Genesis 37 is an interlude that focuses on Judah’s unrighteousness. It demonstrates God’s sovereignty and that all things work together for good. The manifestations of Judah’s unrighteousness are as follows:

1)  Ungodly companions (Gen 38:12-19)
Judah had a friend, Hirah (an Adullamite, a Canaanite, a heathen). Most probably through his influence, Judah married Shuah, a Canaanite woman. Later on, Er (his firstborn son) too married a Canaanite woman (Tamar). Judah and Hirah had quite a close relationship, and Judah enjoyed the ungodly company. Hirah did not stop Judah from going with a harlot. Sinners will entice us to sin. We need godly friends who can warn us about sin. Do we enjoy ungodly company because of the unrighteousness in our own heart?

2)  Empty words (unfulfilled promises) (Gen 38:14)
Judah mistakenly thought that Tamar was cursed as both his sons (Er and later Onan) were killed by God. They were killed because of their own wickedness. Judah promised to give Tamar his youngest son Shelah when he came of age; but he had no intention of keeping his promise. We must keep our promise. Our word is our bond. Do we keep our promises?

3.  Fornication and adultery (Gen 38:15-26)
Judah was much influenced by the ungodly Canaanite way of life. He had a physical relationship with a harlot, not knowing that she was his daughter-in-law. Tamar too was unrighteous as she deceived Judah. Judah acknowledged that he was unrighteous and wicked, and that he had sinned. (Note: This righteousness is not imputed righteousness. It is our holy and upright walk before our God.) When Tamar became pregnant, Judah accused her of prostituting herself and ordered that she be punished by burning. This was a severe reaction, burning instead of being stoned (Lev 20). It shows Judah’s self-righteousness. Oftentimes, we ignore our own unrighteousness/sinfulness, and we point out the sins of other people, making ourselves appear holy and righteous. Be sure that our sin will find us out. Have we been harbouring any secret sins? Turn to the Lord and confess our sins. He will be merciful to forgive us.

Genesis 38:27-30 speaks of God’s sovereignty. Despite Judah’s sin and immorality, God is in control. Tamar gave birth to twins: Pharez and Zerah. The line of Pharez led to David and then on to the Messiah.