An Exposition of Genesis, Genesis · Chapter 38
CHAP. XXXVIII.
IN the entrance of this Chapter the history of Joseph is interrupted, unto the beginning of the next; and herein is contained the compleat history of Judah the fourth son of Jacob by Leah, with his offspring, until the going downe of Jacob, and his family into Egypt. The reason of inserting this history is not declared expresly, but may be guessed at probably.
1. To hold forth the line of the Messiah.
2. To be a memorial to the Iewes of their corrupt original from such wicked ancestors, that their mouths might be stopped, when they boast, that they were no children of fornication. Iohn. 8.46. Whatever it be, we find this here added to perfect the history of the Church for this age. The whole matter here reported may be digested into three general heads.
1. The marriage of Iudah with his issue, and the disposal of them. Ver. 1.11.
2. The incest of Iudah with his daughter in law, and the consequents of it. Ver. 12.26.
3. The incestuous birth of twins. Ver. 27.30.
In the first general we have these particulars to note.
1. The strange way of Iudahs marriage. Ver. 1.2.
2. The issue, which he had, three sons Ver. 3.4.5.
3. The disposal of these sons in marriage. Ver. 6.10.
4. The ordering of the relict widow of two sons. Ver. 11
1. In the history of his marriage we have to consider.
1. The time, as it is here expressed,Ver. 1. and connected to the precedent, And it was, or came to passe in that time, Sept. and Cald. same. This seemeth to be annexed to the former history of Iosephs selling and so to concerne that time, but that cannot be in whole, for many inconveniences.
Quest. What time then was this, when Iudah was married?
Answ. 1. This is certaine, from Iosephs selling unto Iacobs going downe to Egypt was not above three and twenty yeares: Ioseph being seventeen when he was sold, thirty when he stood before Pharaoh, and nine and thirty before Iacob came unto him.
2. This is certaine, that Pharez one of the incestuous twins, had two sons born, when Israel went down to Egypt, Gen. 46.12.
3. That Er, and Onan were married, & dead and Iudahs wife dead, some competent space before, he committed the act with Tamar, it cannot be questioned.
4. This must be granted that Pharez was of competent yeares before he could get two sons: & all these things must be done before Iacobs going down to Egypt: and that all should be within the space of three and twenty yeares is not credible.
5. Necessarily then must part of this history be accomplished before Ioseph was sold, & part after; so that to clear this doubt we must conclude.
1. That the marriage of Iudah was at least seven years before Iosephs selling; and therefore that there must be here foreign The arbitrary method of Gods Spirit, recording some things in a time much after their being acted, this was when Iudah was about fourteen years of age, in three years three sons were born to him.
2. That seven years after Ioseph was sold, Iudah gave Tamar for wife to his son Er, being about fourteen years old, and he being slain the same year, afterwards to Onan, & about three years after, Tamar seeing herselfe deluded by her father, yeilded to him, and brought forth Pharez.
3. That Pharez the year before Iacobs going to Egypt begat Hezron, being about fourteen years old also: and the year following, wherein they went down to Egypt he begat Hamul. In this way all things may conveniently accord in this history.
2. The act preparatory to his marriage which was his departing from his brethren, and fathers house, That Iudah went downe from his brethren, and turned into a certaine Adullamite, and his name was Hirah. Sept. Cald. same. whose name, &c.
1. The subject here acting was Juda, at this time about fourteen years of age, a wanton youth; and forward as it seemeth by his actings.
2. His motion is twofold,
1. He went from his brethren, that is, not to a total departure, for he was with them, when they sold Joseph: and herein also from his father, and without his command or leave, which he ought to have had.
2. He turned in, &c. It is likely he had got familiarity with the neighbours of the countrey: And some friendship with this man, whose name was Hirah, and his place of abode Adullam (afterwards given to the tribe of Judah) not far from Hebron, it seems by this mans acquaintance, he was induced to marry, Ver. 1.
Ver. 2.3. The occasion of his marriage, And Judah saw there a daughter of a man a Canaanite, and his name was Shua. — her name Shua. Sep. — of a merchant man, &c. Cald. But in the original the name was the fathers, not the daughters: And however Canaan signifieth a Merchant, yet here it seems to be a proper national name.
1. Judah being here out of his place is exposed to a temptation.
2. His sight helps on.
3. The daughter of the Canaanite is the bait: such things God permits to let men see their folly.
4. The marriage (such as it was) is here related, And he tooke her, and went in unto her, Sept. and Cald. same. Here is a copy of a sad marriage.
1. He himselfe without his father.
2. He took her, neither given of God, nor desired by him.
3. He went in unto her, that is the compleating of it to enjoy his lust, not to honour God: So he that is joined to a harlot is one flesh, 1 Cor. 6. from this part of the history we may observe.
D. 1. Arbitrary is the Spirit of God in recording times of events: therefore careful should we be to search them.
D. 2. Wanton forward youths are apt to leave their station, brethren, and fathers, where they should be ruled.
D. 3. Such aversnes from duty inclines foolish hearts to loose acquaintance. So it was here.
D. 4. Wanton youths choose to be familiar with worldly companions in lust, rather then to be with a good father.
D. 5. Names of men, & places of miscarriage by the sons of the Church, are noted for instruction, Ver. 1.
D. 6. In bad company, and out of mens places usually are offered baits of temptation.
D. 7. Wanton hearts have wanton eyes, by which they are carried out to evil.
D. 8. Daughters of the Canaanites may please the eyes of the sons of Jacob to misguide them.
D. 9. Violence of lust drives men to take their delights, never desiring leave of God, or man.
D. 10. Lust desires no better marriage, then a carnal injoiment of its pleasure.
D. 11. Lust fears no Law of God, that forbids Jacobs seed to marry with Canaanites, Ver. 2.
2. The next thing recorded after Judahs marriage, is his issue, which were three sons.
1. Of the first born we read, And she conceived, &c. Septuag. and Cald. same. Wherein note.
1. Conception, God afforded that blessing to this marriage, She conceived.
2. The birth, She bare a son. this good also is granted to them.
3. The naming of this son, And he called his name Er. The imposer is the father here, for the verb is masculine. The name imposed is Er, which notes one active, and watchful; upon what account it was given is uncertaine. This the first, Ver. 3.Ver. 3.
2. The next birth is recorded, And she conceived further, or againe, &c. Where we have the second conception, and birth vouchsafed, and the naming of the child by his mother, And called his name Onan. Upon what account she gave this name, is not mentioned, it signifieth grief, and it may be, it was an heavy birth unto her, Sept. and Cald same, Ver. 4.Ver. 4.
3. The next birth is mentioned after the same manner, And she added yet, &c. Cald.Ver. 5. the same, — She was in Chasbi, &c. Sept. Here.
1. Distinction of these issues, She added, that is, to conceive, these were all distinct conceptions, no twins, and within three yeares, as the ordinary time of bearing will admit.
2. The birth, She bare a son, that is the third.
3. The naming, She also called this son Shelah, which noteth peace, or quietnes; it may be, she found more ease in this birth.
4. The place where Judah was, when this, and the rest were borne, He was in Chezib when she bare him, That is, the last. The Septuagint say, She was there when she bare them. It is likely all might be borne there. Some would have Cezib a common noun, and to note a lye, as if the meaning was in bearing this son, it was as in a lye, that she did bear no more. So vulgarly. But it notes a place neer to Adullam, called somtimes Achzib. Mic. 1. v. 14. Here Judah had his sons, Ver. 5.
Learn hence.
D. 1. The worst of marriages may be blessed by God wich the fruit of the womb.
D. 2. Multiplied conceptions, and births God may vouchsafe sinful matches.
D. 3. Number of births, and places for them, are determined by God.
D. 4. Sinful places best suit sinful dispositions; such was Chesib, or Achzib, Mich, 1. Ver▪ 3, 4, 5.
3. The next particular in the first general is the disposing of these sons, which was as followeth.
1. As to the first born Er, we read.
1. His marriage, And Judah tooke a wise for Er, his first born, and her name was Tamar. Herein note.
1. He that orders, and giveth in marriage, is Judah, the father; now about eight and twenty years old.
2. The party, to whome the wife is given, Er Judahs first-borne, at this time about fourteen years of age.
3. The party given, it was Tamar for a wife Her name is onelyonly mentioned, not her place, or kindred but it is likely she was a Canaanit, of that place, thereabout, where Iudah now lived. Ver. 6.Ver. 6.
2. His life and conversation, And Er Iudahs first born, was evil in the eyes of Iehovah. — Before the Lord. Sen. Cald. same.
1. The subject spoken of is set out.
1. By his name, Er.
2. By his priviledge, the first born of Iudah; he in whom the father usually delights.
2. The matter spoken of him, he was evil in the eyes of Iehovah.
1. His condition, and conversation was sinful, and wicked, what this wickednes was, is not expressed for kind. Some Hebrews thought to be Sodomy, in leaving the natural use of his wife; but that is not expressed; some eminent wickednes it seems to be, by the punishment.
2. The aggravation, It was evill in the eyes of Iehovah, that is openly and impudently discovered in the face of God, to the contempt of him. Such he was and much by his fathers bad example.
3. His death is here recorded, And Iehovah slew him. — God killed him; Sept.
1. The executioner, God himself, whose pure eyes were provoked.
2. The execution, slaughter, death, and that examplarv to all about them; this is all of his first born. Ver. 7.Ver. 7.
Learn hence.
D. 1. Such as have been disobedient to parents, are not willing their children should be such to them.
D. 2. It is the fathers right to provide, and give wives to their sons.
D. 3. It is natural for fathers to care mainly for the first born son.
D. 4. Providence orders wives from strangers, to be registred in his Church for his own ends. Ver. 6.
D. 5. The first borne of mens hopes may prove most wicked, and greatest crosses.
D. 6. It is height of wickednes to dare the Lord to his face.
D. 7. God himselfe turneth executioner to avenge himselfe upon daring sinners.
D. 8. Premature death is determined sometimes and executed, upon obstinate wicked sinners. Ver. 7.
2. The state of Onan the second son is here recorded, about whom we have to observe.
1. The fathers disposal of him, by special injunction, And Judah said unto Onan, go in unto thy brothers wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother, Sept and Cald. same, note.
1. The power commanding, is paternal, the father to his son giveth this command.
2. The injunction is threefold.
1. To go in unto his brothers wife, a preparation unto marriage.
2. To doe the part of a brother, that is, to marry her.
3. To raise seed unto his brother departed. No difficulty is in all these; the words are plain. Ver. 8.Ver. 8.
2. The sons answer, very crosse to his fathers mind, whereabout we have also to note.
1. The reason of the fact expressed,Ver. 9. And Onan knew, that the seed should not be his. Sept. the same. — That the seed should not be called by his name. Cald. hereupon his corruption worketh.
2. The fact itself, And it was, he went in unto his brothers wise, that he spilled it on the earth. — He shed. Sept. corrupted his way on the earth. Cald. Herein note many evils.
1. Uncleannes.
2. Selfe-pollution.
3. Destruction of future seed, which God ordered to be produced.
3. The end of the fact, That he might not give seed unto his brother. Sept. Cald. same. Herein is the greater sin, it was aimed in envy to his brother. Ver. 9.
3. Gods resentment of this fact, in two expressions.
1. And that which he did was evil in the eyes of Iehovah. — And it appeared wicked before God. Sept. It was displeasing before the Lord. Cald. In summe; it was in Gods account a fowl sinful fact, such as Gods pure eyes could not endure.
2. And he slew him also. Sept. and Cald. same. So we see, God entertaine's it with displeasure, and he recompenceth it with death himself, to make such wickednes dreadful. Ver 10.Ver. 10.
Quest. Was Judahs command lawful in making an incestuous marriage Lev. 18.16. Mat. 14.4.
Answ. 1. That law against marrying the brothers wife was general. 2. This custom, and law afterward was special, and by way of exception. Deut. 25.5. 3. This was onelyonly in case of want of children. 4. This was national, and onelyonly with respect to the tribes of Israel, upon which account, God made it lawful for them; he that made the Law, makes the exception: Something of this was known now in the Church by Judah, and therefore so practised.
Learn thence.
D. 1. Vaine parents take little knowledge of Gods judgments, in the death of one child, when they have others.
D. 2. Special law for the marriage of the deceased brothers wife by the brother; was given of God for special ends.
D. 3 Seed was much desirable, and is so in the Church of God: For which such lawes were made. V. 8.
D. 4. Wicked creatures are selfish in duty, therefore unwilling to seek any good, but their owne.
D. 5. Selfe-pollution, destruction of the seed of man, envy to brethren, are Onans horrid crimes, Ver. 9.
D. 6. Onans may be in the visible Church.
D. 7. Such uncleannes is very grivous in Gods sight.
D. 8. Exemplary death may be expected from God by such transgressors. Ver. 10.
4. The disposall of the relict widow of both his sons.Ver. 11. And Iudah said unto Thamar his daughter in law, remaine a widow in thy fathers house, until Shelah my son be growne great; for he said least he dye also as his brethren; and Thamar went, and remained, or dwelt in her fathers house. Sept. Cald. same. In these we have these particulars observable.
1. Judahs injunction upon Thamar, wherein.
1. The connection is observable, And or then Iudah said, that is immediately upon the death of his second son; providence striking them in their wickednes, and crossing him, he presently vents himselfe upon her.
2. The injunction layd on her, which is very hard, as may appear upon several considerations.
1. From the imposer, a father in law upon a daughter, after such sad afflictions; hard dealings from others are sad, but worse from relations, when better is expected.
2. From the charge imposed, Remaine a widow, he binds her from marriage, and so insnares her grievously, as much as to say, marry not.
3. From the place of her abode, her fathers house, he turneth her out of doors, from his owne house, where he should have kept and comforted her, & sent her home to her father.
4. From the reason pretended, Until Shelah my son be grown great; so he makes shew to her, that then he would give her to him, & he was but a year younger then his last brother, which was slayne by the Lord; but he intended no such thing, as from the next circumstance may appear.
5. From his jealous charge of the death of his sons upon her, For he said least he also dye as his brethren. This is the reason pretended for not giving her to him in present; but in plain terms, he intended not to give her to him at all, suspecting that she should be the death of him, as he conceived, she was of the others; though wickedly so imagin'd by him: for they perished by their own sin. Thus he mutter'd with himself, she hath been the death of two allreadie, and she will kill the third, if she stay; I will therefore rid her out of the house. Such sayings he had in his heart; and his dealings with her afterward proveth the same.
2. Thamars submission to those hard terms, she went; and remained so in her fathers house, waiting for the third son, who wanted not much of that maturity, unto which his other brethren attained, when they were married. Ver. 11.
Learne hence.
D. 1. Sinful hearts when they suffer from Gods hand, are apt to vent it upon creatures.
D. 2. Carnal relations grow quickly weary of shewing kindnes, when their aims are crossed by God.
D. 3. Hard fathers in law for their own ends, spare not to lay the hardest terms upon allies.
D. 4. Such oppressors deal subtilly, though cruelly: they pretend fair at least.
D. 5. Wicked hearts are apt to be jealous, and transferre faults, and ill successes to others, that be innocent.
D. 6. Sinful fathers are willing to save children from death, but take bad ways to do it.
D. 7. Widowhood is a solitary condition, that binds souls to sit at home.
D. 8. God over-ruling, natural hearts may be content to submit to hard injunctions from others, when they cannot help it. So it was with Thamar, when Judah layeth hard injunctions on her. Ver. 11.
2. The next general of the Chapter is the history of Judahs incest, with its consequents. Ver. 12.26. In the whole passage note.
1. Some antecedent events occasional. Ver. 12.15.
2. The contrivance of the fact. Ver. 16.17.18.
3. The consequents of this fact, various. Ver. 19.26.
To the first, the antecedent events occasional, these particulars are observable.
1 The death of Judahs wife, And the dayes were multiplied and the daughter of Shuah Judahs wife dyed. Cald. the same. — Sava the wife of Judah dyed, Sept. mistaking it the point in ש.
1. The time is noted indefinitly, many dayes were past, or the dayes were multiplied, not yeares, it is likely in the fourteenth year of Shelah; some moneths, and dayes were passed over.
2. The event, Iudahs wife dyed, that is, in a natural way, providence ordered her dissolution. This giveth an occasion of more liberty unto Iudah to expresse unruly lust.
3. The connection of this to the former injurious dealing with Thamar, may be observed as a just returne from God; not long after his wife is taken away.
2. Judahs comfort, and sheep-shearing not long after his wifes death, And Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheep-shearers, &c. Wherein we read.
1. Judahs condition, it was joyous, and cheerful, as one comforted after his wifes death: he was no long mourner.
2. Judahs imployment, he went up to his sheep-shearers: of it selfe honest enough, but the end was to feast and make merry; as was the custome of those times, and places.
3. Judahs company, Hirah his friend. Cald. the same. His shepheard. Sept. the word is something like. What a companion he was, may well be suspected, by what afterward he doth, being intrusted by Judah; a loose, unclean fellow.
4. The place, Timnath; afterward it was a citie of the Philistins, and it fell to Judah, Josh. 15.57. Not farre it seemeth from Chezib. Ver. 12.Ver. 12.
It teacheth us.
D. 1. Injuries to daughters in law God may repay upon mens wives.
D. 2. Dayes may seem many before God visit, but visitation will come for sin.
D. 3. God may make death to be a just recompence of mens hard dealings.
D. 4. Vain and sinful hearts are soon comforted after the death of wives.
D. 5. Comforts carnal hearts do seeke by fleshly feasting, and imployments.
D. 6. Bad companions, and opportune places, bad hearts delight in, to enjoy their lusts. Ver. 12.
3. The next antecedent event to this incest is Thamars carriage, about which note.
1. Her demeanour.
1. The tidings told her, And it was told Thamar, saying, behold thy Father in law is going up to Timnath, to shear his sheep. Cald. same. — The Sept. adde daughter in law to Thamar. There is nothing of difficulty here, onelyonly, what is observable is, that this is an occasional event under providence to bring on the foul fact. V. 13.Ver. 13.
2. Her attire, And she removed the garments of her widowhood from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself. foreign. Sept. — operit se pallio, & ornavit se. Cald. Here we have.
1. Her putting off the signalls of widowhood.
2. Her putting on garments of light women, for so they rendred her suspected.
3. Her posture, And she sat in the opening of Enaim, in an open place, the door of eyes, which is by the way to Timnath. — She sat at the gates of Enau. Sept. In a place of two wayes. Cald.
1. Her posture is sitting and waiting.
2. The place convenient to meet with Judah in his passage. Some make it a proper name, others a common: the door of two fountaines or eyes; that is, an open place; such, it seemeth, it was by Hirahs question afterward, or a proper name, as some.
2. The reason of all her carriage, Because she saw, that Shelah was grown great, and she was not given to him to wife. Sept. Cald. same.
1. Her own observation, she saw that Shelah was come to the maturity of his brethren.
2. Her frustration; Judah had not made good his pretended promise to give her him for a wife; therefore she casts about to bring her purpose to passe upon her father in law: wickednes layeth wait for wickednes to meet with it. V. 14.Ver. 14.
Learn we.
D. 1. Tidings af opportunities to sin stirre up naughty hearts to it, and are soone made use of. V. 13.
D. 2. Sin is subtil to put away any signals, that may discover or prevent its designes.
D. 3. Lustful hearts habit themselves so as may best deceive others, and help them to their injoyments.
D. 4. Vnclean persons wait in places to meet their peers, and injoy their pleasure.
D. 5. High ways are no terror to lust, to have its pleasure. Jer. 3.2. Ezek. 16.25.
D. 6. Disappointments in just things make evill hearts study them in unjust wayes. V. 14.
4. The next antecedent event occasional, is Judahs action, about whom we read.
1. His sight of her, And Judah saw her. Sept. Cald. same. Here was the more immediate occasion of this foul act, a cast of an unclean eye; that answers her posture, and desire.
2. His conceit of her, And he conceived her for an harlot. — He thought her to be an harlot. Sept. Cald. same. Here is the wickednes of his heart, at which she aimed to lay this bait for him; she knew him to be of such an unclean spirit.
3. The reason of this his thought of her, Because she covered her face. Cald. the same. and he did not know her. Sept. It seemeth she was in such a garb, as the loose women of that time, and place used; because hereupon he conceived her to be one, that prostrated her selfe to common use. V. 15.Ver. 15.
Observe hence.
D. 1. VnderUnder providence ordering, sinful baits meet with sinful hearts.
D. 2. Vnclean eyes are apt to pitch upon objects, that are suted for them.
D. 3. Filthy hearts are apt to take up foul thoughts of any object they desire.
D. 4. Habits, and postures of harlots, may cause them to be thought such, who use them. Ver. 15.
2. Now followeth the contrivance of the fact, V. 16.17.18. Wherein we have to note.
1. Iudahs digression,Ver. 16. And he turned unto her by the way. Sept. Cald: same. It is to be observed, that he first incline's and leaveth his course to Timnath, and turneth toward her, she doth not, as common harlots follow him.
2. Iudahs solicitation of her to the sin, And he said, go to, or, grant I pray thee, that, I may come in unto thee, (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law, Sept. Cald. same. Herein note.
1. His motion to unclean injoyment of her, grant I pray thee, and I will come in unto thee, Adulterous charms, and intreaties.
2. The reason of his solicitation, he knew her not to be his daughter in law, but he esteemed her a strange woman, an harlot, therefore his purpose was bad enough; perhaps his lust would have been curb'd, if he had known her, as to the fact with her.
3. Thamars capitulation with him, And she said, what wilt thou give me, that thou maist come in unto me? Sept. Cald▪ same. Herein she acts like an harlot, that is, in desiring the hire for her body, which she thought, she might deserve; so some say: Meretrices à merendo. V. 16.
4, Judahs proffer, And he said I will send a kid of the goats from the flocke. In this price offered for his injoyment; providence surely overruled, to give the occasion of requiring the pawn; for he might have offered her money, or somewhat else. But thus he is willing to pay for his lust.
5. Thamars exaction of a pledge, And she said, if thou wilt, or wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? Sept. Cald. same. Wherein.
1. She supposeth Iudah not to be trusted upon his word.
2. She provided for her own security, in keeping evidences by her of the fact, when she might be questioned. Ver. 17.Ver. 17.
6. Judahs stipulation with her, And he said what is the pledge, that I shall give thee? Sept. Cald. same. wherein he puts her to her choise, to aske what pawne or pledge she would have, being ready to part with any to her, though an unknown woman to him, to injoy his lust.
7. Thamars proposition to him, And she said, thy signet, and thy bracelet, and thy staf, which is in thy hand, — King for signet, Sept. — Handkerchief, for bracelet, Cald. Herein providence overruleth her in her asking.
1. Things most proper to him for his use.
2. Things of most honorable cognizance.
3. Things that were most known to them, that knew him, that they might be to clear her.
8. Judahs concession, And he gave to her, Sept. Cald. same. Aske and have from his lust, that it may be satisfied.
9. Judahs act with her consent, And he went in unto her, Sept. Cald. same. — He injojed her, and his pleasure in her wickedly.
10. The fruit of this act, And she conceived to him, by him. Cald the same. — She conceived in her womb of him, or by him. Sept.
1. The issue of this incestuous act was conception, that which she attained not by her husbands; yet so providence ordereth here.
2. The propriety of it, for him, so in the letter, as well as it was by him. It was Judahs seed, that was conceived; not his sons. So providence ordered it, for his owne ends, and that extraordinarily, not to be drawn into example by wicked men.
Quest. 1. Was Thamars act excusable?
Answer. Surely no; for whatever may be pretended of injury offered, yet
1. No selfe revenge is to be taken.
2. Much lesse sinfull revenge.
3. Judges were, who might have righted her; therefore inexcusable utterly is her sin.
Quest. 1. Was Judahs sin the lesse, because he knew not, that it was his daughter in law?
Answer. No. 1. He might have knowne who she was. 2. He was not ignorant, that she was an harlot, and that adultery, and uncleannes was forbidden in all estates of men. 3. The heat of lust would not suffer him to inquire or debate upon one or other, but brutishly rusheth upon wickednes: therefore great was his sin. This was done about his thirtieth year. As to the pretence made, that he and she are reckoned in the genealogie of Christ, therefore that this could not be such sin. It is truely replied. This was from Gods free grace accepting, and not any lessening to their sin. V. 18.Ver. 18.
Learn hence.
D. 1. A lustful eye will quickly turne the foot out of the way to sin. Connection. V. 15.
D. 2. Men of lustful hearts turne of their owne accord to evil with others, without invitation.
D. 3. Digression from mens lawful way tend's to transgression against God and man.
D. 4. Lust is an hard sollicitor for its unclean injoyments.
D. 5. Lust runs blindfold even to defile neer relations, and inquireth not.
D. 6. Sometimes lust is put to it to pay a price for its pleasure. The whorish custom. Ver. 16.
D. 7. Vnclean persons sticke not to lessen their flock for increase of lust, so of estates.
D. 8. Adulterous spirits are not credible with their own paramours; a price or pledge must be given. Ver. 17.
D. 9. Wicked hearts sticke not at pledge or price unto whorish women for injoying lust.
D. 10. Vnclean creatures are subtil to have a great pledge for a small price.
D. 11. Bee it never so great, lust will give it to the whorish woman for its pleasure.
D. 12. Blind lust doth not onelyonly solicit, but violate neerest relations, when it can.
D. 13. Providence denieth not conception somtimes to the most incestuous mixtures of men and women.
D. 14. It is the order of providence, that conception should be for Judah, as well as by him. Ver. 18.
3. The consequents of this fact from V. 19. to 26. are these following.
1. Thamars escape with her pledge, Ver. 19.
2. Iudahs frustration of his pawn. Ver. 20.23.
3. The discovery of all this evil by Thamars appearing to be with child. Ver. 24.26.
1 In Thamars shifting away we may observe,
1. Her speedy preparation for it. — And she arose, Sept. Cald. same. That is immediatly as the fact was done, and Iudah had turned his back for Timnath to go to his flock, up she gets to give him the slip.
2. Her motion, And she went, Sept. Cald. same. That is, she betook herselfe presently to her fathers house, whence she came, and so left Iudah to looke for his pledge.
3. Her attiring herself in two acts.
1. Of putting off her loose attire, And she put away her vail from upon her, Sept. Cald. — to the same purpose, that is, she layd aside her harlots garb, by which she deceived Judah.
2. Of putting on her own, And she put on the garments of her widowhood, Sept. Cald. same. That is, she resumed the habit of an honest widow, and so continued some space in her fathers house.
Quest. Doth this escape of Thamars excuse her fact, because she tarried not for the reward, but onelyonly did it with desire of seed? Ambros. l. 3. in Luc. 3.
Answ. Surely no; for. 1. She had better then the kid in her hand before the fact committed, therefore she was not without her reward, which she likewise desired. 2. Had it been simply for desire of seed, it is wickednes to desire it in an unlawful way. 3. It is certaine she layd a snare for her father in law, which was greatly sinful. This therefore is not justly excused by some antients. Ver. 19.Ver. 19.
It learneth us.
D. 1. Sinful lust when its turn is served, makes out of sight speedily.
D. 2. Guile, and deceit are usual adjuncts to lust of uncleannes.
D. 3. Guileful harlots stay not long in common places, where they may be discovered.
D. 4. Lust teacheth souls to put off, and to put on any signals, which may either discover, or conceal them. Ver. 19.
2. In the frustration of Judah we have to note.
1. Judahs attempt for performance of promise unto the pretended harlot, And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite. Cald. the same. — By the hand of his shepheard, &c. Sept. Herein.
1. The party paying, Iudah who had promised.
2. The price, a kid of the goats, as before bargained.
3. The act of payment, he sent it to her.
4. The Instrument by which; Hirah, his friend the Adullamiter, a man, it seemeth, fit for such an imployment.
5. The end of sending, to receive the pledge from the hand of the woman, that is, his signet, bracelets, and staffe.
2. Iudahs frustration, And he found her not, Sept. and Cald. same. She had given him the slip, and left the kid to himselfe, taking with her the pledge for further discovery. Ver. 20.Ver. 20.
3. Hirahs inquiry, And, or then, he asked the men of that place, or her place, saying, where is the harlot, she that was in Enaim, or in the open place by the way, or wayes side? — Sept. in Enan. — Which was in the parting of the way. Cald. Herein.
1. His faithfulnes to his friend.
2. His diligence in his busines for inquiry.
3. His impudency in seeking for an whore, one of such an infamous name; it seemeth, he was not ashamed of it.
4. The mens answer, And they said, there was no harlot in this place, Sept. and Cald. same. In plain terms they tell him, there was no such as haunted that place, who prostituted themselves to passingers they knew none; therefore he was not a jot the wiser for them. Ver. 21.Ver. 21.
5. Hirahs return of his message and busines to Iudah.Ver. 22.
1. His accesse to him, And he returned to Judah, Sept. Cald. same. Having no hopes of finding what he went for, best it was to returne, and so he doth to his friend, who sent him,
2. His account of the busines.
1. From himselfe, And he said, I have not found her, Sept. Cald. same. That is, I have been where you appointed me, and looked about, but no such person can be found there, to whome you sent me.
2. From the men of the place, of whome he had inquired, and was informed, that no such party was there. So he giveth his account to Judah. Ver. 22.
6. Judahs resolution upon the whole, wherein note.
Ver. 24.1. The matter of it, And Judah said, let her take it to her. — Let her have them, Sept. — Let her take to her selfe the pledge, &c. Cald. Seing she hath so deluded me, let her take what she hath; I will trouble my selfe no more to inquire after it.
2. The reason of it.
1. His fear of publik shame, Least we be for a contempt, or shame. — Least we be derided. Sept. — Calde as Hebrew for a derision. That which moveth him to surcease, is the basenes of the fact, and reproach, which usually among the heathen followed it, though they were given up to it. The countrey will laugh at me saith Judah, if I should further inquire, & therefore let it alone.
2. His past attempt to satisfy her, and frustration of it, Behold I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her. Sept. Cald. same. as if he should say, I have done my part, and thou thine, but she hath beguiled us, let her go and take what she hath to herself. So he sits down for the present. Ver. 23.
Learn here.
D. 1. Pawns may make naughty hearts careful to pay their debts for sin.
D. 2. Wicked affaires are best trusted to hands of wicked friends.
D. 3. Payment of debts by sinners is accounted just to take up pawns.
D. 4. It is no rare thing for partners in sin to deceive each other; to get out of the way, when they should be found.
D. 5. VnderUnder providence the debt of lust is not always pay'd, nor the pawn of iniquity restored. Ver. 20.
D. 6. Sinners are diligent to inquire about their sinful affaires.
D. 7. Sinners are impudent to aske openly after harlots in the high way: to bewray the worst matter.
D. 8. VnderUnder wise providence, such inquisitors have an answer of frustration. Ver. 21.
D. 9. The trustiest messengers of sinners may return bootles to such as send them.
D. 10. Objects of uncleannes may be found to insnare persons to sin, but not to satisfy demands.
D. 11. God somtimes ordereth the frustration of sinners with a witnes. Ver. 22.
D. 12. By patience perforce, unclean sinners may be content to sit down with losse.
D. 13. Fear of shame and reproach, makes sinners willing to be loosers.
D. 14. Vncleannes is a reproachfull thing in the account of the worst adulterers.
D. 15. A self conceit of having done their duties make's wicked ones sometimes, content to sit down loosers. Ver. 23.
3. The discovery of all this wickednes now followeth by Thamars growing bigg, wherein are to be noted.Ver. 24.
1. The time of discovery, And it was as the thirding of moneths, that is, about three moneths after. Cald. the same. — after three moneths, Sept. herein occurre.
1. The connection; after the fact committed, and Judahs labour to satisfy for his pleasure, and hide his fault; next to this, providence order's to bring all to light.
2. The space of time was ordinary, wherein conceptions began to become visible to others; however whorish women sometimes conceal it. After three moneths, now it begins to appear, that Tamar in her widowhood, had done naughtily.
2. The means of discovery, which was the fame, or report, that came to Judah about his daughter, And it was told Judah saying, Thamar thy daughter in law hath play'd the harlot, and also behold she is with child by fornications, or whoredoms. Sept. Cald. same. — Nothing is difficult here, but these things are noted,
1. That this day Thamar was a widow.
2. That in her widowhood she had knowledge of a man.
3. That now the fruit of it appeared by her growing.
4. That all this must be by whoredom.
5. All this was related to Iudah.
3. Iudahs sentence on her hereupon. And Judah said bring her forth, and let her be burnt, Sept. and Cald. same.
1. The judge here is Judah not called to be a judge, but one that was willing to be rid of his daughter in law.
2. The judgement hasty.
1. To apprehend, and produce her.
2. To burn her without any further hearing of her cause, Ver. 24.
Quest. 1. By what right doth Judah give sentence, or was he a Iudge?
Answer. 1. It is groundlesly conceived by some, that he was a Prince in that countrey, where Iacob was a sojourner. 2. More probable is it, that he prononceth this judgement as an accuser; as it is common with us to say of murderers, let them be hanged, though we are not in the place of judges: so Iudah speaketh to his servants, judging (as he thought) what she deserved, and so as a party injured (as he conceived) he commands her to be brought forth, unto the judge of the place, and to suffer …ccording to the custom of the country in that sin.
Quest. 2. Was the sentence equal?
Answer. Surely no, for, 1. It was hasty and rash, without consideration of the fact, which afterward Iudah saw. 2. It was cruel presently to destroy the woman, with the fruit of the womb. 3. It is to be much suspected that Iudah had murderous thoughts against her, willing to be rid of his daughter in Law, that Shelah his son might not have her.
Quest. 3. Why would he have her burnt?
Answer. 1. Not because she was Melchizedeks daughter as some Hebrews foolishly conjecture, for he (if Shem) died ten yeares before Iacob was borne, now he was a hundered yeares of age; if Thamar had been so old, she had been past children; & irrational is it to thinke, that she should be given to a husband of fourteen yeares old. This they conjecture from the law of punishing the Priests daughter. Lev. 21.9. 2. It is more reasonably conceived to be the custome of the country, so to punish adultery.
4. Thamars apologie, whereabout we may observe.
1. The time and occasion of it, She was brought forth. Cald. the same. — She being brought forth, Sept. or after she was brought forth, viz. to be proceeded against by the Iudges of the place; now and not before she makes her defence, though she might have made it known long before.
2. Her message to Iudah.
1. By way of confession, And she sent unto her father in law, saying, by the man, whose these are, am I with child, Sept. and Cald. same. Where she confesseth.
1. The crime, that she was with child in her widowhood.
2. The man by whom, characterized by signalls.
2. By way of detection to himselfe, And she said acknowledge, or discerne, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, the bracelets, and the staffe? Sept. the same. — Handkerchiefe for bracelets. Cald. Herein she detect's him, as formerly she confessed herselfe guilty.
1. She produceth testimony by his pledge left her.
2. She appealeth to his ingenuity to discerne, and tell whether they were not his own. Ver. 25.Ver. 25.
5. Iudahs repeal of his rash sentence upon this detection made, wherein we h…ve.
1: His ingenuous acknowledgement of his pledge, and therein of his fact, And Iudah acknowledged, Sept. Cald. same. We adde them, that is the pledge, but that is not in the text; It is better, to the letter, he acknowledged, that is, all the truth, the fact, and the pledge; he did not deny it, as some might have done.
2. His justification of her, And he said, she is righteous before me, that is, more righteous then I, beeause that I gave her not to Shelah my son. — Thamar is justified more then I, Sept, — She is justified, she hath conceived by me. Cald. Here.
1. Sentence justifying, she is more righteous, not positively in respect of the fact, that was evil, but comparatively with respect to him, she was more to be justified then he.
2. The reason of the sentence, which was because Judah had not dealt justly with her, to give her to his son, and so was the first occasion of all this evil. So it falleth out rash Judges condemne themselves.
3. His testification of his own repentance, And he added not any more to know her, Sept. Cald. same. Now he knew his fault, although he sinned ignorantly before, he addes not to the same the sin of knowledge. He brake off from this sin which was a note of repentance.
Quest. Did Judah give her to Shelah afterward?
Answer. 1. The Scripture is silent of it. 2. It is more probable, that Iudah, and she both lived in widowhood. 3. It is certain Shelah, had a seed called Shelanites, which is thought he had by an other wife. Num. 26.20. Ver, 26.Ver. 26.
Learne hence.
D. 1. Secret pollution, and open detection are sometimes by providence made to succeed each other.
D. 2. Time worketh discovery of that sin, which man hideth.
D. 3. Fame spreads the sin usually, which time discover's.
D. 4 Fame of others sin may come to men, to make them shew their owne.
D. 5. Frutifulnes of the womb by whoredom is of bad report with nature itself.
D. 6. Whoredom is punishable with death by the law of nature.
D. 7. Adulterers are usually rash and cruel judges of compeers in sin. Ver. 24.
D. 8. Sinners way be brought forth so as to impeach their accusers.
D. 9. The confession of one sinner may be the occasion of confession of another,
D. 10. The hire of sin God makes to be brought forth to convince the sinner. Ver 25.
D. 11. Ingenuity makes conscience to acknowledge sin on evidence.
D. 12. Severe judges by their own guilt are made justifiers of the condemned.
D. 13. Conscience of wrong done, may make men justify others be…ore themselves.
D. 14. Such conviction of conscience will worke repentance.
D. 15. Repentance will not suffer men to returne againe willingly to the same sin Ver. 26.
3. The last general of this Chapter containeth the history of the incestuous birth, wherein note
1. The burthen with which she travelled is discovered, And it was in the time of her bearing or of her travel, or child birth: and behold twins were in her womb. Cald the same. — foreign. &c. Sept. Herein. 1. The season noted, the time of bearing.
1. According to the set time, and course of women, at the nine months end, when she now came to the hour of her travel.
2. The burden or fruit discovered, wherewith she travelled, And behold twins were in her womb; a double birth, and that two sons at once, this may be considered.
1. With respect to Thamar, and it note's she was not barren, neither did the want of sons by her husbands lye upon her.
2. With respect to Iudah and her; it shewed a double pledge of their sin & shame.
3. With respect to providence, it noteth Gods free goodnes, to vouchsafe such fruit to creatures in their sinful wayes. Ver. 27.Ver. 27.
2. The danger of her travel discovered in the strangenes of the birth. Herein also are given.
1. The season of it, And it was in her bearing or travel, Sept. Cald. same. Now when pain came upon her, and throws to send forth the fruit of the womb; in her bearing paines.
2. The events, which are three, importing no small danger of the mothers life, as well as children.
I. The appearance of one to birth by putting out an hand.
1. The childs natural motion for its birth under providence, he gave out his hand; which is none of the safest way of coming into the world.
2. The midwifes action, And the midwife tooke and bound upon his hand, a scarlet thread, saying, this came out first. — This will come out, Sept. — Tooke a scarlet, and bound. &c. Cald. Here.
1. Her action, She tooke and bound a scarlet thread; a little difference is about the word foreign some reading a double thread, becau…e it cometh from that, which signifieth two or double. Others from the double dye, r…ad a scarlet thread: this generally is agreed unto.
2. Her end was doubtles to know the first borne the better. Some thinke the colour was a note of dignity belonging un…o the first borne, but that is a little curious. Ver. 28.Ver. 28.
II. The retreat of this, and breaking forth of the other, wherein.
1. The retreat of one,Ver. 2…. And it was as he turned his hand. Cald. the same. — As he gathered up his hand, Sept. So providence ordered the former to goe back; and give place; which must be more dangerous.
2. The birth of the other first, And behold his brother came out, or that, &c. — And immediately his brother came out, Sept. Cald. the same.
1. The note of demonstration, to marke such a rare passage of providence.
2. The matter pointed, which is his birth. His brother came forth. God gave him the birthright.
3. The midwifes observation hereupon And she said why, or how hast thou broken forth? upon thee the breach. — Why is the partition divided for thee? Sep. — What great strength was in thee, that thou hast prevailed? Cald. Some difference the…e is about the pointing of this clause: some make it but one sentence wherefore hast thou made this breach against thee? English Margin, how hast thou broken forth upon thee the breach? Ainsworth. Museu. But most make two clauses.
1. Why, or how hast thou broken forth?
2. The breach be on thee, or is on thee, that is, is thine. In the former she admit…es the event, how could this be? This is a strange event, how couldst thou make such a breach, to come before thy brother? In the latter she either asserts some thing as sure, thine is the breach, or she wisheth some thing on the child: thine be the breach. That is, seing thou hast got the precedency in breaking forth of the womb, thine be it.
4. The naming of the child hereupon, And his name was called Pharez, or he called, &c.
1. Iudah, or every one called him by that name, Sept. Cald. same.
1. The imposer seemeth to be Iudah upon the midwifes speech.
2. The subject of imposition, the child.
3. The name imposed, noting his birth Pharez, that is, a breach. So he is a memorial of that providence. Ver. 29.
3. The last event, which is the birth of that son, who first appeared, this adds further to the pains of the mother. Herein.
1. The order is noted, And afterward, Sept. Cald. same. — So God ordered, that the first should be last.
2. The birth, His brother came out, who had the scarlet thread upon his hand, Sept. Cald. same.
1. His description of him by the midwifes marke.
2. His birth in safety, he came forth into the world.
3, His naming, And his name was called Zarah, or he called, Sept. Cald. same
1. The imposer of the name, Iudah.
2. The subject of imposition, the child.
3 The name imposed, that which signifieth rising: as being risen, and should have first came forth. This is the plain relation of the history according to the letter. As for those that delight in the mysteries, and allegories, which some ancients have made of these two sons, I leave them to injoy their own phansies: I account it enough to finde the true meaning of the letter, which giveth us the minde of God in these matters. Ver. 30.Ver. 30.
Learn we from it.
D. 1. There is a season of bearing ordered by providence and to be observed by us. Eccl. 3.2.
D. 2 Providence may order abundant fruitfulnes unto incestuous mixtures. Twins to incest Ver 27.
D. 3. God somtimes returneth unto unclean conceptions bitter travells.
D. 4. Crosse comming of children to birth is Gods ordering to minde of sin sometimes.
D. 5. Creatures may be deceived in marking that for first, which cometh last. Ver. 28.
D. 6. It is Gods prerogative to make first and last in births, and other conditions.
D. 7 Even in the fruit of the womb God makes one child retreat, that the other may come forth.
D. 8. The breaking out of the fruit of the womb is sometimes wonderful to creatures.
D. 9. The wonders of God are reasonably prepetuated in the very names of children. Ver. 29.
D. 10. The first in mans thoughts is many times last in Gods.
D. 11. Safe births are great mercies, whether first or last: all come forth under providence.
D. 12. Such mercies should be made knowne in the very names, and beings of creatures. Ver. 30.