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Genesis 38:1–10
Ancient Middle Eastern women were regarded as being under the care of a father, a husband or a grown son at all times in their lives. If a woman was widowed before having a male child, her security was threatened. Hebrew culture and later Biblical law protected young widows by requiring a male relative of her husband to marry her and give her an heir. An heir would preserve her inheritance and provide for her needs as she grew old. When Judah and his sons avoided this responsibility for Tamar, God was displeased. This practice seems strange to us, but the story of Tamar reveals something about God’s character. Deuteronomy 10:18 and Psalm 68:5 (among other Scripture passages) describe God as a defender of widows and orphans. It’s his nature to stand up on behalf of those who have no one else to take care of them. We never need to worry about being completely alone; God is with us.
Ancient Middle Eastern women were regarded as being under the care of a father, a husband or a grown son at all times in their lives. If a woman was widowed before having a male child, her security was threatened. Hebrew culture and later Biblical law protected young widows by requiring a male relative of her husband to marry her and give her an heir. An heir would preserve her inheritance and provide for her needs as she grew old. When Judah and his sons avoided this responsibility for Tamar, God was displeased. This practice seems strange to us, but the story of Tamar reveals something about God’s character. Deuteronomy 10:18 and Psalm 68:5 (among other Scripture passages) describe God as a defender of widows and orphans. It’s his nature to stand up on behalf of those who have no one else to take care of them. We never need to worry about being completely alone; God is with us.
About this Plan
The NIV Once-A-Day Bible for Women encourages a relationship with God through daily Bible reading. With Scripture text from the New International Version, this 21 day extract from the 365 daily readings, making it easy to read at your own pace. Each day includes a portion of Scripture from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and a Psalm or a Proverb, followed by a short devotional thought specifically written for women.
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We would like to thank Zondervan for providing this devotional. For more information, please visit: www.facebook.com/OnceADayBible
