Genesis 38:28

And as she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it around his wrist. "This one came out first," she announced.

Study Bible

And as she was giving birth
This phrase sets the scene for a significant moment in the narrative of Genesis. The act of giving birth is a powerful symbol of new beginnings and the continuation of God's covenant promises. In Hebrew, the word for "giving birth" is "yalad," which conveys the idea of bringing forth life. This moment is not just a physical event but a spiritual one, as it ties into the lineage of Judah, through whom the Messiah would eventually come.

one of them put out his hand
The act of the child putting out his hand is unusual and noteworthy. In the Hebrew text, the word "yad" is used for "hand," which often symbolizes power and action. This gesture foreshadows the struggle and competition that will characterize the relationship between the twins, reminiscent of Jacob and Esau's story. It highlights the theme of God's sovereignty in choosing the lineage through which His promises are fulfilled, often in unexpected ways.

so the midwife took a scarlet thread
The midwife's action of taking a scarlet thread is rich with symbolism. The color scarlet, or "shani" in Hebrew, often represents sin and redemption in the Bible. This thread marks the firstborn, a significant detail in the context of inheritance and blessing. The use of a scarlet thread can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the blood of Christ, which redeems and marks believers.

and tied it around his wrist
Tying the thread around the wrist serves as a physical marker of identity and precedence. In ancient cultures, the firstborn held a place of honor and responsibility. The Hebrew word for "tied" is "qashar," which can also mean to bind or join. This act signifies the binding of identity and destiny, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative as God binds His people to His promises.

'This one came out first,' she announced
The midwife's announcement underscores the importance of birth order in biblical times. The declaration, "This one came out first," is a statement of fact that carries significant implications for inheritance and blessing. In Hebrew culture, the firstborn, or "bekor," was entitled to a double portion of the inheritance and held a special place in the family. However, the unfolding account reveals God's sovereign choice, often subverting human expectations to fulfill His divine purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tamar
The mother of the twins, Perez and Zerah, who plays a crucial role in the lineage of Judah.

2. Judah
The father of the twins, whose lineage is significant in the history of Israel and the genealogy of Jesus.

3. Perez and Zerah
The twin sons of Judah and Tamar, whose birth is marked by an unusual event.

4. Midwife
The unnamed woman assisting in the birth, who ties a scarlet thread around the wrist of the firstborn.

5. Scarlet Thread
A symbol used to identify the firstborn, which plays a role in the account of the twins' birth.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Unusual Circumstances
The birth of Perez and Zerah, with its unexpected twist, reminds us that God's plans often unfold in ways we do not anticipate. This encourages us to trust in His sovereignty even when situations seem confusing or contrary to our expectations.

The Significance of Lineage and Legacy
The inclusion of Perez in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the importance of lineage in God's redemptive plan. It challenges us to consider how our own lives and actions contribute to the legacy we leave behind.

Symbolism and Signs in Scripture
The scarlet thread serves as a symbol of identification and promise. This invites us to reflect on the signs and symbols in our own faith journey that remind us of God's promises and our identity in Christ.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
Tamar's account highlights the significant role women play in God's purposes, often in unexpected ways. This encourages us to value and recognize the contributions of women in the faith community.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Perez and Zerah's birth illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty and unexpected plans?

2. In what ways does the scarlet thread in Genesis 38:28 connect to other uses of scarlet in the Bible, and what might this symbolize for us today?

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 role in this account about the importance of perseverance and faithfulness?

5. How can we apply the concept of legacy and lineage in our own lives, considering the impact of our actions on future generations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:24-26
The birth of Esau and Jacob, another instance of twins with significant implications for Israel's history.

Matthew 1:3
The genealogy of Jesus, which includes Perez, highlighting the importance of this lineage.

Joshua 2:18
The use of a scarlet cord as a sign of protection and promise, drawing a symbolic parallel to the scarlet thread in Genesis 38:28.

Romans 9:12-13
The theme of God's sovereign choice, as seen in the reversal of birth order and blessing.