Three months later, Judah is told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a result she is now pregnant.” Judah says, “Bring her out and have her burned to death!” (Gen 38:24). Temple prostitution (or any other kind) was not acceptable behavior for a daughter-in-law. The community, though, is shaming Judah, not Tamar, by noting his failed responsibilities: your daughter-in-law is guilty of prostitution, which was done in the ancient world as a means to survive. As the father of her household, Judah has responsibility for Tamar—to provide her with protection, support, and
...more
