- Why might text now “leave Joseph”, and proceed to an entirely other narrative re: Judah?
- What period of time would (might) have passed in Genesis 38:1–6?
- What is meant by “bad in God’s eyes” (Genesis 38:7)?
- What is the intent of a brother marrying his brother’s widow (Genesis 38:8)?
- In Genesis 38:9–10, is Onan’s “transgression” masturbation or refusal to impregnate Tamar – and, if the latter, is the current term “onanism” a correct usage?
- Judah has lost two sons – the message?
- What now becomes of Tamar?
- What is Tamar’s objective as set forth in Genesis 38:13–18, and why the “disguise”?
- What is the apparent function of the request for a “security deposit” – and the not apparent but real purpose? (Genesis 3818)
- In Genesis 38:21, Judah’s friend uses the term “kedeyshah” and not “zonah”. What is the difference, and how does it reflect a sensitivity to the local populace?
- In Genesis 38:24, who determines the fate of Tamar (no legal process?) and why the immediate maximum severity?
- What is the result of the exchange in Genesis 38:25 –26?
- One of the twins is named Peretz – and the story ends with the naming. Would the narrative, then, have any point to make?
