Scarlet Tie 2.2: Judah & Tamar

Tamar, the daughter-in-law widow tricked Judah, her father in law into having sex with her and producing a child.

She dressed up as a whore and presented herself to Judah, demanding payment for sex. He gave her his ring, his staff (walking stick? – shepherd’s crook?) and the chord he wore around his waist as a deposit. When he sent a servant to make full payment and regain his deposit, there was no sign of a brothel, fertility cult sanctuary or working girl anywhere to be found.
When Tamar became pregnant, Judah called for an explanation as to his daughter-in-law and her activities. She returned his deposit and exposed his own activities.
Twins were the result of this encounter, and once again the actual status of the first-born was complicated. One of the babies poked an arm out of the mother’s birth canal, and the midwife tied a scarlet thread around it. It then retreated and the other twin became the first-born.
Twins were the result of this encounter, and once again the actual status of the first-born was complicated. One of the babies poked an arm out of the mother’s birth canal, and the mid wife tied a scarlet thread around it. It then retreated and the other twin became the first-born.

So Not in Athens, Alexandria, Jerusalem or Rome Not in London or Vienna, ‘neath some cathedral dome But in spirit and truth, and the hearts that bear the fruit The essence of those righteous minds The scarlet tie that binds

Judah says to Tamar, “Let me lie with you this day And whatever is the harlot’s hire to you I’ll gladly pay” Says Tamar, “Give me staff and ring, and cord around your waist

That Father’s seed, and scarlet tie, the son’s name may replace Says the midwife to chaste Tamar, “Twins do strive within your womb Tie scarlet cord around the arm that first does leave that tomb.”

Judah Impregnates his Daughter-in-Law