Genesis 38:8

Then Judah said to Onan, "Sleep with your brother's wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother."

Study Bible

Then Judah said to Onan
This phrase introduces us to the patriarch Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and his son Onan. Judah's role as a father and leader is significant in the narrative of Genesis. Historically, Judah is a central figure in the lineage of the Israelites, and his actions often reflect the customs and laws of the time. The mention of Onan sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the family lineage, highlighting the importance of family duty and legacy in ancient Israelite culture.

Sleep with your brother’s wife
The directive given by Judah to Onan is rooted in the ancient practice of levirate marriage, a custom where a man is obligated to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring in his brother's name. This practice is later codified in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. The Hebrew term for this practice is "yibbum," emphasizing the importance of preserving the family line and inheritance. This phrase underscores the cultural and familial responsibilities that were paramount in ancient societies, where lineage and inheritance were crucial for survival and identity.

and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law
The concept of duty here is deeply embedded in the social and religious fabric of the time. The Hebrew word "yabam" refers to the act of performing the duty of a brother-in-law. This duty was not merely a personal obligation but a communal expectation to ensure the continuation of the family name and property. It reflects the collective responsibility within the family unit, where individual actions had broader implications for the community and future generations.

to raise up offspring for your brother
The ultimate goal of the levirate marriage was to "raise up offspring" for the deceased brother, ensuring that his name and legacy would not be forgotten. In the Hebrew context, the word "zera" (offspring) carries the connotation of seed, symbolizing both physical descendants and the continuation of the family line. This phrase highlights the theological and cultural significance of progeny in the biblical narrative, where children are seen as a blessing and a means of fulfilling God's promises to His people. The emphasis on raising offspring for the brother underscores the selfless nature of the duty, prioritizing the deceased brother's legacy over personal gain.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Judah
The fourth son of Jacob and Leah, Judah is a central figure in this account. He is the one who instructs Onan to fulfill his duty.

2. Onan
The second son of Judah, Onan is commanded by his father to perform the duty of a brother-in-law to Tamar, his deceased brother's wife.

3. Tamar
The widow of Er, Judah's firstborn. She is central to the account as the one who is to be provided offspring through the levirate marriage custom.

4. Levirate Marriage
This ancient custom, later codified in the Mosaic Law, required a man to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring in the brother's name.

5. Canaan
The region where these events take place, significant as the land promised to Abraham's descendants.

Teaching Points

Understanding Levirate Marriage
The practice was designed to preserve family lineage and provide for widows. It reflects the importance of family and community responsibility in ancient Israel.

Obedience to Family Duty
Onan's reluctance to fulfill his duty highlights the tension between personal desires and familial obligations. This calls us to consider our responsibilities to family and community.

God's Sovereignty in Lineage
Despite human failings, God's purposes prevail. Tamar's inclusion in the lineage of Christ shows God's redemptive plan through imperfect people.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Onan's account serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and self-interest, reminding us of the importance of aligning our actions with God's commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of levirate marriage in Genesis 38:8 reflect the cultural and familial values of ancient Israel, and what can we learn from it today about our responsibilities to family?

2. In what ways does Onan's response to Judah's command reveal his character, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives when faced with difficult family obligations?

3. How does the account of Tamar and Onan connect to the broader account of God's redemptive plan, particularly in the genealogy of Jesus?

4. What are the implications of Onan's actions for understanding the importance of obedience to God's commands, and how can this be applied in our daily walk with God?

5. How can we see God's sovereignty and grace at work in the account of Judah, Onan, and Tamar, and how does this encourage us in our own faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
This passage outlines the law of levirate marriage, providing a legal framework for the practice seen in Genesis 38:8.

Ruth 4:5-10
The account of Boaz and Ruth illustrates the practice of levirate marriage and the redemption of family lineage, similar to the situation with Tamar.

Matthew 1:3
This genealogy of Jesus includes Tamar, highlighting the significance of her account in the lineage of Christ.