“And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it?”
This verse is part of the story of Judah and Tamar in the book of Genesis. To fully understand the context of Genesis 38:17, it is helpful to provide some background information.
Genesis 38 recounts an incident involving Judah:one of the sons of Jacob (Israel), and his daughter-in-law Tamar. After the death of his first two sons, Er and Onan, Judah promised Tamar that she would eventually marry his third son, Shelah, when he grew older. However, Judah did not fulfill his promise, leaving Tamar in a state of limbo.
In Genesis 38:13-19, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and waited for Judah to pass by. When Judah saw her, he mistook her for a prostitute and approached her, not realizing that it was his daughter-in-law. Judah proposed a transaction, offering a kid from his flock as payment for her services. Tamar agreed, but she asked for a pledge or guarantee until Judah sent the kid.
The request for a pledge was Tamar’s way of ensuring that Judah would fulfill his part of the agreement. It was a form of collateral, indicating that she would hold onto something of value until the transaction was complete. In this case, Tamar asked for Judah’s signet, cord, and staff as a pledge (Genesis 38:18).
This passage raises several moral and ethical questions about the actions of both Judah and Tamar. Judah’s actions reveal his lack of integrity and failure to keep his promise to Tamar. Tamar’s actions, though unconventional, were driven by a desire for justice and her right to be provided for according to the customs of the time. It is important to note that this passage is not necessarily condoning or promoting the behaviour of Tamar, but rather narrating the events as they occurred.
From a broader perspective, this story serves as a reminder of the complex nature of human relationships and the consequences of our actions. It highlights the importance of honesty, integrity, and fulfilling our commitments. The story of Judah and Tamar also serves as a precursor to later events in the book of Genesis, which reveal the unfolding of God’s plan for the nation of Israel.
Ultimately, Genesis 38:17 is a small part of a larger narrative that explores themes of faith, deception, and the consequences of our choices. It reminds us of the need to strive for righteousness and integrity in our relationships and interactions with others.
