Who Was Er in the Bible?
Er is a name associated with two distinct individuals in the Bible, both belonging to the tribe of Judah. The first Er is mentioned in Genesis 38 and is known as the son of Judah, while the second Er appears in 1 Chronicles 4:21 and is identified as a descendant of Judah through his son Shelah.
Er, Son of Judah
The first Er is introduced in Genesis 38:3-7 as the son of Judah and Bath-shua, who was a Canaanite woman. Er was the eldest brother of Onan and Shelah and the half-brother of Perez and Zerah. The Bible records that Er was married to Tamar, but his life was cut short due to his wickedness:
“But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death.” (Genesis 38:7, NIV)
The exact nature of Er’s wickedness is not specified in the text, but his premature death serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and disobedience to God. His death led to a series of events involving Tamar, Onan, and eventually Judah himself, which are pivotal in the narrative of Judah’s family line. Notably, Er appears in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3:28, which highlights the continuation of Judah’s line despite the setbacks.
Er, Descendant of Shelah
The second Er mentioned in the Bible appears in 1 Chronicles 4:21. This Er is described as a descendant of Shelah, Judah’s son:
“The sons of Shelah son of Judah: Er, the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of linen workers at Beth Ashbea.” (1 Chronicles 4:21, NIV)
This passage emphasizes the lineage of Shelah, indicating that Er was the father of Lecah and had brothers named Laadah, Jokim, Joash, and Saraph. The specific mention of his descendants and their occupations provides insight into the tribe of Judah’s diversification and contributions to society.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Consequences of Wickedness
The story of Er, the son of Judah, serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of wickedness. Although the Bible does not detail Er’s specific sins, it is clear that his actions were grievous enough to warrant divine judgment. For modern Christians, this underscores the importance of living a life that aligns with God’s will and commands. It is a call to self-examination and repentance, acknowledging that God is both loving and just.
The Continuation of God’s Plan
Despite Er’s death and the moral failures within Judah’s family, the lineage continued, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus Christ. This demonstrates that God’s plans are not thwarted by human failure. God’s sovereign will ensures that His purposes are fulfilled, even when individuals fall short. For Christians today, this offers reassurance that God’s grace can overcome human shortcomings and that His plans are steadfast and sure.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Justice and Mercy
Er’s story illustrates God’s justice, as his wickedness led to divine punishment. However, the continuation of Judah’s lineage also reveals God’s mercy and grace. Despite the failures of individuals, God continued to work through Judah’s family line, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant promises. This balance of justice and mercy is a key aspect of God’s character, providing believers with both a sense of accountability and hope.
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
The inclusion of Er in the genealogies in Genesis and 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in the Bible. These genealogies were not only historical records but also theological statements about God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. For modern Christians, this emphasizes the value of understanding one’s spiritual heritage and the continuity of God’s redemptive plan throughout history.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Er in the Genealogy of Jesus
Er’s inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3:28 underscores the fulfillment of God’s promises through the line of Judah. Despite Er’s untimely death and the complexities within his family, God’s plan for redemption continued unabated. This highlights the overarching theme of grace and redemption that culminates in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus, born into the lineage of Judah, fulfills the prophecies and promises made to the patriarchs, offering salvation to all humanity.
Jesus as the Redeemer of All Lineages
The genealogical record in the Bible, including figures like Er, ultimately points to Jesus as the Redeemer who transcends all lineages and backgrounds. Jesus’ genealogy includes both righteous and unrighteous individuals, reflecting the inclusive nature of God’s salvation plan. This reassures believers that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of their background or past, and that through Christ, all can become part of God’s family.
Conclusion
The story of Er in the Bible, while brief, offers profound lessons about the consequences of sin, the continuation of God’s plan, and the nature of divine justice and mercy. Whether as the son of Judah or a descendant of Shelah, Er’s inclusion in the biblical narrative serves to highlight God’s faithfulness and the importance of lineage in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. For modern Christians, Er’s story is a reminder of the seriousness of sin, the need for repentance, and the assurance that God’s grace can bring redemption and purpose, even from the most challenging circumstances. Ultimately, Er’s place in the genealogy of Jesus points to the inclusive and redemptive nature of God’s love, fulfilled in Christ.