Perez: The Breakthrough Son of Judah and Tamar. Perez, the twin son of Judah and Tamar, is one of the most significant figures in the book of Genesis because he became the forefather of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ. Born in unusual and dramatic circumstances, his name reflects the “breach” or “breakthrough” he made at birth when he came out ahead of his brother Zerah, despite Zerah being marked with the scarlet thread.

Zerah: The Twin Marked by the Scarlet Thread. Zerah, one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar, is remembered for his unusual birth recorded in Genesis 38. While his brother Perez broke through first and carried the Messianic line, Zerah was marked by a scarlet thread tied around his wrist as he briefly emerged first.

Judah and Tamar: Scandal and Providence in the Line of Christ. Genesis 38 interrupts the Joseph story with what seems like a scandalous detour. Judah, son of Jacob, leaves his brothers, marries a Canaanite woman, and fathers sons who live faithlessly. Out of this brokenness emerges one of the most surprising stories in the Bible: Tamar, a wronged widow, secures her place in the covenant line through bold action. What looks like disgrace becomes the soil of redemption.