Question
Why is genesis 38 included in the bible. it seems to be unrelated to the rest of the book. it seems to be unrelated to the rest of the book. what is the point of the passage? how does it relate to contem- porary issues?
Answer
As you look at the context, the account of Joseph in Egypt, it does look quite out of place. What does this strange story about Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers, have to do with context and how is it important to us today?
Its importance can be stated in one word, “Messiah”. The reason it is important is, it provides the link that brings about the continuation of the Messianic lineage.
GEN 38:27 ¶ And it came about at the time she was giving birth, that behold, there were twins in her womb.
GEN 38:28 Moreover, it took place while she was giving birth, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.”
GEN 38:29 But it came about as he drew back his hand, that behold, his brother came out. Then she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!”So he was named Perez.
GEN 38:30 And afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand; and he was named Zerah.
One of the twins, Perez, born to Judah and Tamar, is in the lineage of Jesus. Without Jesus, then where would we be today as far as salvation is concerned?
MAT 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
MAT 1:2 ¶ To Abraham was born Isaac; and to Isaac, Jacob; and to Jacob, Judah and his brothers;
MAT 1:3 and to Judah were born Perez and Zerah by Tamar; and to Perez was born Hezron; and to Hezron, Ram;
Yes, God’s Word is a fascinating account of how God worked among men to bring about salvation. Even when men did evil and it looked like the plan of God would be overturned, God worked His plan above man’s evil so that we might have an opportunity to be saved.
By Gary Hunt
