Judah recognized them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not sleep with her again. (Genesis 38:26)
Ever since Adam and Eve had their falling out, male-female relationships have not been as harmonious as they could be.
It’s one thing to get it messed up on the marital level, but it goes into a whole level of complex when it’s to do with the relations between father and daughter-in-law.
Judah’s track record to date has not been that impressive. He joined his brothers in pillaging the Shechemites because of the mistreatment of his sister. He goes on to be party to the mistreatment of his younger brother Joseph. Unsurprisingly, two of his sons also turn out to be the sort to mistreat others and behave in a way displeasing to God resulting in their deaths.
The victim of the mistreatment, Tamar, is not even treated properly when the second son dies. In an attempt to fob her off, Judah confines the childless widow to life never being fruitful. Talk about mistreatment on top of mistreatment.
The comeuppance in this story should highlight something important as far as how to treat people properly is concerned. If you continue to mistreat people, do not be surprised if it comes back in your face with interest. Judah will have the reminder of his mistreatment even in the struggles that his twins have in their coming in the world. The wrestling and struggling won’t end.
Yet here is the amazing grace of God, here is the faithfulness of God. Despite this, God still chooses to make sure the Messiah comes through the lineage of Perez – the Break Out Kid – son of Judah, through the woman more righteous than he.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 