“Then he asked the men of that place, saying, ‘Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side?’ And they said, ‘There was no harlot in this place.’”
Genesis 38:21 is a verse from the book of Genesis, which is the first book of the Bible and covers the beginnings of humanity, the history of the Israelite people, and the origins of God’s covenant with them. This particular verse is part of the story of Judah and Tamar, which is found in Genesis 38.
In this chapter, Judah, one of Jacob’s sons, marries a Canaanite woman named Shua. They have three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Judah arranged for his firstborn son, Er, to marry Tamar, but Er was wicked in the sight of the Lord, so God put him to death. According to the custom of the time, Judah instructed his second son, Onan, to fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law and raise up offspring for his deceased brother by marrying Tamar. However, Onan also acted wickedly and refused to fulfill his duty, resulting in God’s judgment upon him.
After the deaths of Er and Onan, Judah promised Tamar that his youngest son, Shelah, would marry her when he grew older. However, Judah did not fulfill his promise, and Tamar was left as a widow without any prospect of marriage or children.
Feeling desperate, Tamar devised a plan to ensure her survival and continuation of the family line. She disguised herself as a prostitute and waited for Judah by the roadside. Judah, unaware of her true identity, approached her and propositioned her for sexual relations. Tamar requested a pledge from him in the form of his signet, cord, and staff. Judah gave these items to her as collateral until he could send her a young goat as payment.
In Genesis 38:21, Judah returns to the place where he met Tamar, intending to send the promised goat to retrieve his items. However, when he asks the men of that place about the harlot, they respond by saying there was no harlot in that place. This suggests that Tamar’s identity and actions remained concealed, and Judah was unaware that he had been involved with his daughter-in-law.
This verse is significant because it sets the stage for the revelation and resolution of the deception later in the story. It highlights the secretive nature of Tamar’s plan and emphasizes the irony and tension that will unfold as the narrative continues.
The story of Judah and Tamar raises ethical and moral questions about the actions of the characters involved. It also highlights the consequences of failing to fulfill promises and the consequences of deceptive behavior. Ultimately, this story showcases God’s providential guidance and how He works through imperfect individuals to bring about His plans and purposes.
By examining the context and understanding the story leading up to Genesis 38:21, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the lessons and themes presented in this verse and the broader narrative.
