“And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Judah and Tamar, which is found in Genesis 38. To better understand the significance of this verse, it’s important to consider the context of the passage and the broader themes within the book of Genesis.
Genesis 38 focuses on the story of Judah, one of Jacob’s twelve sons. In this particular passage, Tamar, who was married to Judah’s eldest son Er, becomes a widow after Er dies because he was wicked in the sight of the Lord. According to the Levirate law, it was customary for the brother of a deceased man to marry the widow in order to provide offspring for the deceased brother. However, when Judah’s second son, Onan, also dies because of his disobedience, Judah hesitates to give his youngest son Shelah to Tamar as a husband, fearing that Shelah might also die. This leaves Tamar in a state of limbo, without a husband or the prospect of having children.
In an act of desperation to secure her future and ensure that she has offspring, Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and seduces Judah when he visits her unknowingly. Tamar conceives and becomes pregnant with twins as a result of this encounter. When Tamar’s pregnancy is discovered, it is stated in Genesis 38:27 that twins were in her womb.
From a broader perspective, the birth of twins to Tamar is significant because it demonstrates how God works through unexpected circumstances to fulfill His plans and promises. Through this event, the narrative emphasizes God’s sovereignty and the continuation of the lineage that would eventually lead to the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham.
Moreover, the birth of twins can also be seen as a continuation of the theme of blessing and multiplication that is prevalent throughout the book of Genesis. From the very beginning, God’s command to Adam and Eve was to be fruitful and multiply, and this theme is carried through the lives of the patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The birth of twins to Tamar reinforces this theme and further underscores the idea of God’s faithfulness to His promises.
In summary, Genesis 38:27 marks the moment when it is revealed that Tamar, who had been widowed and left without a husband or children, is now pregnant with twins. This event showcases God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through unexpected circumstances to accomplish His plans. It also reinforces the theme of blessing and multiplication that is woven throughout the book of Genesis.
