Definition: And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she [is] with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 38:24 together. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's an explanation that aims to be clear and understandable: The Basic Story: This verse describes a dramatic event that happened after Jacob’s son, Esau, married Tamar. Let’s rewind a bit: Jacob’s Family: Jacob was a man who had a large family, including his favorite son, Esau. Tamar’s Role: Tamar was a woman in Jacob’s family – she was a bit of an outcast and wasn't particularly loved by the rest of the family. The Betrayal: Esau married Tamar, and she became incredibly close to her husband’s brother, Esau. This created a situation where Tamar had a special, protected relationship with Jacob. What Happened Next? “About three months after” – this is crucial. It means that very soon after this event, Tamar became pregnant. The verse continues: Tamar’s Announcement: Tamar told her husband, Esau, that she was pregnant. Jacob's Command: Jacob ordered his servants to bring her forth (to reveal the baby) and then to burn her. This is a very harsh command – it shows how deeply troubled he felt about this situation. What Does It Mean? This verse is significant because it highlights a major problem in the story of Genesis: a betrayal of trust and a violation of God's laws. Here’s what it points to: Disobedience: Tamar’s relationship with Esau was built on a secret. She wasn't supposed to be with her husband’s brother – that's a fundamental rule of family life. Sin and Consequences: The verse suggests that this betrayal is a consequence of sin. It points to a moment where Jacob’s family was involved in something morally wrong, and the result is a child being punished. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t fully explain why Tamar was so close to Esau. However, it's generally understood that this relationship was a form of favoritism, and that this event set back the family's lineage. In short, this verse describes a troubling moment where a woman betrayed her husband's brother and became pregnant, leading to a difficult and potentially tragic situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Talk about the context of the story (e.g., why this event is important)? Offer a different perspective on the meaning of the verse?