The Women of the Bible Speak: Tamar |
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Tamar is an outsider, not part of the family made up of Abraham’s descendants who will become the nation of Israel. Nevertheless, she is part of both David and Jesus’ family tree. She’s also an example of bold choices and of God’s redemptive power in the midst of our messy lives. — From The Women of the Bible Speak, page 53
Some stories in the Bible, like Tamar’s, are a little tricky to teach in kids’ Sunday school. With a checkered past and some strange, uncomfortable decisions and details, Tamar’s story can seem easier to skip over. She’s an outsider without any power or protector. She’s forced to rely on ill-advised tactics to survive. Yet her story reveals that God specializes in making outsiders into insiders and redeeming our messes. |
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The story of Tamar appears as a kind of interlude in Genesis 38. The previous chapter introduces the story of Joseph where he’s betrayed by his brothers and sold to Potiphar. Immediately following Tamar’s story, Genesis continues the story of Joseph, where he’s betrayed by Potiphar’s wife.
The Bible tells us the selling of Joseph was Judah’s idea. Soon after, Judah leaves his brothers and settles among the Canaanites where he married Shua, and they have three sons. Read Genesis 38:1–7. What does this passage reveal about Tamar’s first husband, Er? Though the Scripture does not specify, how do you think Er treated Tamar?
After Er’s death, custom dictated that his wife marry his brother. This is known as a “leviratic” marriage — levir is Latin for “husband’s brother” — and it was the custom among many Semitic peoples of the ancient Near East. Onan goes forward with the marriage, but he refuses to give Tamar a child. This may be because if Onan produces an heir for Er, it will decrease his inheritance.
Read Genesis 38:8–10. How does Onan treat Tamar? What is God’s response?
What does God’s response reveal about how God sees and cares for Tamar? Read Genesis 38:11. How does Judah see and respond to Tamar?
What do you think people whispered about Tamar after losing two husbands?
Tamar has no marriage, no future, no prospects of any kind of normal life. She’s sent away as a dependent in her father’s house until the day she dies. But she refuses to wallow in self-pity. Judah has done the wrong, and Tamar formulates a plan. |
Read Genesis 38:12–23. How does Tamar trick Judah?
What does Tamar demand of Judah? What is Judah most concerned with after the encounter? (Hint: v. 23)
Read Genesis 28:24–26. How does Judah respond to Tamar’s pregnancy? How does Judah change his response?
What does it suggest about Tamar’s character that she chooses to send a message in private rather than publicly humiliate Judah? Do you think you could have practiced such self-control? Why or why not? Have you ever humiliated someone else in the process of pursuing justice? If so describe. What was the result?
Have you ever advocated for justice while avoiding a public humiliation of the offender? If so, describe. What was the result?
Read Genesis 38:27–30 and Matthew 1:2–3. What does it reveal about God that Tamar’s little boy — son of an outsider, son of a Canaanite woman — becomes part of the royal line of the kingdom of Israel and Christ?
Remember: Tamar’s story happens as an interlude in the middle of Joseph’s story. Joseph is thrown into prison before rising to second-in-command of Egypt under Pharoah. When Jacob faces the possibility of sending his son, Benjamin, away, Judah steps forward and eventually offers his life to save his younger brother.
Read Genesis 43:8–9 and 44:33. How has Judah changed from the man who first suggested selling Joseph into slavery? How do Tamar’s actions force Judah to confront his own wrongdoing and show him how to be a person who stands for right when no one else has the courage? What role does Tamar play in changing the angry, vengeful young man at the beginning of the story to the mature, compassionate man at the end? |
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Now that you’ve read and reflected on Tamar’s story, it’s time to connect this woman of the Bible with your life. Fill out the chart below. |
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Now that you’ve connected with this woman of the Bible, it’s time to look at how God reveals His presence to Tamar and how God is doing the same for you. |
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Take a few minutes to ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you respond to the following prayer prompts. Lord, like Tamar, help me... Lord, whom am I tempted to publicly shame for their wrongdoing? How can I pursue justice without public humiliation? Lord, what’s the injustice in which I most need Your wisdom in how to respond? How do You want me to respond?
Lord, how can I be as wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove (Matthew 10:16)? Lord, considering Tamar’s story, how are You calling me to live and respond to others differently? * |
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What do you think of Tamar’s story, her character, choices, and how God worked in her life?
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“Whether you are currently on a sunny mountaintop or trudging through a harrowing valley, God is weaving your story into His greater plan." - Shannon Bream
Friends, the same God who worked mightily in the lives of the women of the Bible is at work in yours, too! Sign up now and join us for our Advent Online Bible Study - The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. |
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Loved this lesson? Check out the workbook, which includes 16 different character studies!
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Loved this lesson? Check out the workbook, which includes 16 different character studies!
- Just $12.99! - |
The Women of the Bible Speak Workbook: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today |
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Women are central to some of the most critical events, powerful encounters, and transformative moments in the Bible. They change the course of history. These extraordinary women rose above because God was their refuge, and now you can join them.
This unique workbook layout features 16 lessons (we'll be covering 4 inThe Women of the Bible Speak Online Bible Study) and includes thoughtful study and reflective questions for each woman in the study. In each lesson, you’ll be challenged to consider the parallels between each woman’s story and your own.
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Includes the study guide & workbook |
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