Genesis 38:19
French (La Bible expliquée)
Elle rentra chez elle, enleva son voile et reprit ses habits de veuve. Tamar comprend que Juda n'a pas tenu sa promesse. Elle est privée de son droit à avoir un enfant, et donc à participer à la bénédiction du clan auquel Juda l'a intégrée, droit normalement garanti par la loi du lévirat. Il lui est sans doute refusé par superstition, mais le lecteur sait que Dieu seul est à l'origine de la mort de ses deux premiers maris. L'expédient auquel elle a recours, scabreux au regard de notre morale, lui vaut pourtant l'approbation de Juda: la promesse de descendance est à ceux et celles qui s'en emparent. Sans savoir qu'il transgresse un interdit, Juda permet à Tamar d'avoir l'enfant auquel avait droit, selon la loi (Lév 20.12). Tamar a risqué sa vie, car elle était veuve, non remariée et enceinte! Toute la descendance de Juda sera issue de cet acte ambigu (46.12), y compris David et Jésus (Matt 1.3).
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes Tamar taking off her veil and changing into her widow's clothes after an encounter with her father-in-law, Judah. It shows her returning to her identity as a widow and changing her appearance accordingly.
Explained for Children
Imagine you had a special dress you wore to show you were sad about losing someone important. In this story, Tamar changes her clothes to show she's sad about her husband being gone. It's like changing your clothes when you go from playtime to bedtime.
Historical Background
Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE, recording events long before his time. This passage is part of a larger narrative about the family of Jacob. The cultural setting involves customs around widowhood and the importance of lineage.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can see this as a reminder to respect transitions in life. For example, when someone loses a job, they might change their appearance or routine to reflect their new status, just as Tamar changed her clothes to show she was a widow.
Topics
identitytransitionswidowhoodappearancecustomsfamily
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tamar change her clothes?
Tamar changed her clothes to reflect her status as a widow, indicating a shift in her identity and role within her community.
What does this verse teach us about cultural customs of widowhood?
This verse shows that in ancient times, widows had specific clothing and practices, like wearing veils, that marked their status and role within society.
How can this verse be applied to modern-day situations?
In modern life, this verse can remind us of the importance of respecting changes in identity, such as adapting to new roles after significant life events.
What other Bible passages deal with similar themes?
Verses like Ruth 1:16 and 1 Corinthians 7:39 deal with widowhood and the importance of identity, showing that these themes are consistent throughout the Bible.