Genesis 38:14

Shelah had become old enough to do the duty of a husband’s brother for Tamar. But Shelah’s father Judah did not allow him to do his duty. Judah was afraid that Shelah would die. Shelah’s two brothers had died because they were wicked. Judah thought that they had died because they married Tamar. So Judah wanted to protect Shelah. And Judah did not allow Shelah to have sex with Tamar.

‘Perfume’ is a substance that has a very pleasant smell.

v15 Judah saw her there. He thought that she was a woman who had sex for money. He thought that because she had covered her face. v16 He went to her at the side of the road. He said, ‘Let me lie with you.’ He did not know that she was his son’s widow. She said, ‘What will you give me, so that you may lie with me?’ v17 He answered, ‘I will send to you a young goat from my animals.’ And she said, ‘How may I know that you will send it? Will you give me a sign?’ v18 He said, ‘What sign shall I give to you?’ She replied, ‘Give your seal and its string to me. And give to me also your stick that is in your hand.’ So he gave them to her. Then he had sex with her and she became *pregnant by him. v19 Then she rose up and she went away. She uncovered her face. And she put on again the clothes that a widow wears.