Twins
“When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.” That’s Genesis 25:24, and it’s talking about Rebekah pregnant with Jacob and Esau.
“It came about at the time she was giving birth, that behold, there were twins in her womb.” That’s Genesis 38:27, and it’s talking about Tamar pregnant with Perez and Zerah.
These are the only twins in Genesis; in both cases, there’s a reversal of primogeniture; within the tribe of Judah, the history of Jacob and Esau is lived out.
One of the things that intrigues here, however, is the parallel this suggests between Rebekah and Tamar. Both deceive men in order to ensure that God’s purposes are done. Both are heroines. If Isaac didn’t anticipate Judah’s words, he should have: “She is more righteous than I.”
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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