38:6 Tamar. Tamar, who had a son by Judah through a rather involved and unsavory (though, in one sense, and from her point of view, quite justified) intrigue, is the first of four women (the others being Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba) listed in the kingly genealogy of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 1:3). This, among other factors, is surely a testimony of God’s grace. Tamar had twin sons, the youngest of which, Phares, was the one in the royal line.

38:8 raise up seed to thy brother. This so-called Levirate marriage relationship (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) was practiced also in other nations at the time, according to the Nuzi tablets.