The story of Judah and Tamar – Genesis 38

Judah left home.
He met a girl and they got married.
They had three sons called Er, Onan and Shelah.
Judah found a wife for Er. Her name was Tamar.
Er was a bad man. He did not love God.
Er died.

Judah told Onan to marry Er’s wife.
He wanted him to have sons.
Onan did not want to do this.
He pretended. He lied to Judah.
God was angry with Onan. Onan died.

Judah sent Tamar back home.
He said she could marry Shelah when he grew up.

After a long time, Judah’s wife died.
He was very sad. He went to a place called Timnah.
Tamar heard about this.
She was cross because Judah had not let her marry Shelah.
She went and sat by the road.
Judah saw her. He did not know who she was.
He slept with her. She asked for his belt.
Judah gave her his belt. Tamar went home.

Three months later, some men came to Judah.
They said Tamar had been bad. She was having a baby.
Judah was very angry. He said she must die.

But Tamar told Judah that her baby’s father had given her a belt.
Judah saw it. It was his belt.
So he forgave Tamar and let her marry Shelah.
Tamar had twin sons called Zerah and Perez.