Genesis 38 - Introduction

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 38

This chapter is wholly taken up with matters relating to Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, from whom the Jews have their name, and from whom Christ sprung: it treats of his marriage with a Canaanitess, his children by her, their character and end, Genesis 38:1; of his incest with his daughter-in-law, though unknown by him, Genesis 38:12; of his resentment against her, when he heard she was with child, and his confusion when he found it was by himself, Genesis 38:24; and of the birth of twins by her, named Pharez and Zarah, Genesis 38:27.