Judah's first two sons died without producing an heir. [[Er]] was "killed by the Lord" for his wickedness. [[Onan]] "spilled his seed" to avoid impregnating his brother's widow. When Tamar saw that Judah was neglecting his promise,<ref>"... she saw that [[Shelah]] was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife" (Genesis 38:14) </ref> {{Bible quote|for she saw that [[Shelah]] was grown up, and she was not given unto him to wife|book=Genesis |chap=38|verses=14|version=ASV}} Tamar disguised herself as a harlot and enticed Judah on the road. She demanded three tokens in lieu of payment. | Judah's first two sons died without producing an heir. [[Er]] was "killed by the Lord" for his wickedness. [[Onan]] "spilled his seed" to avoid impregnating his brother's widow. When Tamar saw that Judah was neglecting his promise,<ref>"... she saw that [[Shelah]] was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife" (Genesis 38:14) </ref> {{Bible quote|for she saw that [[Shelah]] was grown up, and she was not given unto him to wife|book=Genesis |chap=38|verses=14|version=ASV}} Tamar disguised herself as a harlot and enticed Judah on the road. She demanded three tokens in lieu of payment. |