Genesis 38 Judah moved away from his family.  He married the daughter of his friend Hirah, the Adullamite.  Shua had three sons with Judah, Er, Onan, and Shelah.  Judah arranged a marriage for his son Er with Tamar.  But, Er was wicked and "the Lord put him to death".  Onan was forced to marry Tamar, but refused to give her a son for his brother as tradition demanded, and the "Lord put him to death also." 

Judah didn't want to lose Shelah, so he pressed Tamar to go back to her father's house and wait until Shelah was grown up.  After a long time, Tamar took matters into her own hands.. she pretended to be a harlot, had sex with Judah, and took his seal, cord, and pledge as a promise of payment.  However... Judah couldn't pay her the promised kid from his flock, because he could not find her.  Only when he found out that Tamar was pregnant did the truth come out. 

Tamar had twin boys from Judah.. Perez and Zerah... "a breach" and "a dawning".  It is from Perez that the royal line of David and ultimately Jesus would come. 

Once again, it is from unrighteous people, who don't even seem to know the Lord at all, that God moves forward with His plan for His people and for all the nations.  I wonder if Judah repented?  He said, " She is more righteous than I.. "  recognizing his own failure to do what was right.   Was that the beginning of change in his heart and life?  Judah would later play a part in the situation with Joseph in Egypt.  He took  responsibility for his brother Benjamin.  He seems to take a key role of leadership within the family.  Perhaps.. his life did change for the better after all that happened. 

Father in heaven, the history of the nation of Israel is filled with unexpected events and people.  It is amazing to think that all of this was recorded by Moses as he led the nation out of Egypt and back to the promised land.  I am once again reminded that You know where we are.. where we have been.. and where we are going!  Your plans are perfect.. even with imperfect people.  How we praise You for the grace and lovingkindness that You have shown to us.. through many generations. Thank You for bringing me to this place.. at this time.. to know You, to worship You, and to love You with all my heart and all my soul, and all my strength.. Help me to grow in that love.. deeper every day, I pray... in Jesus' name Amen.