Genesis 38

Jehovah

And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. Genesis 38:7

The LORD, Jehovah, sees Er's wickedness and judges him. The premortal Christ is the God of Israel who holds His covenant people accountable.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · the chapter heading names Him · a traditional type, cited

Jehovah

And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also. Genesis 38:10

Onan refuses to raise up seed for his dead brother, and the LORD (Jehovah) judges him too, showing how seriously He guards the covenant family line.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · the chapter heading names Him · a traditional type, cited

Lineage of Christ

Pharez — breach, breaking forth

And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. Genesis 38:27–30

Out of a troubled family story, Pharez is born to Tamar, and through him runs the line of David and of Jesus Christ. Matthew names Judah, Tamar, Pharez, and Zarah in the Savior's genealogy, showing the Lord's grace working through imperfect people.

How we know: a footnote points to Him

• alluded to by Matthew 1:3 — 'And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar' in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
• alluded to by Luke 3:33 — Jesus' genealogy: 'which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda.'
• alluded to by Ruth 4:18-22 — 'The generations of Pharez' down to David.