Genesis 38: Fear the Lord, Trust His Grace

Scripture Focus:

“But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD put him to death.”
— Genesis 38:7 (ESV)
Read in context →

Reflection:
This is one of the most sobering verses in Genesis. We're not told what Er’s specific sin was—but we are told this: God saw it, and He judged it.

Before we understand the grace of God, we must first understand the holiness and justice of God. In the Old Testament, breaking God’s commandments—such as those found in the Ten Commandments—often resulted in death. Without the covering of Jesus' blood, humanity stood exposed before the full weight of divine justice.

Romans 3:23 says,

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
And Romans 6:23 follows:
“The wages of sin is death.”

God isn’t cruel. He’s holy. And holy means perfect in justice, flawless in purity, consuming in righteousness. When we read about Er being put to death, we’re reminded that sin is not a small thing—it’s treason against a holy God.

This passage should make us pause—and tremble. It should lead us to reverence, repentance, and gratitude. Because apart from the cross, we all stand guilty.

🔍 Cultural Background: Onan & Tamar

The narrative continues with Onan, who refused to give Tamar a child by spilling his semen on the ground (Genesis 38:9–10). This wasn’t just about physical sin—it was spiritual rebellion. In ancient Near Eastern culture, there was a law called levirate marriage: if a man died childless, his brother was to marry the widow and produce offspring in the deceased’s name (Deuteronomy 25:5–6). Onan rejected this duty.

Why? Likely because any son born wouldn’t be considered his—it would be his dead brother’s. It was selfishness masked as pleasure. And God saw it. Again, judgment came.

Now Tamar, the widow in this situation, is fascinating. Though her methods were unconventional—posing as a prostitute to conceive by Judah—God does not declare her wicked. In fact, Genesis 38:26 records Judah saying,

“She is more righteous than I.”

In the ancient world, childlessness was considered a curse. Tamar’s pursuit wasn’t driven by lust, but by a desire to preserve the family line—a line that, shockingly, would one day lead to the Messiah (Matthew 1:3).

🧭 So Where Is God’s Will in This?

This story is messy. But so is grace.

God’s will is not for deception or sexual manipulation—but He is sovereign even over human failure. He doesn’t excuse sin—but He works through it to accomplish His purposes.

Here’s the key truth:
God’s justice demands holiness. God’s grace provides mercy. And His sovereignty ensures redemption.

Without Jesus, Er and Onan’s judgment would be our story. But with Jesus, we are not cut off—we are forgiven, covered, and invited into the story of redemption.

Prayer:
Holy God, Your justice is perfect, and Your eyes see everything. Forgive me for treating sin lightly. Teach me to walk in the fear of the Lord. Thank You for the blood of Jesus that covers me and spares me from judgment. Even when I don't understand everything in Your Word, help me trust Your heart. May I live in reverence of Your holiness and the wonder of Your grace. Amen.