Genesis 38:20
Now when Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with the young goat to collect the items he had left with the woman, he could not find her.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 38:20?

2. How does Genesis 38:20 illustrate the importance of keeping one's promises?

3. What can we learn about integrity from Judah's actions in Genesis 38:20?

4. How does Genesis 38:20 connect to the theme of accountability in Scripture?

5. How can we apply the lesson of responsibility from Genesis 38:20 today?

6. What does Genesis 38:20 teach about the consequences of neglecting one's word?

7. Why did Judah send his friend to retrieve the pledge from the woman in Genesis 38:20?

8. What does Genesis 38:20 reveal about the cultural practices of ancient Israel?

9. How does Genesis 38:20 fit into the broader narrative of Judah and Tamar?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 38?

11. In Genesis 38 overall, how does this morally complex story align with the broader biblical narrative on sexual ethics and lineage preservation?

12. How does 1 Chronicles 2:3-4 align with Genesis 38 regarding Judah and Tamar's lineage, and does it create inconsistencies?

13. In Genesis 38:14-18, how credible is it historically that Judah would fail to recognize his own daughter-in-law simply because she covered her face?

14. In Genesis 38:1-11, why would God punish Onan's refusal to father children for Tamar so severely, yet no comparable punishment is shown for Judah's neglect of her?
Discussion Questions
1. How does Judah's interaction with Tamar challenge our understanding of integrity and accountability in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the account of Judah and Tamar demonstrate God's ability to work through imperfect situations to fulfill His purposes?

3. How can understanding the cultural context of Genesis 38 enhance our interpretation of the events and their significance?

4. What parallels can we draw between the account of Tamar and other biblical accounts of redemption, such as Ruth and Boaz?

5. How does the inclusion of Tamar in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1) impact our view of God's grace and the inclusivity of His plan?1. Why did Onan refuse to fulfill his responsibility towards Tamar? How does this reflect on the concept of familial obligations?

2. What social norms and practices does this chapter highlight about the time period it was written in?

3. How does Tamar's deceptive plan reflect on the societal roles and expectations of women during that time?

4. How does Judah's reaction to Tamar's pregnancy reveal about his character and leadership?

5. How did Judah's recognition of his personal items transform the storyline? What does this say about the power of truth?

6. Discuss the birth of Perez and Zerah. What is its significance in the larger biblical narrative?

7. Compare Tamar's strength and resilience to that of women in your life. How would you handle such adversity?

8. What are the modern-day applications of the concept of levirate marriage?

9. How can we apply the lesson of accountability as seen in Judah's confession in our lives?

10. How does this chapter address societal biases and prejudices?

11. Can Tamar's actions be justified given the circumstances?

12. How does this chapter make you rethink moral dilemmas and the concept of right and wrong?

13. How does the relationship between Judah and Tamar evolve over the course of this chapter?

14. How does this chapter challenge our understanding of family dynamics and relationships?

15. What aspects of personal identity are portrayed through Judah's seal, cord, and staff?

16. How does the notion of justice play out in this chapter?

17. How can we understand God's role in the events of this chapter?

18. How can we use Judah and Tamar's story to navigate difficult decisions in our lives?

19. How does the story of Tamar inspire you in times of adversity?

20. What lessons about personal and social responsibility can we learn from this chapter and how can they be applied in contemporary society?

Links
Genesis 38:20 NIV
Genesis 38:20 NLT
Genesis 38:20 ESV
Genesis 38:20 NASB
Genesis 38:20 KJV

Genesis 38:20 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Genesis 38:19
Top of Page
Top of Page