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Genesis 38:24 - Judah's hasty judgment questioned?

Genesis 38:24 - בראשית 38:24

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כְּמִשְׁלֹשׁ חֳדָשִׁים וַיֻּגַּד לִיהוּדָה לֵאמֹר זָנְתָה תָּמָר כַּלָּתֶךָ וְגַם הִנֵּה הָרָה לִזְנוּנִים וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוּדָה הוֹצִיאוּהָ וְתִשָּׂרֵף׃

English Translation

And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Yehuda, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law has played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by harlotry. And Yehuda said, Bring her out and let her be burnt.

Transliteration

Vayehi kemishlosh chodashim vayugad liyehuda lemor zanta tamar kalatecha vegam hineh harah liznunim vayomer yehuda hotziuha vetisaref.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֣י <b>׀</b> כְּמִשְׁלֹ֣שׁ חֳדָשִׁ֗ים וַיֻּגַּ֨ד לִֽיהוּדָ֤ה לֵאמֹר֙ זָֽנְתָה֙ תָּמָ֣ר כַּלָּתֶ֔ךָ וְגַ֛ם הִנֵּ֥ה הָרָ֖ה לִזְנוּנִ֑ים וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוּדָ֔ה הוֹצִיא֖וּהָ וְתִשָּׂרֵֽף׃
וַיְהִ֣י ׀ כְּמִשְׁלֹ֣שׁ חֳדָשִׁ֗ים וַיֻּגַּ֨ד לִֽיהוּדָ֤ה לֵאמֹר֙ זָֽנְתָה֙ תָּמָ֣ר כַּלָּתֶ֔ךָ וְגַ֛ם הִנֵּ֥ה הָרָ֖ה לִזְנוּנִ֑ים וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוּדָ֔ה הוֹצִיא֖וּהָ וְתִשָּׂרֵֽף׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereishit 38:24) describes the moment when Yehuda is informed that his daughter-in-law, Tamar, is pregnant under circumstances that appear to be the result of illicit relations. This follows the earlier narrative in which Tamar, after being widowed twice by Yehuda's sons, is denied to Shelah, the third son, in violation of the laws of yibum (levirate marriage). Tamar then takes matters into her own hands by disguising herself as a prostitute and conceiving with Yehuda himself.

Yehuda's Reaction

Yehuda commands, "Bring her out and let her be burnt." Rashi (Bereishit 38:24) explains that Yehuda, as a leader of the generation, was obligated to enforce justice. The severity of the punishment—burning—is discussed in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 52b), which states that the daughter of a kohen (priest) who commits adultery is subject to burning (Vayikra 21:9). Since Tamar was the daughter of Shem (who served as a kohen, according to Midrash), this punishment was applicable.

Tamar's Righteousness

Despite the appearance of sin, Tamar's actions were ultimately justified. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85:10) emphasizes that Tamar acted l'shem shamayim (for the sake of Heaven) to uphold the lineage of Yehuda. She knew through ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration) that she was destined to bear children through Yehuda. Ramban (Bereishit 38:26) notes that Tamar's silence when accused—choosing not to publicly shame Yehuda—demonstrated her righteousness.

Yehuda's Admission of Truth

Later, Yehuda acknowledges his role in the matter (Bereishit 38:26), declaring, "She is more righteous than I." The Talmud (Sotah 10b) praises Yehuda for admitting the truth, which spared Tamar from execution. This moment is seen as a tikkun (rectification) for Yehuda's earlier failure to fulfill his obligation to provide Shelah for yibum.

Lessons from the Incident

  • Justice and Mercy: The episode highlights the balance between strict justice (din) and compassion (rachamim). Yehuda initially judged harshly but later recognized the deeper truth.
  • Silence as Wisdom: Tamar's refusal to expose Yehuda publicly teaches the value of avoiding humiliation (ona'at devarim).
  • Divine Providence: The story underscores hashgacha pratit (divine guidance), as Tamar's actions preserved the messianic lineage (Ramban, Bereishit 38:29).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 10b
The verse is discussed in the context of the story of Judah and Tamar, focusing on the moral and legal implications of Judah's actions and Tamar's righteousness.
📖 Sanhedrin 44b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance, using Judah's initial judgment of Tamar as an example.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yehuda say to burn Tamar?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 10b), Yehuda believed Tamar had committed adultery since she was his daughter-in-law (widow of his son), and the punishment for adultery in Jewish law (when certain conditions are met) could be death by burning. However, Yehuda later admitted his mistake when Tamar revealed that he was the father.
Q: What is the significance of the three months in this verse?
A: The three months (כְּמִשְׁלֹשׁ חֳדָשִׁים) are significant because, as Rashi explains, this was enough time for Tamar's pregnancy to become noticeable. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:10) adds that Tamar deliberately waited until Yehuda could recognize his own belongings (the pledge he gave her) to prove his involvement.
Q: Why is this story about Yehuda and Tamar important in the Torah?
A: This episode is important because it shows Yehuda's growth in taking responsibility (as he later admits his role) and highlights Divine Providence. The Ramban explains that this event ultimately led to the lineage of King David and Mashiach, as Peretz (one of Tamar's twins) is an ancestor in that line.
Q: How does Jewish tradition view Tamar's actions in this story?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 10b) and Midrash praise Tamar's righteousness, explaining that she acted to preserve Yehuda's lineage (since his sons had died childless). She risked her life rather than publicly shame Yehuda, and the Sages teach that her intentions were for the sake of Heaven.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yehuda admitting his mistake?
A: Yehuda's admission ('She is more righteous than I') teaches the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. The Talmud (Sotah 7b) derives from this that confessing the truth brings merit. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva) also highlights this as a model of repentance—acknowledging wrongdoing and changing behavior.