only takes one encounter with Judah for Tamar to conceive, which shows that only God has the power over life and death.

Second, Tamar gives birth to not only one child in the line of Abraham but two! The storyteller presents this “double blessing” as a little tale in its own right.

When we read Tamar’s story, perhaps we should slow down and empathize with the afflictions she faces and how few resources she has to face them. We can consider how her gambit as a harlot might be descriptive (painting a picture) rather than prescriptive (recommending a path we should follow). When it comes to Tamar, we should imitate the Lion of Judah—reserving judgment and offering compassion.

Questions:

1. Have you ever felt too broken to be worthy of God’s blessings? Like you always occupy second (or last) place in His plans?
2. How does God’s apparent support of Tamar affect you? Are you surprised? Doubtful? Encouraged?
3. How can we learn to have more mercy on ourselves? Can we ask God what factors may have contributed to us making a wrong turn rather than skipping straight to condemnation?