Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the scarlet thread in Genesis 38:28?
A: The scarlet thread tied around the baby's hand in Genesis 38:28 serves as a marker to identify the firstborn twin. According to Rashi, this was done because the midwife saw that the first baby (Zerah) initially extended his hand, but then withdrew it, allowing his brother Perez to be born first. The thread was a visible sign to clarify the order of birth, which had legal implications for inheritance and family status.
Q: Why did the midwife tie a scarlet thread instead of another color?
A: Scarlet (שָׁנִי) was a distinctive, bright color that was easily noticeable, making it practical for identification. Additionally, the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:12) connects scarlet threads to significant events in Jewish tradition, such as the scarlet cord Rahab later used in Jericho, symbolizing divine salvation and destiny.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the story of Perez and Zerah in Genesis 38:28?
A: This verse teaches that divine plans may unfold unexpectedly. Though Zerah seemed destined to be the firstborn (as hinted by his hand emerging first), Perez ultimately took that role. The Talmud (Sotah 12a) notes that Perez's descendants include King David and the future Messiah, showing how G-d's choices shape history beyond human expectations.
Q: How does the order of birth between Perez and Zerah matter in Jewish tradition?
A: In Jewish law (based on Deuteronomy 21:17), the firstborn son receives a double inheritance and familial leadership. Here, Perez's precedence over Zerah—despite the initial sign—highlights that true status is determined by G-d's will, not just physical signs. Rambam (Hilchot Nachalot 2:11) discusses how such cases inform laws of inheritance.
Q: Is there a deeper meaning to Zerah withdrawing his hand in this verse?
A: Some commentators (like the Kli Yakar) suggest Zerah's withdrawal symbolizes humility or reluctance to assume leadership prematurely. Alternatively, the Midrash (Tanchuma Vayeshev 12) hints that this moment reflects the balance between human effort and divine decree—Zerah's attempt to emerge first was overruled by Perez's destined role in Jewish history.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Genesis 38:28) describes the birth of Peretz and Zerach, the twin sons of Yehudah and Tamar. During Tamar's labor, one of the infants extended his hand, and the midwife marked it with a scarlet thread to identify him as the firstborn. However, he withdrew his hand, and his brother Peretz emerged first instead.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the midwife tied the scarlet (שָׁנִי) thread on the infant's hand to signify that he was the first to emerge, even if only partially. The thread served as a visible marker to distinguish the firstborn. However, the child (Zerach) withdrew his hand, allowing Peretz to be born first. Rashi notes that this event foreshadowed the future greatness of Peretz, from whom King David and the Davidic dynasty would descend.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Rambam (Hilchot Nachalot 2:11) cites this incident as a proof that partial emergence does not establish firstborn status in halacha. Only complete birth determines the order of inheritance, reinforcing that Zerach, despite the thread, was not halachically the firstborn.
Symbolism of the Scarlet Thread
The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) explains that the scarlet thread represents human attempts to designate status, but divine decree ultimately determines destiny. The withdrawal of Zerach's hand signifies that human efforts are subordinate to Hashem's will.