Tamar: “More Righteous Than I”
By Sharon Ivy
Knoxville, Tennessee USA
Scripture: Matthew 1:3, Genesis 38:1-ff
When you think of the holidays what comes to mind? For many, it’s a time of joy and celebration. For others, it's a time of loneliness, heartache and a disconnection from family and loved ones.
This holiday will be very different for thousands of people who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19, social injustice, hate, and violence shown toward humanity. Thank God that light shines brightest in darkness.
The story of Tamar (Genesis 38:1-ff) is a story of a bright light. I am so thankful that God inspired Matthew to include five women in Jesus’ genealogy, which is very unusual for a Jewish patriarchal society.
Tamar, after God put to death her two husbands (Genesis 38:7, 10), felt the pain of loss, hopes and dreams shattered, and heartbreak. She was told by her father-in-law to go back and live as a widow in her father’s home. Judah had no intention of providing his youngest son as a husband for her; for he feared “he may also die” (Genesis 38:11). Tamar was unwanted and cast out of Judah’s family.
God, however, allowed Tamar to devise a plan to restore her dignity (barrenness was considered a curse and a punishment - Leviticus 20:20-21, Jeremiah 22:30), to have a family, and to get justice following Judah’s refusal to honor her right to marry Shelah (Genesis 38:11) and his decision to burn her to death when she became pregnant (Genesis 38:24). Tamar put her life in God’s hands and fought for justice; and God’s justice prevailed. Once Judah was confronted with how unjustly he treated Tamar, he acknowledged, “She is more righteous than I” (Genesis 38:26).
Questions for Reflection:
1. In what ways have you been tempted to doubt God’s plans for your life?
2. How has Satan tempted you to view tragedies, adversity and loss?
3. Have you given up fighting for justice and righteousness?
5 Comments
Dec 11, 2020, 5:41:58 AM
Lea Cidro - Tamar is indeed more righteous than her father-in-law, Judah. It was all God's plan, i.e. the death of his two sons who were wicked in God's eyes. Tamar was innocent and her innocence was revealed in how God took care of her so that her dignity was restored. I so love how God works, no man can devise such a plot and make it work. And out of this situ, Jesus was connected. Amazing, indeed. God will give justice to those who trust and put their lives in His hands. I have felt injustice in my life growing up in a family considered as the "poor and needy" relative. Looking back, that didn't matter now since I became His child. He has given me more than I could ever ask or imagine. Thank you Sharon for your thought-provoking and helpful words of encouragement.
Dec 10, 2020, 7:02:18 PM
Terry Nelder - Thanks Sharon, for being courageous and looking at the bigger picture of how Gods' looks at the heart and he has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy on. We often judge by sight and not what God looks at. May we as women look at each other as sisters each having the same inheritance as our brother Jesus and extend charity and mercy to each other. Have a jolly Christmas my sisters and refuse Satan's attempts at doubting our true heritage.
Dec 10, 2020, 11:25:28 AM
Tammy Berry - I can relate to Tamar. She experience much adversity outside of her control. Her future was uncertain. After loosing my job due to COVID, I am living in uncertainty as well. Tamar trusted in God's justice. I am amazed and humbled how God has continued to meet my needs as I learn daily what it means to trust God plans for my life.
Dec 10, 2020, 8:43:54 AM
Ifeoma - I was convicted by Tamar's persistence. Although I've read this scripture many times, I was tempted to looked down on Tamar because she was willing to sleep with a man that wasn't her husband. But I turn it around now and see her quest for justice and how she helped Judah fulfill his responsibility. God set her (lonely) in a family. God placed her in the ancestral line of Jesus! Matthew lists her in the genealogy of Jesus alongside strong women like Rahab and Ruth! Convicts me of self-righteousness.
Dec 10, 2020, 7:14:57 AM
Janice - What an amazing concise devotional. I truly appreciate the reflective questions. Especially question 2! Appreciate these devotional and the thoughtfulness put into them. :)