MPV Commentary

1. At that time—a period near to it, though not precisely defined.

2. Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite. Like Esau, this son of Jacob cast off the restraints of his faith and married into a Canaanite family. It's no surprise that the family that sprang from such an unsuitable connection would be infamous for bold and unblushing wickedness.

8. Judah said to Onan, "Marry her and raise up seed to your brother." This was the first instance of a custom later incorporated into Mosaic law: when a husband died leaving a widow, his brother next in line was to marry her, and any issue would be considered heir to the deceased (compare Deuteronomy 25:5).

12. Judah went up to his sheep-shearers, accompanied by his friend Hirah. This season, which occurs in Palestine towards the end of March, was a time for celebration and feasting. Wealthy masters like Judah would invite their friends and treat their servants to sumptuous entertainments.

Timnath—located in the mountains of Judah.

18. The signet, bracelets, and staff were gifts given by Tamar's father-in-law. Bracelets were worn by both men and women among the Hebrews. However, the word translated "bracelet" here is elsewhere rendered "lace" or "ribbon." It's unclear why these additional items were given, except possibly to attach the signet seal to a staff with a ribbon.

24. Bring her out, and let her be burned. In patriarchal times, fathers seemed to have had the power of life and death over their family members. Adultery was punished by burning in ancient times (Leviticus 21:9; Judges 15:6; Jeremiah 29:22). This chapter contains details that might not have been included if it weren't to show the full connection between Jesus' genealogy and Abraham's line. The disreputable character of Tamar's ancestry serves as a remarkable proof that "He made himself of no reputation" (Philippians 2:7).