“Why is that chapter in the Bible?”

Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez. 
Genesis 38:29

What in the world is that verse in the Bible for?  And if you haven’t read the chapter from which it is lifted, you might want to.  When you are done, you might ask, “Why is that chapter in the Bible?” 

The focus of the Genesis narrative, from chapter thirty-seven through fifty is on Joseph.  After introducing Joseph’s story in chapter thirty-seven, however, the spotlight is jerked away from Joseph to this rather bizarre account of Judah and Tamar for one entire chapter.  What’s that all about?

Good news! This chapter is not included to instruct us what we must do if our married brother dies before having any children. (Whew!)  The reason this chapter is in the Bible is revealed in Matthew 1:3.  This rather embarrassing glitch in the patriarchal family places Tamar (a Gentile) and Perez (a boy born under questionable circumstances) in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

Here are two ideas to think about: 

First, read your Bible with an eye to see Jesus.  The Bible is about Him from cover to cover. 

Second, thank the Lord for His grace.  He included Tamar and Perez—and you—in His family through Jesus Christ.