Genesis Narrative
In Genesis chapter 38, Tamar is first described as marrying Judah's eldest son, Er. Because of his wickedness, Er was killed by Yahweh. By way of a Levirate union, Judah asked his second son, Onan, to provide offspring for Tamar so that the family line might continue. However, Onan performed coitus interruptus because any child born would not be his own to claim. His actions were deemed wicked by Yahweh and so, like his older brother, he died prematurely. At this point, Judah is portrayed as viewing Tamar to be cursed, and is therefore reluctant to give his remaining and youngest son Shelah, to her. Rather, he told Tamar to wait for Shelah. However, even after he grew up, Judah did not give Tamar to Shelah in marriage. (Genesis 38:6-14)
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