Bible Figure
Tamar
figure in the Book of Genesis; daughter-in-law of Judah
Tamar was Judah's daughter-in-law whose actions exposed Judah's failure to provide for her and preserved the family line through the birth of Perez and Zerah.
Biography
Genesis 38 recounts Tamar's marriages to Judah's sons Er and Onan. Both died, and Judah promised his younger son Shelah when he grew older but did not give him to Tamar. Realizing she had been denied the expected family provision, Tamar disguised herself and encountered Judah, obtaining his seal, cord, and staff as pledges. When her pregnancy became known, Judah initially ordered punishment, but Tamar produced the identifying objects. Judah acknowledged, 'She is more righteous than I,' because he had withheld Shelah. Tamar gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah. Perez became an ancestor of David.
Biblical Significance
Tamar's story exposes Judah's injustice and becomes an important turning point in his character. Her inclusion in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus highlights the unexpected and sometimes morally complicated history through which the messianic line was preserved.