Tamar Bible Study

Based on Genesis 38

Photograph of a Date Palm, photographer unknown (brought by Sarah Spacek)

I mentioned the significance of Tamar's name in the post I wrote for her. She stands strong despite everything she is put through, she bears fruit in a barren land. Tamar inspires me to have faith in God. In a life as difficult as hers, she stood strong and boldly claimed what was hers. Her strength, hope, and faithfulness is something I hope to emulate.

A poem by Rupi Kuar (brought by Jessie Wright)

Judah killing Tamar for the same sin he commits on the regular is beyond aggravating, also, Tamar acting to protect herself is not dishonorable and she only did what culture would permit - Jessie Wright

"A Daring Act of Faith" by Julia Chavez

In reading this story, I kept thinking of the image of Tamar crouching at the gate of Enaim, wrapped in the shameful garments of prostitution, simply because she had been rejected by the people of God and withheld the protection and honor of her womanhood in a patriarchal society. As she sat alone, veiled, and shamed, she demonstrated a courageous act of faith. She lowered herself into sin, so that God might redeem her and redeem the chosen family through which he would one day enter creation. Tamar took a risk that led almost to her death, she persevered through years of deception and lies from Judah, and she bravely pursued justice for herself, and she is remembered. The destitute widow on the side of the road, wrapped in the veils of a prostitute is remembered. God honored and remembered her in his redemptive narrative. In fact, God entered the world as a man through the line of Tamar. She mothered the family of Jesus! He used her story— her shame— to bring about redemption for all people. - Julia Chavez

Photographer unknown (brought by Jackson Heydt)

Because of its significance in the show, what stood out to me was the mention of scarlet in the story of Tamar. If scarlet is supposed to represent the passing of sin throughout each generation, there's a lot of scarlet in this story. It is useful to remember that God is working even in this story and has a plan for the scarlet that stains much of what happens in this world. - Jackson Heydt

"What Will You Give Me" by Ruthie Wu

Iceberg, artist unknown (brought by Emma Ware)

A visual representation of the known actions and words of people versus their ulterior motives; God's spoken words and his ultimate plan - Emma Ware