This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Genesis, the 1st book in the Bible. Taught by our pastor, Simeon Forder, at our Sunday morning service on the 19th May 2024.

About this book

Genesis is the first book in the Bible, and in its more than 1500 verses, there are over 50 prophecies, 100+ commands, over 70 promises, and almost 100 distinct messages from God. As well as recording the firsts of so many things — including the first marriage, sin, child, murder, death, laughs, tears — this book also explains God’s established order in all things; from creation to Israel, marriage to tithing, and all before the law is even mentioned. But ultimately, this book points to Jesus as our Saviour, not only in obvious ways, but in its smaller details too.

About this study

This chapter is a stark contrast to the ones that follow (which show Joseph to be a man of wholesome character) for Judah moves away from his family, marries a Canaanite woman, and we see his sons are wicked men – so much so that God kills the eldest two. But as Judah mourns this loss, he stoops further, sleeping with his daughter-in-law (who then falls pregnant). And we might wonder what there is to learn from this chapter. But as we looks closely we see there is much that relates to our world today.

Application questions

• Are you choosing your friends carefully?
• Is your view of sex rooted and grounded in what the Bible says?
• Are you looking down on the sin of others, when you do the same thing?