Overview
Zara (also spelled Zerah) was one of the twin sons born to Judah and Tamar. Though Zara's hand appeared first during birth, his brother Perez emerged first, making Perez the firstborn. Zara appears in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:3, demonstrating how God includes all members of the messianic line, even those born from unusual circumstances.
Key Scriptures
"Judah then recognized them and said, 'She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.' And he did not know her again." (Genesis 38:26, ESV)
"And Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez fathered Hezron, and Hezron fathered Ram." (Matthew 1:3, ESV)
Application
Trust that God's redemptive purposes work through all people and circumstances, including those that seem morally complicated, ultimately fulfilling His plan for salvation through Christ.