Crusade BibleCrusade Bible
Judah and TamarSchool of Rembrandt · 1650–60

Tamar(thamar)

תָּמָר/TAY-mar/

“Palm tree”

Summary

Tamar is the name of three women in the Old Testament: Judah's daughter-in-law who became an ancestor of Christ, a daughter of David who was violated by Amnon, and a daughter of Absalom.

☩Tamar, Wife of Er and Onan

Tamar was given as wife to Er, the eldest son of Judah, who died under divine displeasure. According to the levirate custom, Onan should have raised up children for his deceased brother, but he evaded this duty and also perished. Judah, fearing for his youngest son Shelah, delayed fulfilling his promise to give Tamar another husband. Tamar then disguised herself as a prostitute and conceived twins by Judah himself. When discovered, Judah acknowledged, 'She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to my son Shelah.' Through her son Perez, Tamar became an ancestor of David and ultimately of Christ.

Key verses:Genesis 38:6-30Ruth 4:12Matthew 1:3

☩Tamar, Daughter of David

Tamar was the beautiful daughter of David by Maachah the Geshurite princess, and full sister of Absalom. Her half-brother Amnon, David's eldest son, became obsessed with her and, feigning illness, lured her to his chamber where he violated her. Her touching remonstrance revealed two things: the infamy of such a crime 'in Israel,' implying a higher moral standard than other nations, and her belief that even marriage between them might be permitted by royal authority. The intense hatred Amnon showed after his crime, casting her out, exceeded his original passion. Tamar lived as a desolate woman in Absalom's house, and two years later Absalom avenged her by murdering Amnon.

Key verses:2 Samuel 13:1-321 Chronicles 3:9

☩Tamar, Daughter of Absalom

A daughter of Absalom who was named after his wronged sister. She married Uriah of Gibeah and became the mother of Maacah, who was the wife of King Abijah of Judah and grandmother of King Asa.

Key verses:2 Samuel 14:271 Kings 15:2

Related Verses26 mentions

2 Samuel· 13 verses

13:113:213:413:513:6

Genesis· 5 verses

14:738:638:1138:1338:24

1 Chronicles· 2 verses

2:43:9

Ezekiel· 2 verses

47:1948:28

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Tamar," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  2. 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Tamar," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
  3. 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Tamar," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
  4. 4.George Morrish, "Tamar," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).