“And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.”
Genesis 38:7 is a verse that introduces an incident involving Judah’s firstborn son, Er. This verse reveals that Er’s actions were considered wicked in the sight of the Lord, which ultimately led to his death. To gain a deeper understanding of this verse and its significance, it is helpful to explore the broader context of the passage.
Genesis 38 tells the story of Judah, one of the sons of Jacob (also known as Israel). In this chapter, the narrative takes a temporary departure from the focus on Joseph and his journey to Egypt. Instead, it provides details about the events in the life of Judah and his family.
At the beginning of Genesis 38, Judah leaves his brothers and settles in the town of Adullam. There, he marries a Canaanite woman named Shua, and they have three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. When the time comes for Er to marry, Judah finds a wife for him named Tamar.
However, Er’s actions are described as wicked in the sight of the Lord, which leads to his death. The exact nature of Er’s wickedness is not explicitly stated in this verse, leaving room for speculation. Biblical scholars have suggested various possibilities, including moral, ethical, or religious transgressions. The text does not provide further details about Er’s behavior, but it is clear that his actions were severe enough to incur divine judgment.
The significance of this passage lies in the moral and theological lessons it presents. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with God’s commands and moral principles. Er’s wickedness and subsequent death serve as a cautionary example, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and immoral behavior.
Secondly, this passage illustrates the overarching theme of God’s sovereignty and justice. The verse states that the Lord slew Er, indicating that God, as the ultimate authority, holds individuals accountable for their actions. It underscores the principle that God is not indifferent to human conduct and intervenes when necessary to maintain justice and righteousness.
Lastly, this incident sets the stage for subsequent events in the narrative. After Er’s death, his brother Onan is instructed by Judah to fulfill the levirate marriage duty by marrying Tamar. However, Onan also acts wickedly by refusing to fulfill this obligation and spilling his seed on the ground. Consequently, Onan dies as well, leaving Tamar in a vulnerable position.
In conclusion, Genesis 38:7 highlights the wickedness of Judah’s firstborn son, Er, and his subsequent death at the hands of the Lord. This passage emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with God’s moral principles, underscores God’s sovereignty and justice, and sets the stage for further events in the narrative. It serves as a reminder that God holds individuals accountable for their actions and that disobedience can have severe consequences.
