Biblical Reference: The account of Er's death is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 38:6-7. Er was the firstborn son of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was later named Israel. Judah was a prominent figure among the tribes of Israel, and his lineage is significant in biblical history, leading to the Davidic line and ultimately to Jesus Christ.

Narrative Context: The narrative of Er's death is situated within the larger account of Judah and his family. After leaving his brothers, Judah settled in the region of Adullam, where he married the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua. Judah and his wife had three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Er, being the firstborn, held a position of prominence and responsibility within the family.

Marriage to Tamar: Judah arranged a marriage between Er and a woman named Tamar. This was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where marriages were often arranged by the parents to ensure alliances and the continuation of family lines. Tamar's introduction into the family is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as her account continues to unfold in the subsequent verses.

Er's Wickedness and Death: The Bible succinctly states the reason for Er's untimely death: "But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death" (Genesis 38:7). The text does not elaborate on the specific nature of Er's wickedness, leaving it to the reader's understanding that his actions were grievous enough to warrant divine judgment. This act of divine retribution underscores the biblical theme of God's holiness and justice, where sin and wickedness are met with consequences.

Theological Implications: Er's death serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin. In the biblical narrative, God's direct intervention in the lives of individuals often highlights His sovereignty and the moral order He upholds. The death of Er also sets the stage for the levirate marriage custom, where Onan, Er's brother, is called to fulfill his duty to Tamar by producing offspring in Er's name. This custom was intended to preserve the family line and inheritance, reflecting the importance of lineage in Israelite society.

Legacy and Lineage: Although Er's life was cut short, his account is intricately connected to the broader narrative of Judah and Tamar. Tamar's determination to secure her place in Judah's family leads to the birth of Perez and Zerah, through whom the line of Judah continues. This lineage is significant in biblical history, as it ultimately leads to the birth of King David and, according to the New Testament genealogies, to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3, Luke 3:33).

Cultural and Historical Context: The account of Er and his family is set against the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern customs and the patriarchal society of the time. The practices of arranged marriages and levirate marriage reflect the cultural norms and legal structures that governed family and inheritance matters. Understanding these customs provides insight into the social dynamics and theological themes present in the narrative.

In summary, the death of Er is a brief yet significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating themes of divine justice, the seriousness of sin, and the providential unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of Judah.