Genesis 38: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Genesis 38 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Genesis chapter 38 presents a stark narrative that interrupts the overarching story of Joseph. It focuses on Judah, one of Jacob's sons, and highlights his actions following a significant personal tragedy. After leaving his family, Judah marries a Canaanite woman and has three sons.

Key verse

“Judah acknowledged them, and said, “She is more righteous than I, because I didn’t give her to Shelah, my son.” He knew her again no more.”
Genesis 38:26 (WEB)

Outline

Genesis 38:1–5 Judah's Marriage and Children
Genesis 38:6–11 Judah's Sons and Their Fates
Genesis 38:12–20 Tamar's Disguise and Deception
Genesis 38:21–24 Judah's Search and Response
Genesis 38:25–30 Tamar's Revelation and Birth

Discussion questions

In v6, who does Judah select as a wife for his son Er?
In v10, what does Yahweh do to Onan for his actions?
Judah’s statement in v11 regarding Tamar: what does this imply about his understanding of responsibility?
In v26, Judah acknowledges Tamar's actions: what does this suggest about his perception of justice?
When have you faced a situation where your actions had unexpected consequences, like Judah’s with Tamar?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 38: Genesis 46, Numbers 26, 1 Chronicles 2.

Before next time: read Genesis 39.