The birth of Perez and Zerah
“Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins were in her womb. And so it was, when she was giving birth, thatthe one put out his hand; and the midwife took a scarlet thread and bound it on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez. Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah.”
Genesis 38:27-30 NKJV
The drama never seems to cease in Tamar’s life, the hand of God is ever active upon her. At the time of giving birth she is blessed with not just one but two sons. Double for all her trouble. Little Zerah is the first one to put out his hand, punching his tiny fist of victory into the air; the midwife trims up the celebration by binding a red streamer of scarlet thread on Zerah’s hand. The red flag is hoisted, it’s time out for that Old Serpent Satan. Christ has won the victory on Calvary. Christ has released his captives.
As little Zerah draws his hand back into his mother’s womb, his brother realises his opportunity and makes a break for it: “I have been held captive for too long, now is my hour of Salvation, this is the season for my breakthrough. The brightness of Day has dawned upon me, Goodbye Night! So long Darkness! Bye bye Grave! Death you have no more power over me, it’s resurrection time!” And out comes little Perez to the surprise of the midwife. After him follows Zerah, the brother whose victorious hand came out first. Zerah, the brightness of a new dawn. Zerah, the first and also the last. Christ the author and finisher of our salvation, the Alpha and the Omega, the hope of resurrection and guarantor of eternal life.
““Sing, O barren, You who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, You who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate Than the children of the married woman,” says the LORD. “Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes.”
Isaiah 54:1-2 NKJV
It’s payback time for Tamar. The desolate one, the barren one, the twice-widowed one who was put away and forgotten by her father in law has given birth to twins; a double portion for her shame and confusion. She breaks out in songs of thanksgiving rejoicing over the fruit of her womb. Her God, her Redeemer, the Mighty one of Jacob has taken away her confusion and made her forget the reproach of her widowhood. Perez has broken forth and broken down the wall of hatred, the wall of containment and limitation. That which ear has not yet heard and eye is yet to see, that which has never yet entered the heart of men is happening right before her very eyes. All nations, not just the Jews, but people of every tongue and creed are hearing the Gospel and gathering to Christ.
It’s resurrection time. Salvation is come with strength on its heels. The Kingdom of God and the power of his Christ is here. The tabloids of Jerusalem have been paid huge bribes to deny it but there have been reports that some women and men have seen the risen Jesus, and some long dead saints have been spotted walking about the streets of Jerusalem. Yeshua the Champion of champions is leading his captives in a victory parade. The joyous celebration is not only heard on earth it’s heard in heaven too; “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”” Revelation 11:15 NKJV
Break forth and break through! Enlarge your coast and the borders of your garment. Let your righteousness break forth as the dawn. Increase, wax strong and go forward. Perez has broken forth, he has broken down the walls. Perez has taken off the limits. Mount Zion, Jerusalem the city of God, is now a city without walls, the city of multitudes. Jesus the King reigns. “Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice….” Isaiah 9:7a NKJV
Reflection:
- How real is the victory of Jesus on Calvary and the resurrection to you? Read: Matthew 27:50-54 ; Matthew 28:1-7, 11-15 ; Colossians 2:12-15 ; 1 Peter 3:18-22 ; 1 Corinthians 15:1-26
- Philippians 2:10 If you believe this gospel and you feel convicted in your heart of the need to break free from the chains of sin, acknowledge your inadequacy to Christ today, surrender to his cleansing power and confess him as your Lord and Savior. Christ sets you free sin and death and every hold of Satan, he gives you his hope of eternal life and he makes you a child of God.