Explanations in your reading: (here's what's going on while Joseph is in Egypt.)

•  v. 1   "Adullamite"  Living in Adullam, which was about 10 minutes north of Jacob and his family.
• v. 2    The sexual relationship between Judah and the daughter Shua was as God created it -- within marriage.
• v. 7    "...the LORD killed him."  It is not that God lost His temper, because James 1:19 informs us that God is slow to anger and abounds in love.  Knowing this, Er and Onan's wicked behavior must have gone way back, lasting for quite a while, hurting others, spreading darkness, and delighting in havoc.
• v. 9    Onan disrespects his dad's wishes by hindering the possibility of the creation of a baby.  "...went in to her" is sexual intercourse.  Sex can a  tough topic, because our society, of ancient days and of today, has taken it and twisted it, and made sex something perverse.  Yet, it was created by God as a gift to a husband and wife united in marriage.  Sex outside of marriage steals away the gift intended for a future wife being prepared by God, and for the future husband being prepared by God.

The rights of the firstborn son held a significant position with the families' future.  The firstborn was expected to have his own children so that the family's wealth and wisdom was shared and passed down.  This was perceived as common knowledge, a must, an understanding, or a custom.

Tamar's future was predetermined.  She was to stay with her father as a "two-times" widow until Shelah was old enough to marry.  She could not and did not make any personal goals or lifelong dreams.  She never even tried.  She submitted to upholding the name of her husband, and she surrendered any thought of herself to exalt the tribe of Er, son of Judah.  A strong, noble woman.  No argument.

Did Tamar lie?  Yes, she did lie.  The nobility and loyalty of a person does not excuse wrong actions.  Tamar upheld family dignity by deceiving, possibly out of anger  toward Judah.  But God actually blessed Tamar's determination to do right by her husband. 

Twins Perez and Zerah have been compared to John the Baptist and Jesus.  Of course, they were not twins, but they were cousins that were very close to the same age.  Also, like Zerah, John the Baptist was born first.  The scarlet cord represents the blood Jesus was born to shed to cover all sins.  Perez, born second, is not only a representation of Jesus, he is also a forefather, or descendent, of Jesus!

The commentary is written as an explanation to boys, ages 10 to 14; and hopefully to parents who may need a bit of support explaining Genesis 38 to their children.

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