May 21, 2010 – Genesis 38

In verses 8-9 we see that masturbation is a sin that greatly offends the Lord and what he suffers for it.  I don’t know of any other place this is brought up as clear as it is here. 

I don’t know what to make of this story.  When Judah says that she will burn, he doesn’t know the whole story I am guessing.  From the footnotes I guess we are not to look to harshly on him for having intercourse with the temple prostitute.  It appears that was common and some type of sign or sacrifice.