Tamar (Illustration by Joel Spector, 2005)
Missing in Action: Tamar
'Negative views of Tamar don't square with the high honour biblical writers consistently accord her whenever they mention her name. We want to rehabilitate Tamar as a strong role model for women and explore the significance of her righteous example for us today'.
Read: Genesis 38
Something to ponder...
1) How have we lost Tamar? What usually comes to mind when we think of her? What clues does the Bible leave for us that cause us to rethink our views of her?
2) What responsibility did Tamar share with her brothers-in-law? Contrast Tamar's motives with the motives of Onan and Judah in avoiding this duty.
3) How is Tamar a strong example of an ezer in her relationships with the men in her story?
4) How did Tamar reflect God's image? And how did her bold action change Judah's life?
5) Why is righteous Tamar such a powerful example for women today? How can we live for righteousness in our relationships and circumstances?
Can't remember how to take part? Here's a reminder.
Catch up on the conversation so far here.
3 comments:
Tamar was not passive and James described her as possessing a” righteous strength.” She did what was right. Within the context of her culture, she did what has to be done and as a result, Judah called her righteous. She was even favored to be mentioned in Jesus’ family tree! That probably took a lot of guts for her to do what she did but as James wrote- Tamar pointed Judah back to the covenant – to God. Tamar’s strength it is the kind of strength that does not seek to destroy but instead builds up.
I really appreciated this insight into what an ezer really looks like, exploring the 'strong' in 'strong helper'. Contrary to first impressions, Tamar used her strength to defend Judah from his downward spiral, and to lead him back to God and his purposes. A woman operating out of her own strength seeks to manipulate circumstances to her own advantage (eg. Sarah), but when our strength is from the Lord, it is a powerful instrument for change.
Hmmm... Like filling ourselves up with the Lord, drawing upon his strength constantly is difficult. And furthermore, what he calls us to do in his strength can be difficult too (see Hagar). Anyone have any helpful tips on how we can keep operating out of God's strength?
I'm a little behind in the discussions, but I've found it so good to "listen" to what everyone else has been saying.
I found this chapter particularly interesting. This was certainly not a message I would expect to hear from many pulpits. And yet, I've often wondered about Tamar's story. I knew there had to be more to it.
Sheela, I wish I had some "helpful tips", but that's something I struggle with myself. :)
Post a Comment