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Book of Numbers - Chapter 26 - Verse 19

26:19
The sons of Judah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.

Meaning

Genesis 38:3 describes the lineage of the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The verse mentions two of the sons of Judah, Er and Onan, who both met tragic ends while living in the land of Canaan. The deaths of Er and Onan are important events in the genealogy of the tribe of Judah, as they had significant consequences for the family line. Er was married to Tamar but was killed by the Lord for being wicked. Onan, who was then required to fulfill his duty to produce offspring for his brother Er, also died because he refused to impregnate Tamar. These deaths would ultimately lead to Judah's relationship with Tamar and the birth of his two sons, Perez and Zerah, who would become ancestors of the tribe of Judah. This verse highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness in the biblical narrative, as well as the consequences of disobedience.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse that states "The sons of Judah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan," scholars often focus on the consequences of Er and Onan's deaths. Er and Onan were two of the sons of Judah, a significant figure in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Their deaths in Canaan are seen as a punishment from God for their wrongdoing. Some theologians suggest that their deaths may serve as a warning against immoral behavior or disobedience to God's laws. Additionally, the deaths of Er and Onan highlight the importance of obedience and faithfulness in the eyes of God. Word studies on the names 'Er' and 'Onan' may provide further insights into the significance of their characters and actions in the biblical narrative, shedding light on the moral lessons intended in this passage.

American Standard Version

The sons of Judah: Er and Onan; and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.
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