The Story of Judah and Tamar

The story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38, when read through Neville Goddard’s teachings, reveals a powerful truth: even a small or hesitant assumption automatically calls forth what was once hidden or ignored. 

This story is often overlooked when read literally because it appears to imply incest. However, on a psychological level, the “father-in-law” connection symbolises the mind conceptually joined to imagination through the Law of Assumption.

Judah symbolises the mind beginning to play with (or “toy with”) the Law of Assumption, while Tamar represents imagination waiting quietly, ready to respond.

Tamar: The Imagination in Waiting

Tamar stands for the creative power of imagination that has been set aside. She isn’t active on her own; she is veiled, waiting to be called. Her “widowhood” shows imagination without clear direction, left waiting because Judah (the conscious self) delays fully embracing the Law.

Judah’s Hesitation and Movement

Judah holds back from giving Tamar to his son Shelah out of fear. This shows how the mind often hesitates to fully commit to the Law of Assumption. Rather than letting imagination create, it delays.

But then Judah starts to move. His journey to Timnah (meaning "portion" or "measured lot") symbolises toying with a new state of being — not fully embracing it yet, but considering it. Even this small movement is enough to set things in motion.

Enaim: The Moment of Seeing

At Enaim — meaning “openings” or “eyes”, Judah encounters Tamar. This is the moment the imagination steps forward. She sits at the entrance, symbolising imagination ready to meet the new assumption, even if the conscious self doesn’t fully understand.

"She sat down at the entrance to Enaim..." — Genesis 38:14

Judah does not plan to create something new, but his slight shift is enough to summon imagination out of hiding.

The Tokens: Evidence of Identity

Judah gives Tamar his seal, cord, and staff. These represent his identity — his “I AM.” By handing them over, he unknowingly commits to a new inner state, causing conception (creation) without conscious intention.

"Your seal and its cord, and the staff in your hand..." — Genesis 38:18

Recognition of the Law

Later, when Tamar is found pregnant, Judah is shocked. But when she shows his tokens, he recognises what has happened. This is the mind realising that imagination has acted on the assumption, whether fully intended or not.

"She is more righteous than I..." — Genesis 38:26

This moment shows the union between consciousness (Judah) and imagination (Tamar). Through even a small assumption, a new state is born.

Perez: The Breakthrough

Tamar gives birth to Perez (“breakthrough”), who unexpectedly comes out first. This symbolises manifestation itself: the sudden, surprising result of assumption that appears without clear logical order.

"This is how you have broken out!" — Genesis 38:29

Judah’s small movement triggered imagination to act, resulting in a breakthrough.

The Deeper Meaning

In this story, Judah begins to toy with the Law of Assumption. Tamar (imagination) responds immediately when called, even if faintly.

This is not about force or striving. It shows that even the smallest new assumption can awaken imagination, leading to unexpected and powerful change — the breakthrough that was waiting all along.