Er
Er, Judah's firstborn son, was killed by God because of his wickedness.
Biography
Er was the firstborn son of Judah by his Canaanite wife, the daughter of Shua (Genesis 38:2–3). Judah arranged for Er to marry Tamar, but Er's life was cut short before he could produce offspring. The biblical text states plainly that 'Er was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD put him to death' (Genesis 38:7), though the nature of his wickedness is not specified. His death without an heir set in motion the complex chain of events involving Onan, Shelah, and ultimately Tamar's extraordinary action to secure her place in Judah's family, events that would eventually lead to the birth of Perez, an ancestor of King David and of Jesus Christ.
Significance
Er's brief and tragic life serves a significant narrative function in the unfolding story of Judah's family. His death without an heir created the crisis that would, through unexpected and even scandalous events, produce the line leading to David and ultimately to the Messiah. Theologically, Er's story illustrates both divine judgment on personal wickedness and the remarkable way God's redemptive purposes persevere despite human failure. The tribe of Judah's messianic destiny was not thwarted by Er's sin but continued through providential means. Er's story also introduces the institution of levirate marriage, a practice designed to preserve family lines and the inheritance of the covenant community.
Verse Appearances (6)
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]