We have all heard the saying that two wrongs don’t make a right. Our parents often said it when we lashed out at a little sibling who took or broke our toy and we lashed out. Our heavenly Father doesn’t reprimand us that way because He can make all things right. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

When we were young and retaliated, our parents and other adults would often retort with, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” From our child-like perspective, that just meant, “Yes, your sibling broke your toy, but you are the one in trouble.” Lol.

In reality, retaliation is not ours to do and there is no blessing in it. It is vengeance and vengeance is the Lord’s to mete out. “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9.

In the account of Tamar in Genesis, we see an act of what we might deem to be vengeance. I remember the first time that I read the account, I thought that Tamar was awful and that she deceived and trapped Judah. But as with all things, we have to have all the facts.

Tamar married a nephew of Joseph. His name was Er and he was the son of Joseph’s brother Judah. When Tamar’s husband died she then married her brother-in-law, Onan (as was the custom).

In Deuteronomy 25:5 (paraphrasing here), widows were not to marry outside the family of her dead husband. But Onan refused to give her a child. Because of his sin, God took his life too. Tamar had Levirite rights. That meant that the family was responsible for providing Tamar with another husband and children. But her father-in-law (Judah) told her to stay in her father’s house. He said that when his youngest son was old enough, he would allow Tamar to marry him. But He didn’t do (and had no intention of doing) that. They were content to leave Tamar to be a widow.

In this time, a childless widow would have been a disgrace. She would have had no means of support. People believed that if you had no children, it was a punishment from God. It was disgraceful. These men were completely content to leave Tamar in disgrace and peril.

So, Tamar seemed forced to take things into her own hands. She attempted to right a wrong with another wrong. Tamar knew when her father-in-law was coming to town. So, she sat outside the gates pretending to be a prostitute. Tamar seduced her father-in-law (who didn’t recognize her). Tamar’s pregnancy did not remain hidden, however. And, when Judah found out, he demanded Tamar’s punishment (death). Judah relented though. In fact, when he found out that the child was his own, he took public responsibility. Judah said that Tamar was more righteous than he was because he had denied her the right to a husband and children.

It might seem like her vengeance or second wrong made things right. But it didn’t. The had both sinned.

Not only did Tamar sin against God, but she was also a gentile (not Jewish or a follower of God). Being a Canaanite, she probably worshipped many gods and not the one true God.

The scripture does not say that Tamar became a worshiper of the one true God. But the fact that she knew and sought the fulfillment of the law of God (with regard to a widow), speaks to a possible heart change.

Either way, God chose to use this sinful, temporary prostitute to be instrumental in the birth of our Savior. Tamar is listed in the lineage of Jesus. She is one of only four women who are.

Through her sin, God brought forth a Savior!

God made right, the wrongs of these two people. And He made it right for each of us.

Through Tamar and Judah’s sin, God brought a Savior for all mankind.

God makes right the sins of all men who trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-29. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36.

God takes the sins that stain us all and makes them as white as snow. “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” Isaiah 1:17-18.

God takes all of our wrongs and makes them right through the blood of Jesus and we should be filled with gratitude.

Father, we praise You that You use broken people like Tamar and Judah in such a powerful way. We thank and praise You that You have given us your word that we could learn about them. We praise and thank You that You desire to make right all the wrongs (sins) that we have committed. And, we praise and thank You for making a way for that to happen. We praise and thank You for that way… which is Jesus!

Father, forgive us when we are vengeful. Forgive us for taking matters into our own hands. Holy Spirit, help us to forgive the way that we have been forgiven. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32. And help us to leave vengeance to you, Father.

Make our wrongs, right and our sins as white as snow Lord, please.

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and have spent your life trying to take matters into your own hands, please go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/). Please pray the prayer on our life preserver page. Through it, God will make right all your wrongs. He will forgive you, be with you, and love you in a way you didn’t even know possible. Please pray and once you have, reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com. I’d love to be in prayer for you and help you grow in your knowledge of and relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Luv Ya!