Free A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers Page B

death.” His smile derided her. “All I have to say is I gave my all to fulfill my duty, but the gods have closed your womb.”
    She blinked back tears. “I will tell your father the truth, and may the God of Judah judge between you and me!” She rose, intending to leave the room.
    Onan lunged for her. She tried to dodge him, but he grasped her ankle. When she tried to kick free, he swept her feet out from under her. She came down hard, and he pinned her against the rush mats scattered on the earthen floor Acsah had taken such care in sweeping.
    “Be satisfied with what you have, girl, for you will have no more of me than I intend to give! And when my father dies, you won’t even have that much unless you make an effort to please me!”
    Tamar drew in a sobbing breath and turned her face away. Onan eased his grip on her. “Shhhh . . .” He caressed her cheek and kissed her throat. “There now, my sweet little bride. Don’t cry.” His touch repulsed her. “Everyone’s glad Er’s dead and gone. You should be too.” He cupped her face and made her look at him. “I still want you, Tamar. I’ve wanted you since the day you came here. And now you’re mine.” When he tried to kiss her, she jerked her face away. Gritting her teeth, Tamar shut her eyes tightly and didn’t move.
    “Make up your mind to enjoy things as they are. They won’t change.”
    “I’d rather be dead.”
    Onan cursed. “Don’t tempt me.” The rush mats rustled softly as he moved away from her. “Have it your own way. Have nothing .” He fell asleep within minutes, his conscience not the least disturbed.
    Tamar slept in the corner, her hands over her head, while Acsah went on singing love songs outside the door.
    * * *
    Tamar spent the night gathering her nerve. She was resolved to fight the injustice done her. It was within her rights, and she must gather the courage to do so. Surely Judah would defend her. Without children, his family would dwindle and die out. The wind would blow away the name of Judah as though it were dust. She must take courage. She must be strong. She would have to speak up for herself because the sons in this wretched household cared only about themselves!
    She went to Judah before Onan was even awake. She told her father-in-law exactly what his son had done. She presented the cloth Acsah had placed upon the rush mat to prove her statement. Judah’s face turned dark red.
    “You’ve had only one night with Onan! He’ll come to his senses. Give him time.”
    Time? Was that all Judah could say? He should be furious that his son had intended to deceive him. Onan was sinning against the entire household! His actions were clear, his motivation pure greed, and his crime equal to murder. How could Judah overlook this sin against his family? No matter how many times Er had abused her, she couldn’t allow her dead husband to be so dishonored. Did she have to scream from the rooftop to make him call Onan to account?
    “I will not allow Onan to touch me under these circumstances. I cannot!”
    Judah’s eyes flashed. “Who are you to tell me what will or will not go on in my household?”
    “How can I allow this? I’m the wife of your firstborn son! Would you see Er’s name die because Onan refused to do his duty?”
    “Be silent, girl!”
    Anger filled her. “I am a woman, Judah, and shouting at me will not drown out the truth of this humiliation!” She knew Judah didn’t want to be pressed by anyone, but it was her right, indeed, her obligation to bear children. “Why do you thwart me? It’s in all our interests that sons be born!” What would become of Judah’s tribe if things were allowed to continue in such an immoral manner as this? “Land cannot be worked without children. Flocks cannot be tended without children.”
    “I don’t need you to tell me that!”
    Judah roared like a wounded lion, but Tamar refused to back down. Judah was not like Er. He wouldn’t use his fists upon a woman. And she