Genesis 38 is one of those chapters of the Bible rarely read in public—rightly so perhaps, for it contains the record of deeds of darkest shame. The Bible does not shun telling the whole, sad truth about human nature. Human nature, as a result of the Fall, is raw. The story is sandwiched between the record of Joseph’s position at home and his piety abroad. The bright light of Joseph’s high morals brings into even sharper relief the sordid nature of Judah’s unprincipled behavior. Indeed, that God