“The sons of Judah were Er, Onan, and Shelah. These three were born to him by the daughter of Shua, the Canaanitess. Er, the firstborn of Judah, was wicked in the sight of the Lord; so He killed him. And Tamar, his daughter-in-law, bore him Perez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five.”

‭‭I Chronicles‬ ‭2:3-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

A great deal happened between the death of Er and the twin sons of Judah born through Tamar. Their story is told in Genesis 38, but what stood out to me today is how she was mentioned in the genealogical records in First Chronicles. 

Tamar was married to an evil man then to another. G-d was displeased with both men, who were brothers, and He killed them. Then, her father in law, assuming the curse was on her and wanting to spare his third son, sent her to her fathers home and attempted to ignore her. 

But Tamar – she wouldn’t be a victim to shame. She found a way to be restored, albeit an unusual way that involved deception. In the end, Judah declared her actions more righteous than his: 

“Judah recognized the articles, and said, “She has been more righteous [in this matter] than I, because I did not give her to my son Shelah [as I had promised].” And Judah did not have [intimate] relations with her again.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭38:26‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I find encouragement in her story today. Tamar was given twins – a double portion. G-d more than redeemed her – He restored all she had lost and more. And, Tamar was a strong woman. She survived the death of two husbands. She was rejected by her father in law and his family – whom she would have been bound to through a bridal covenant. She wore garments of mourning for many years – yet, she stood up. She played the victim no longer. 

The encouragement for me is this: when I am wronged or treated unrighteously, He will redeem me. I can stand in the face of rejection and shame as a daughter of promise, not as a victim. He will restore a double portion to me of all that was stolen. 

No matter what we face today, may we face it with courage and conviction, no longer a victim to circumstances or people, knowing that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, and He is close to the broken hearted. 

Father, thank You for Your Word! How rich Your promises are to me and how great is Your love. Give me grace to follow You today and strength to stand in Your truth. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: I Chronicles 1-2