Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 38:13
And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father-in-law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.
13. shear his sheep ] Sheep-shearing was an occasion of festivity, and often of licentiousness. See note on Gen 31:19. Cf. 1Sa 25:2 ff.; 2Sa 13:23 f.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And it was told Tamar,…. By some of her neighbours, or by some of Judah’s family;
saying, behold, thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep; which might be told her as an indifferent thing, without any design in it; but she took notice of it, and it gave her an opportunity she wanted.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
13. And it was told Tamar. Moses relates how Tamer avenged herself for the injury done her. She did not at first perceive the fraud, but discovered it after a long course of time. When Shelah had grown up, finding herself deceived, she turned her thoughts to revenge. And it is not to be doubted that she had long meditated, and, as it were, hatched this design. For the message respecting Judah’s departure was not brought to her accidentally; but, because she was intent upon her purpose, she had set spies who should bring her an account of all his doings. Now, although she formed a plan which was base, and unworthy of a modest woman, yet this circumstance is some alleviation of her crime, that she did not desire a connection with Judah, except while in a state of celibacy. In the meantime, she is hurried, by a blind error of mind, into another crime, not less detestable than adultery. For, by adultery, conjugal fidelity would have been violated; but, by this incestuous intercourse, the whole dignity of nature is subverted. This ought carefully to be observed, that they who are injured should not hastily rush to unlawful remedies. It was not lust which impelled Tamar to prostitute herself. She grieved, indeed, that she had been forbidden to marry, that she might remain barren at home: but she had no other purpose than to reproach her father-in-law with the fraud by which he had deceived her: at the same time, we see that she committed an atrocious crime. This is wont to happen, even in good causes, when any one indulges his carnal affections more than is right. What Moses alludes to respecting garments of widowhood, pertains to the law of modesty. For elegant clothing which may attract the eyes of men, does not become widows. And therefore, Paul concedes more to wives than to them; as having husbands whom they should wish to please.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
‘And Tamar was told saying, “Look, your father-in-law goes up to Timnah to shear his sheep.’
It would appear that Tamar was not invited to the funeral and mourning for her mother-in-law and realises that she has been ostracised. He has completely ignored her. This brings home to her that he has no intention of carrying out his promise in giving her to Shelah, for she knows that Shelah is now of age. So when she hears that he is coming to nearby Timnah she decides to act.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Jdg 14:1 . It is worthy remark, that though there are, I believe, but four women named in the list of the ancestors of CHRIST, after the flesh, in Matthew’s relation of the pedigree, this is one of them, Mat 1:3 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 38:13 And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.
Ver. 13. To shear his sheep. ] And so to put by his sorrow, as Jonathan did his anger, by going into the field to shoot. At sheep shearings they had feasts. 1Sa 25:8 ; 1Sa 25:11
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Reciprocal: Gen 38:14 – Timnath Jos 15:10 – Timnah Jdg 14:1 – Timnath 1Sa 25:2 – shearing 1Sa 25:4 – did shear 2Sa 13:23 – sheepshearers 1Ch 2:4 – Tamar