Er, the firstborn son of Judah, is a figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis. His account is brief but significant, illustrating themes of divine justice and the continuation of the Messianic lineage. Er's narrative is primarily found in Genesis 38, a chapter that provides insight into the family dynamics of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob.

Background and Marriage to Tamar

Er was born to Judah and his Canaanite wife, the daughter of Shua. As the firstborn, Er held a position of prominence within the family. In accordance with the customs of the time, Judah arranged a marriage for Er with a woman named Tamar. Tamar's origins are not detailed in the biblical text, but her role becomes pivotal in the unfolding events.

The marriage between Er and Tamar is mentioned succinctly in Genesis 38:6: "Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar." This union, however, was short-lived and fraught with divine disfavor.

Er's Wickedness and Death

The Bible provides a stark assessment of Er's character, stating in Genesis 38:7, "But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD put him to death." The nature of Er's wickedness is not specified, but the severity of his actions warranted divine intervention. This act of judgment underscores the biblical principle that God is just and will not tolerate unrighteousness, especially among those who are part of the covenant community.

Er's untimely death left Tamar a widow and without children, a situation that held significant social and familial implications in the ancient Near Eastern context. The levirate marriage custom, which required a brother of the deceased to marry the widow to produce offspring in the deceased's name, would soon come into play, further complicating the narrative.

Theological Implications

Er's account, though brief, serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin. It also sets the stage for the subsequent events involving Tamar, Onan, and Judah, which ultimately contribute to the lineage of King David and, by extension, the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospels. The account of Er and Tamar highlights the sovereignty of God in using even the flawed and sinful actions of individuals to fulfill His divine purposes and promises.