Can Justice and Law Coexist in Biblical Teachings?
In this article, you will learn how Genesis 38:26 contradicts Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 18:15, Deuteronomy 22:22, 1 Corinthians 6:18 and Matthew 5:28. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38:26 presents an instance where Judah openly acknowledges his mistake, realizing that Tamar was justified in her actions because he failed to fulfill his promise. This narrative seems to stand in stark contrast with several other Biblical teachings that explicitly lay down laws against similar actions. For instance, while Genesis 38:26 exonerates Tamar, Exodus 20:14 elsewhere commands, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” emphasizing strict adherence to marital fidelity. This appears to create a dichotomy between moral justice and established law.
Similarly, Leviticus 18:15 explicitly prohibits sexual relations with one's daughter-in-law, a point that underscores traditional moral boundaries. Yet here, Judah himself concedes Tamar’s righteousness by acknowledging his own fault, almost as if suggesting divine morality can sometimes transcend written law.
Furthermore, Deuteronomy 22:22 sets forth the dire consequences for adultery, typically demanding grave punishment. Yet in Genesis, Judah forgoes retribution upon Tamar, who could have been severely punished under the legal stipulations of the time. This instance highlights how the spirit of the law can diverge from its letter, especially when personal accountability is acknowledged.
The New Testament further amplifies this contradiction; for example, 1 Corinthians 6:18 warns believers to “flee fornication,” categorizing sexual immorality as a sin against one's body. However, Judah’s acquiescence seems to imply a greater moral complexity that diverts from such a clear-cut denouncement.
Lastly, Matthew 5:28 intensifies this moral discussion by indicating that even lustful looks can constitute adultery. Yet, Tamar’s situation is acknowledged without condemnation. The narrative raises an intriguing question: Can justice, nuanced with personal accountability, align with strict adherence to law? These instances challenge us to explore whether compassion and understanding have a role alongside uncompromising principles.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Genesis 38:26 | And Judah acknowledged [them], and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more. |
| 2. | Exodus 20:14 | Thou shalt not commit adultery. |
| 3. | Leviticus 18:15 | Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she [is] thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. |
| 4. | Deuteronomy 22:22 | If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, [both] the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel. |
| 5. | 1 Corinthians 6:18 | Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. |
| 6. | Matthew 5:28 | But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. |