Matthew 1:3

And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

Matthew 1:3 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 1:3 appears within the genealogy of Jesus Christ, a record that traces His lineage from Abraham through David and onward to Jesus. The genealogy is structured in three sections: from Abraham to David, from David to the Babylonian exile, and from the exile to Christ. Matthew’s purpose is to establish Jesus’ royal and Messianic lineage.

The verse names Judas (also spelled Judah), one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). Tamar was the widow of Er, Judah’s firstborn son. After the deaths of Er and his brother Onan, Judah was hesitant to give Tamar to his third son, Shelah, fearing that he too would die. So Tamar took matters into her own hands to secure her rightful place in the family line. She disguised herself and conceived twins by Judah, unaware of her identity.

She gave birth to twin boys, Phares (Perez) and Zara (Zerah). During the birth, Zara reached out his hand first, and a scarlet thread was tied around it as a marker. However, Phares ultimately emerged first, becoming the one through whom the line continues. Phares is the ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.

Meaning

Matthew’s inclusion of Tamar, Phares, and Zara is striking. Tamar was a woman of questionable circumstances, yet God sovereignly used her in the line of the Messiah. The mention of Phares is crucial, as he is the ancestor through whom the line continues to Esrom and Aram, ultimately leading to David and to Jesus. This genealogy demonstrates God’s grace and sovereignty in using imperfect people and situations to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Messiah’s lineage includes those who were outsiders or involved in scandal, highlighting that salvation is by grace, not by human merit.

Biblical connections

The scarlet thread tied around Zara’s hand, representing the firstborn right, serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to fulfil His promises. This genealogy establishes Jesus’ legal right to the throne of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah coming from the house of Judah. The careful recording of these names shows the importance of God’s covenant promises and His meticulous work in history.

Application

Just as God’s plan unfolded through unexpected circumstances in Tamar’s life, we should trust God’s plan for our own lives, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations. Tamar’s story teaches us that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of our background or past mistakes. We can find forgiveness, redemption, and a place in God’s family through Jesus Christ. For the believer, this verse is a reminder that God’s plans are not thwarted by human frailty, and that He can use anyone, regardless of their past, for His glory. The inclusion of women like Tamar in the genealogy points forward to the inclusive nature of the Gospel, where both Jew and Gentile, male and female, are brought into the family of God through faith in Christ.

Reflection

God’s sovereignty and grace shine through this verse. Despite the complicated circumstances and moral ambiguities, God’s plan of redemption and His choice of the Messianic lineage were not hindered. God can work through imperfect people and situations to fulfil His purposes. Tamar, through her perseverance and resourcefulness, overcame her disadvantaged position and secured her place in the lineage of Christ. Her story reveals God’s grace and His willingness to include unlikely individuals in His redemptive plan.