There are two significant Old Testament figures named Tamar. The first is Tamar of Genesis 38, a woman who is married to Judah’s oldest son, Er. Er is put to death by the Lord for his wickedness (v. 7), so according to custom (i.e. levirate marriage; see also the law in Deuteronomy 25:5-10), Tamar marries Judah’s second oldest son, Onan. However, he sabotages his responsibility to produce a child with Tamar and is put to death as well (vv. 8-10). Judah should have then had his youngest son, Shelah, marry Tamar when he came of age, but this does not happen.

Tamar takes matters into her own hands — she disguises herself as a prostitute and waits on a road where Judah will pass by. Judah approaches her, unaware of her true identity. Tamar demands pledges from him (his signet, cord, and staff) to ensure he will compensate her. Later, when Judah learns Tamar has suddenly become pregnant, he condemns her to death. Tamar then reveals that the father is the owner of the three pledges, and Judah acknowledges his wrongdoing (v. 26). Tamar has twin sons from her encounter with Judah, Perez and Zerah. Perez is the ancestor of King David and Jesus.

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The second Tamar is the daughter of King David and his wife, Maacah. Her tragic story is found in 2 Samuel 13. David’s first-born son, Amnon, lusts after Tamar, his beautiful half-sister. Amnon pretends to be sick, requests Tamar be sent to his chambers to prepare food for him, and then rapes her. King David learns of what Amnon did and becomes angry, but does not punish him. Tamar informs her brother, Absalom, of what happened and two years later, Absalom avenges his sister by ordering his men to kill Amnon once he’s drunk at a feast. Absalom’s story continues through 2 Samuel 19, but the last that is said of Tamar is that she is a “desolate woman,” who remained in Absalom’s house (v. 20 NRSVUE).