The Bible is full of stories of men and women of faith. One of the most enduring figures of faith is Tamar, who makes numerous appearances throughout the biblical narrative. It may not be immediately obvious, but Tamar is person who shows us a great deal about the faith of our forebears and the importance that all of us must attach to walking a righteous path.
The first mention of Tamar is in Genesis 38. We meet Tamar during the life of Judah and Tamar’s father, Judah. We learn that Judah had three sons, and that Judah arranged for the eldest of them, Er, to marry Tamar. Unfortunately, Er is put to death by God, leaving Tamar a widow.
Judah then decides to have his next son Onan marry Tamar. However, Onan refuses to go through with the marriage, in direct disobedience of the Lord. Again, God takes him, leaving Tamar once more a widow. Judah then refuses to let the third son, Shelah, marry her. At this point in the narrative it becomes clear that Tamar is being mistreated.
Tamar plots an intricate revenge upon Judah, and when he fails to recognize her and tries to have her put to death for a supposed crime, she reveals her identity. Judah realizes he has wronged her and rewards her with a gift and an honor.
What this story is really about, is the importance of loyalty to the Lord and His commands, as well as to one another. Tamar, a woman who had done nothing wrong, was willing to risk her life to testify to her loyalty to God’s law, in spite of the way Judah had treated her.
This is an example of resilience that each of us should strive for. She refused to abide by Judah’s law, but showed her absolute faith in God’s law. She risked her life, in an act of martyrdom, to emphasize her commitment to righteousness. Her example should be a reminder of how loyal we must be, even in the face of enemies.
The second mention of Tamar occurs in Matthew 1. Tamar appears as an ancestor of Jesus, through Joseph, who is the husband of Mary, who is also mentioned in the genealogy that Matthew goes on to discuss. Here, Tamar is included to signify her significance as a hero of faith.
The Significance Of Faith
The inclusion of Tamar in Jesus’ genealogy is significant, as she is meant to remind us of the power of faith. Tamar demonstrates that faith is our only deliverance in a world of suffering, pain and injustice; and that our faith in God is the only surefire way of obtaining justice. Her powerful recognition of the importance of faith is something that we should all endeavor to have in our lives.
In addition to this, Tamar’s inclusion in the genealogy is meant to illustrate how the Lord is always faithful to His promises. Despite their misfortunes, Tamar, and those throughout biblical times, found hope and security at the realization that the Lord does always keep His promises. Despite any misfortune, the Lord will keep His promises and He will always remain faithful.
Tamar’s presence in Jesus’ lineage also serves to remind us that a person can remain faithful even when in difficult situations. Additionally, it is a reminder that faith can help us endure difficult times and that those with faith will be blessed in the end.
The Power Of Love
A third mention of Tamar appears in Matthew chapter 15. This is a brief mention of Tamar in Jesus’ genealogy, where she is mentioned as one of the few female characters included. In this place, she is used to show to us all the power of love. This is a message of loyalty and commitment to both God and our fellow man, and that love is more powerful than anything else in the world. Tamar’s presence in Jesus’ lineage serves as a reminder of what it means to love others, despite any hardships or difficulties, which is something that we should all strive towards.
Tamar’s story also serves as an example of a person who was willing to risk her life for justice and loyalty. This is an example of true courage and bravery and serves as a reminder that we too can attain these qualities, if we set our minds and hearts to it. Lastly, Tamar is an example of what it means to remain faithful even in the face of adversity, which is a lesson we should all work towards.
Conclusion and Summary
Tamar appears three times in the Bible, each time sending a different message and imparting a different lesson. In the first instance she shows us the importance of being loyal to God’s commands and not following those of mere mortals. In Matthew Tamar appears in the lineage of Jesus, showing the power of faith and of love. Finally, in Matthew 15, Tamar sends the message that despite suffering and adversity, we can remain faithful, courageous and resolute.
The Impact of Tamar
Tamar’s impact is still felt today. Her courage and faith in the face of adversity serve as a reminder to all of us of what it means to be faithful and of the importance of justice for oppressed people. Her resilient spirit is something that we should strive for and something that is sorely needed in our times. She is a symbol of faith, hope and love for all of us, and her example should be taken to heart.
Tamar’s story is also an example of how women were treated in the biblical world. She was mistreated and wronged by men, showing us the oppression of women in that era. Tamar stands as a reminder of how women should be treated properly and with respect, and her story should continue to remind us of this fact.
Overall, Tamar’s appearances in the Bible serve to show us the strength and power of faith, justice, hope, love and resilience. Her presence within the Bible is a reminder of how we all can remain loyal to our beliefs and live courageously, no matter how difficult the circumstances.
The Lessons We Can Learn From Tamar
Tamar’s story is one of the most inspiring and impactful stories in the bible, and her impact is still felt today. Her unwavering faith in God and in justice gives us a glimpse into our own capacity to be loyal and resolute. In her we can see our own capacity to remain faithful, courageous and accountable to God, no matter the cost.
In addition, Tamar also teaches us to remain hopeful and loving, even when it feels like there is no hope. Her example reminds us that love is more powerful than anything else, and that love will see us through the most difficult of times. Lastly, she also serves to remind us that women should be treated with respect and dignity, no matter their station in life.
Tamar’s presence in the Bible is an example of how even in the most desperate or uncertain of circumstances, we can remain firm in our faith and seek justice, even as we strive for inner peace and contentment. In her we see our own capacity for hope, courage and faith, and learn lessons about love, justice, and perseverance.
