27 When her time came to give birth, it turned out that there were twins in her womb. 28 As she was giving birth, one put his hand out; the midwife tied a red thread on his hand, saying, "This one came first." 29 But then he pulled it back and his brother came out. She said, "Oh! A breakout!" So she named him Perez (Breakout). 30 Then his brother came out with the red thread on his hand. They named him Zerah (Bright).
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 38:27-30
Chapter Contents
The profligate conduct of Judah and his family.
This chapter gives an account of Judah and his family, and such an account it is, that it seems a wonder that of all Jacob's sons, our Lord should spring out of Judah, John 8:41. What awful examples the Lord proclaims in his punishments, of his utter displeasure at sin! Let us seek grace from God to avoid every appearance of sin. And let that state of humbleness to which Jesus submitted, when he came to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, in appointing such characters as those here recorded, to be his ancestors, endear the Redeemer to our hearts.