“And the thing which he did displeased the Lord: wherefore he slew him also.”
Genesis 38:10 is a verse found within the account of Judah and Tamar, which is a significant narrative in the book of Genesis. To understand the context of this verse, let’s examine the broader story.
In Genesis 38, we learn that Judah, one of the sons of Jacob, had three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Judah arranged for his eldest son, Er, to marry a woman named Tamar. However, Er was wicked in the sight of the Lord, so God took his life.
According to the Levirate law, when a man died without leaving a male heir, it was the responsibility of his brother to marry the widow and provide offspring for his deceased brother. In this case, Judah instructed his second son, Onan, to fulfill this duty with Tamar. However, Onan, motivated by selfishness and the desire to avoid giving offspring to his brother, practiced a form of contraception by spilling his seed on the ground instead of impregnating Tamar. This act was considered wicked in the eyes of God.
Genesis 38:10 is a direct response to Onan’s wrongful actions. The verse states that what Onan did displeased the Lord, and as a result, God took his life as well. It serves as a stern reminder of the seriousness of Onan’s disobedience and the consequences he faced as a result.
This passage raises several important theological principles. First, it highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God’s commands. Onan’s act of refusing to fulfill his duty and deliberately thwarting the process of providing offspring for his deceased brother demonstrated a lack of obedience and regard for God’s law.
Second, it underscores the significance of the divine authority over matters of life and death. God is the ultimate judge, and He has the right to intervene and execute judgment when necessary. In this case, God saw fit to intervene and remove Onan from the earth due to his disobedience and sinful behavior.
Lastly, this passage also emphasizes the responsibility individuals have to fulfill their obligations, especially when it comes to honoring and obeying God’s laws. Onan’s failure to uphold his duty had significant consequences not only for himself but also for Tamar and the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Overall, Genesis 38:10 serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and the consequences that can arise from disregarding God’s commands. It presents a moral lesson for readers, encouraging them to align their actions with God’s will and honor their responsibilities in relationships and societal obligations.
