Genesis 38:27

When the time came for Tamar to give birth, there were twins in her womb.

Study Bible

When the time came
This phrase indicates a divinely appointed moment, emphasizing God's sovereignty over human events. In Hebrew, the word for "time" (עֵת, 'et) often signifies an appointed or set time, suggesting that the events unfolding are part of God's divine plan. This reflects the biblical theme that God orchestrates the timing of significant events in the lives of His people, as seen throughout Scripture.

for her to give birth
The act of giving birth is a powerful symbol of new beginnings and the continuation of God's covenant promises. In the Hebrew context, childbirth is often associated with God's blessing and the fulfillment of His promises to multiply His people. This phrase reminds us of the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Abrahamic covenant.

there were twins
The mention of twins is significant in biblical narratives, often indicating a struggle or a significant future for the individuals involved. The Hebrew word for twins (תְּאוֹמִים, te'omim) suggests a duality that can lead to conflict or complementarity. In this context, the birth of twins foreshadows the complex relationship between Perez and Zerah, which will have implications for the lineage of Israel.

in her womb
The womb is a sacred space in biblical literature, symbolizing God's creative power and the mystery of life. The Hebrew word for womb (רֶחֶם, rechem) is related to the concept of mercy and compassion, highlighting the nurturing aspect of God's character. This phrase underscores the idea that life is a gift from God, formed and known by Him even before birth, as reflected in passages like Psalm 139:13-16.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tamar
A Canaanite woman who was the daughter-in-law of Judah. She is central to this account as she ensures the continuation of Judah's lineage through her actions.

2. Judah
One of the twelve sons of Jacob, who plays a significant role in the account of Genesis. He is the father-in-law of Tamar and becomes the father of her children through an unusual set of circumstances.

3. Perez and Zerah
The twins born to Tamar. Perez is significant in the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogies in the New Testament.

4. Birth of Twins
The event of Tamar giving birth to twins is a pivotal moment in the account, highlighting themes of redemption and the continuation of God's covenant promises.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Unlikely Circumstances
God's plans often unfold in unexpected ways, using people and situations that may seem unlikely or even scandalous by human standards.

The Importance of Lineage and Legacy
The birth of Perez and Zerah underscores the significance of family lineage in God's redemptive history, reminding us of the importance of faithfulness in our own family legacies.

Redemption and Restoration
Tamar's account is one of redemption, showing how God can restore and use even the most difficult situations for His purposes.

Faith and Action
Tamar's actions, though unconventional, demonstrate a bold faith in pursuing justice and ensuring the continuation of Judah's line, challenging us to consider how we act in faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the birth of Perez and Zerah reflect God's ability to work through unexpected circumstances to fulfill His promises?

2. In what ways does the account of Tamar and Judah challenge our understanding of justice and righteousness in the context of family and community?

3. How does the inclusion of Perez in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:3) impact our understanding of God's redemptive plan?

4. What lessons can we learn from Tamar's actions about the importance of faith and perseverance in difficult situations?

5. How can we apply the themes of redemption and restoration from this account to our own lives and relationships today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:24
The birth of twins to Rebekah, Esau and Jacob, parallels the birth of Perez and Zerah, emphasizing the theme of sibling rivalry and the unexpected ways God fulfills His promises.

Ruth 4:12, 18-22
The genealogy of Perez is significant in the lineage of King David, showing God's providence in using unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His covenant promises.

Matthew 1:3
The genealogy of Jesus includes Perez, highlighting the importance of this lineage in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ.