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Tamar: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me
If God can choose the Canaanite Tamar to continue the line through which Christ would come, can anything keep Him from weaving your story into His redemptive plan?
Tamar, daughter-in-law of Judah, is the first woman listed in the lineage of Christ. Mistreated, widowed twice, betrayed, and used as a prostitute... it seems impossible that God could redeem her story, but His plan of redemption was prewritten for all eternity-and nothing can get in His way.
Through this six-week, in-depth Bible study, you will discover that no matter life's twists and turns or your sins and failures, there is a God working behind the seen, redeeming it all for His glory.
Tamar, daughter-in-law of Judah, is the first woman listed in the lineage of Christ. Mistreated, widowed twice, betrayed, and used as a prostitute... it seems impossible that God could redeem her story, but His plan of redemption was prewritten for all eternity-and nothing can get in His way.
Through this six-week, in-depth Bible study, you will discover that no matter life's twists and turns or your sins and failures, there is a God working behind the seen, redeeming it all for His glory.
- GenresChristian
264 pages, Paperback
Published October 19, 2021
About the author
Shadia Hrichi
11 books88 followersShadia Hrichi is a passionate Bible teacher who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She received a masters in Biblical and Theological studies from Western Seminary, as well as a masters in Criminal Justice from the State University of New York.
Shadia is the author of several Bible studies, including HAGAR, LEGION, and TAMAR, from her “Behind the Seen” series, and is often invited to speak at churches, conferences, and other events. Shadia’s Bible studies have been endorsed by Bible Study magazine (Faithlife/Logos Bible software), bestselling authors Francine Rivers, Liz Cutis-Higgs, Chris Tiegreen, Susy Flory, and many others.
Currently residing in northern California, Shadia loves to visit the ocean each week for “a date with Jesus.”
Shadia is the author of several Bible studies, including HAGAR, LEGION, and TAMAR, from her “Behind the Seen” series, and is often invited to speak at churches, conferences, and other events. Shadia’s Bible studies have been endorsed by Bible Study magazine (Faithlife/Logos Bible software), bestselling authors Francine Rivers, Liz Cutis-Higgs, Chris Tiegreen, Susy Flory, and many others.
Currently residing in northern California, Shadia loves to visit the ocean each week for “a date with Jesus.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 3, 2022
A huge thanks to the publisher for my complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I enjoyed this bible study and encountering Tamar in a different way and learning more about who God is and his character. This study is so enriching as it tells the Tamar and Judah in a way you never thought possible in an in-depth Bible study. I enjoyed how the author included questions for personal reflection and group discussion . A beautiful and enriching bible study. Recommend.
I enjoyed this bible study and encountering Tamar in a different way and learning more about who God is and his character. This study is so enriching as it tells the Tamar and Judah in a way you never thought possible in an in-depth Bible study. I enjoyed how the author included questions for personal reflection and group discussion . A beautiful and enriching bible study. Recommend.
September 27, 2021
Tamar is a bible study about one of the characters of the bible that is not talked about very much. This is the first bible study I have done by Shadia Hrichi and I like the way she takes the time to explain things to you in many different ways. Shadia asks you enough questions that you have to look up in the Bible to make sure you are understanding what she is trying to convey. One of the things I liked in this bible study is being asked to trace Hebrew words which I thought was different than any other bible study I have taken. I recommend this bible study to anyone wanting to dig deeper into the Bible, it will be worth your time.
October 25, 2021
Feeling defeated? Carrying guilt over mistakes that you've made? Take a closer look at Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah, who was the first woman listed in the lineage of Christ. Her name may not be known to many people today, but the circumstances of her life are very familiar in today's society. Author Shadia Hrichi offers readers a compelling, thought-provoking study of this woman who experienced the stigma of abuse and sexual immorality, and then had it removed by the God who loves us all. Hrichi shares an in-depth biblical history of the people and events that came before Tamar, and then blesses readers with a loving, compassionate look at this deeply misunderstood woman.
This is an enlightening six week bible-study and there are many ways to complete it. If you only have time for a fifteen-minute session per day, this book is for you, but I believe that once you begin it, you will find yourself investing much more time. I also predict that highlighted passages, bookmarked pages with post-it tabs, and digging deeper into your own Bible will be a valuable part of your devotions!
You won't soon forget this woman whose life was changed forever by a loving God who recognized her worth. Tamar: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me is an inspiring reminder of forgiveness, mercy, and redemption.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own opinions.
This is an enlightening six week bible-study and there are many ways to complete it. If you only have time for a fifteen-minute session per day, this book is for you, but I believe that once you begin it, you will find yourself investing much more time. I also predict that highlighted passages, bookmarked pages with post-it tabs, and digging deeper into your own Bible will be a valuable part of your devotions!
You won't soon forget this woman whose life was changed forever by a loving God who recognized her worth. Tamar: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me is an inspiring reminder of forgiveness, mercy, and redemption.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own opinions.
June 7, 2022
Tamar by Shadia Hrichi is an illuminting study of a complicated and sometimes neglected biblical character.
I enjoyed unravelling this story as Hrichi took us back to the very beginning to set the stage and provide context for the community Tamar the young Cannanite found herself wedded into.
The author also used stories of her own life, to show how the narrative of Tamar relates to herself. These did not distract from the focus of the study and added new perspectives that helped the reader reimagine the relevance of Tamara's story in our modern world.
I was usually able to work through multiple chapters per sitting or if I didn't feel like doing them, they were short enough that I could convince myself to work through at least one.
It was a little cumbersome to be read as an ebook, clearly meant to be hands-on and worked through with the physical book. However it could be made more accessible in ebook format if the design included links that took you to the referenced page number within the study.
Although I am not new to most of the themes the author walks us through, I enjoyed how Hrichi unpacked hebrew words or names and the meaningful connections she drew between other biblical stories that show the complexities and poetry of the original texts.
I enjoyed unravelling this story as Hrichi took us back to the very beginning to set the stage and provide context for the community Tamar the young Cannanite found herself wedded into.
The author also used stories of her own life, to show how the narrative of Tamar relates to herself. These did not distract from the focus of the study and added new perspectives that helped the reader reimagine the relevance of Tamara's story in our modern world.
I was usually able to work through multiple chapters per sitting or if I didn't feel like doing them, they were short enough that I could convince myself to work through at least one.
It was a little cumbersome to be read as an ebook, clearly meant to be hands-on and worked through with the physical book. However it could be made more accessible in ebook format if the design included links that took you to the referenced page number within the study.
Although I am not new to most of the themes the author walks us through, I enjoyed how Hrichi unpacked hebrew words or names and the meaningful connections she drew between other biblical stories that show the complexities and poetry of the original texts.
September 7, 2021
Tamar is an insightful look at a lesser-known character of Genesis in the Bible study series called Behind the Seens: Exploring the Bible's Unsung Heroes. It is solidly researched with background that sets the stage for Tamar and digs into the context of the culture of the time, when women were typically unseen, unappreciated, and unheralded. Tamar was caught in a cultural web that threatened not only her livelihood but also her family's future line. Hrichi's study is a great choice for Bible study group leaders because it offers light, moderate, in-depth, and all-in options for participants (varying between 15-60 minutes study per day), as well as FREE teaching videos from the author. I love the teaching and application that shows that even when we feel or actually are abandoned, we can accept God's abiding presence and His adoption into His family. I highly recommend this study.
September 15, 2021
If you haven't had the privilege of participating in this study of Tamar you mustn't wait another minute! It's that good..
October 29, 2021
You think YOUR family is dysfunctional?!
I just read Tamar: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me — and talk about dysfunctional families!
Whether you just like an intriguing (true) story or you need to be reminded that God's love and redemption reaches into the most sordid of pasts—including yours—this is a must read.
Come for the intrigue and drama. Leave knowing you are deeply loved by God regardless of your past.
I just read Tamar: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me — and talk about dysfunctional families!
Whether you just like an intriguing (true) story or you need to be reminded that God's love and redemption reaches into the most sordid of pasts—including yours—this is a must read.
Come for the intrigue and drama. Leave knowing you are deeply loved by God regardless of your past.
August 23, 2021
Shadia has done it again! She has unearthed so much insight into who Tamar was and why she was worth mentioning in the linage of Christ. Shadia has an incredible gift for bringing people from the Bible to life. She shares their struggles and triumphs in down to earth applicable ways. You find yourself in their struggles and leave knowing you are worthy, seen, and loved by God.
April 28, 2022
After reading and studying Shadia's first two books, Hagar and Legion, I am excited to read Tamar. My Bible Study group has grown so much through her first two studies and we are ready to continue that growth with the story of Tamar. Shadia digs deep into the value of each of the lives of her main character in a way that allows each reader to personally join their journey.
October 18, 2021
Shadia Hrichi’s "Tamar: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me," is an inspiring Bible study that is ultimately about redemption, but it does not shy away from the pain and suffering Tamar has to endure in the years leading up to that redemptive outcome. This study offers practical, yet deep and challenging spiritual insights into Scripture. The author does not tell Tamar’s story alone, but she places it carefully within the context of the larger story of the Old Testament. The author also shows great vulnerability in sharing some of the pain and failures of her own life, which God has redeemed. The mixture of biblical background, probing questions for the reader, theological insights, cultural background of the times in which the story is set, and a caring attitude toward the reader make this a Bible study that people can enjoy alone or within a small group. Although the main target audience may be women, I learned so much from it as a male reader since God’s redemptive purposes cross all boundaries, including gender. I am so glad I read this!
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October 15, 2021Tamar is an unlikely hero in God's long-range plan. Though an outsider, used and abused by two husbands and widowed while still a teenager, with little prospect of ever getting married and having children again, she, in faith and hope, reaches out for what is rightfully hers.
Shadia Hrichi, in this study, sets the scene of Tamar's story into the perspective of Biblical history, plus the customs and culture of the place and time in which Tamar lived.
By risking everything to claim her right, Tamar ultimately became an ancestor of Jesus. Such a remarkable story.
God blessed her and honoured her, even though her husbands had not.
Remarkably, she was able to turn around the mindset of Judah, her father-in-law, from despising her to respecting her.
God specializes in turning sinners into saints.
I signed up to participate in Shadia Hrichi's launch team, and thus received an online copy of this study book. As a launch team we also got to watch weekly videos of Shadia speaking about each week's focus.
The Netgalley version which I read on my cellphone unfortunately didn't display the proper formatting that the paper book must have. However I could still follow it.
My favourite part was listening to the videos. Shadia Hrichi is a dynamic and enthusiastic speaker, great at digging into research and presenting all the details in a clear and enjoyable way.
Shadia Hrichi, in this study, sets the scene of Tamar's story into the perspective of Biblical history, plus the customs and culture of the place and time in which Tamar lived.
By risking everything to claim her right, Tamar ultimately became an ancestor of Jesus. Such a remarkable story.
God blessed her and honoured her, even though her husbands had not.
Remarkably, she was able to turn around the mindset of Judah, her father-in-law, from despising her to respecting her.
God specializes in turning sinners into saints.
I signed up to participate in Shadia Hrichi's launch team, and thus received an online copy of this study book. As a launch team we also got to watch weekly videos of Shadia speaking about each week's focus.
The Netgalley version which I read on my cellphone unfortunately didn't display the proper formatting that the paper book must have. However I could still follow it.
My favourite part was listening to the videos. Shadia Hrichi is a dynamic and enthusiastic speaker, great at digging into research and presenting all the details in a clear and enjoyable way.
October 20, 2021
I am so n love with this incredible study. It takes the tragic story of Tamar and guides the reader through a journey of seeing how our painful moments are transformed into a tapestry by God's hand. It is easy to get stuck in our own pain and suffering. Tamar had plenty of suffering. Through her story we embark on a transformational journey of healing and growth. It is powerful, life changing and incredible. I want to do this study again with a group of friends. There is so much depth. I could probably do it ten times and still gleen so much.
October 12, 2021
I love how this study goes into such depth which causes me to look and reflect on my own life. I can see as I work my way through this study, I can be confident that God does see and hear us and is surely working all things out for good.
This study is so good. I haven’t seen a study on Tamar before and this one digs deep into it. I love Shadia's studies, and how she brings to light the characters we often miss out on. The study encourages you to dig deep in scripture.
I have completed two other studies by Shadia, Hagar and Legion both which were very educational. I have also completed the Worthy of Love study by this author and it was a very healing
study. Overall, I highly recommend, I love everything by Shadia and I cannot wait to see what is next.
This study is so good. I haven’t seen a study on Tamar before and this one digs deep into it. I love Shadia's studies, and how she brings to light the characters we often miss out on. The study encourages you to dig deep in scripture.
I have completed two other studies by Shadia, Hagar and Legion both which were very educational. I have also completed the Worthy of Love study by this author and it was a very healing
study. Overall, I highly recommend, I love everything by Shadia and I cannot wait to see what is next.
October 15, 2021
This study is rich in the background with an in-depth look at what brought Tamar to a life-changing decision. There are tidbits and nuggets of ah-ha moments that have forever changed how I saw the passage of Scripture covered in this study. And, there is such truth about the God who saw her and sees each of us as well.
October 27, 2021
When Shadia Hrichi writes about the lives of people that lived thousands of years ago, it is amazing how their experiences come alive. Her ability to equate their trials with our strengths and weaknesses is amazing. Learning about their relationships with our God has been very insightful. This workbook would be an excellent Bible study guide for any Christian community
October 15, 2021
Shadia delves deep into the Bible to show how the Lord works in different peoples lives, even those who lived years apart, to carry out His plan for our redemption. This study is a great reminder of God’s love for us, and His work in the details of our lives.
October 23, 2021
A stirring study of hope, heartbreak, and purpose. Shadia offers a powerful look into how God takes the ordinary and transforms them in extraordinary for His glory. Beautiful and engaging!
October 19, 2021
This is the third study I have completed by this author and I have to say they are so good. The debt of which you go into learning about Tamar is just so good. The historical information I have learned in this study as well as the spiritual learning is on a deeper level than a lot of studies I have completed.
I highly recommend this study as well as the other ones
Written by this author. I received an advanced copy and this is my honest opinion.
I highly recommend this study as well as the other ones
Written by this author. I received an advanced copy and this is my honest opinion.
October 7, 2021
This study digs deep into the background of Tamar. Family…customs….names… The author does a great job of challenging the reader to relate or understand Tamar. Challenging one to compare themselves to Tamar.
I am going to highly recommend this book to my friends. Love to learn…
I am going to highly recommend this book to my friends. Love to learn…
October 15, 2021
Helping with the launch of this six-session Bible study has been a treat. I don't often get the opportunity to dig into a deep study because I'm busy juggling work, kids and life. However, Shadia has a gift for making it easy to take a deep dive into the study of Judah's daughter-in-law Tamar. Not only does she include references to everything you'll need to get the most out of the study (You won't need anything else other than your Bible.), but she also offers a tiered study plan so you can choose your approach based on your available time.
Shadia's method of weaving in personal anecdotes with the historical instruction and academic exploration of Tamar's story brings the Bible to life here. It's hard to ignore the parallels in Tamar's story to some of what we see happening in the world right now (domestic violence, sex trafficking, etc.). I would recommend this book to anyone seeking an in-depth look into one of the bible's lesser-known stories. Solo or in a group setting, this is a study that is thought-provoking and eye-opening.
Shadia's method of weaving in personal anecdotes with the historical instruction and academic exploration of Tamar's story brings the Bible to life here. It's hard to ignore the parallels in Tamar's story to some of what we see happening in the world right now (domestic violence, sex trafficking, etc.). I would recommend this book to anyone seeking an in-depth look into one of the bible's lesser-known stories. Solo or in a group setting, this is a study that is thought-provoking and eye-opening.
September 28, 2021
Shadia Hrichi is a gifted Bible teacher whose in-depth Bible studies are engaging and thought-provoking. One thing I love about Shadia’s “Behind the Seen” study series is the compassion she shows for her title characters, Tamar included, as she explores the challenges and victories of their stories. It’s as though Shadia’s compassion is meant for me and my story as well. Such an encouraging reminder and sweet example of how God sees me…sees us. It has been a blessing to read Shadia’s latest book, TAMAR: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me.
October 20, 2021
My first experience reading Shadia's studies. Wow! I appreciate all the various levels of study readers can choose. I'm trying to do the light read, but almost always go deeper. She's like a study archeologist—the deeper she goes, I get into the trenches with her, and find my own treasures.
October 20, 2021
If God can choose the Canaanite Tamar to continue the line through which Christ would come, can anything keep Him from weaving your story into His redemptive plan?
Tamar, daughter-in-law of Judah, is the first woman listed in the lineage of Christ. Mistreated, widowed twice, betrayed, and used as a prostitute... it seems impossible that God could redeem her story, but His plan of redemption was prewritten for all eternity-and nothing can get in His way.
Through this six-week, in-depth Bible study, you will discover that no matter life's twists and turns or your sins and failures, there is a God working behind the seen, redeeming it all for His glory.
I've posted Shadia's Bible studies on here before Hagar: Rediscovering the God Who Sees Me (Bible Study) (Behind the Seen: Exploring the Bible's Unsung Heroes)
Legion: Rediscovering the God Who Rescues Me (Bible Study) (Behind the Scene: Exploring the Bible's Unsung Heroes)
Once again Hadia has written a study that really makes the reader think and apply the Bible.
If you are searching for a good Bible study, this is it. Written by the author of Hagar and Legion: Rediscovering the God Who rescues me. the first study in the series Rediscovering the God Who Rescued Me; Shadia Hrichi. This author has an enjoyable way of teaching the Bible. It's informative, and exciting to dig into the Bible with Shadia. The readers will learn so much and enjoy as they learn.
Hey everyone, I am part of a book launch team for an incredible Bible study, that is being released on October 19! I have read through the first 3 weeks and I love this and recommend it to anyone looking for a new study.
I will be posting a full review soon! I have enclosed a link to Shadia's author facebook page.
Shadia Hrichi Author Face book page
Today I am sharing a link to a video of author ShadiaHrichi talking about her new book. This is a great study that has encouraged me, and has made me think deeper about Hagar and what God wants and has for us as His children.
Full Review:
What do you think of when you hear the name Tamar? Who was Tamar? When I was invited to do a book launch on the Bible study of Tamar, I was intrigued. This is one that I really wanted to do.
We all know that Tamar was the wife of Er, son of Judah, but we need to read the story to find out more about Tamar and why she is the subject of redemption. From this story, we can learn that God redeems us all and it does not matter what choices we have made, good or bad God will redeem us if we ask!
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to review this study. It's an easy 6-week study that can be extended into 12 weeks if so desired. If you are looking for a Bible study I urge you to give this one a try.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Tamar, daughter-in-law of Judah, is the first woman listed in the lineage of Christ. Mistreated, widowed twice, betrayed, and used as a prostitute... it seems impossible that God could redeem her story, but His plan of redemption was prewritten for all eternity-and nothing can get in His way.
Through this six-week, in-depth Bible study, you will discover that no matter life's twists and turns or your sins and failures, there is a God working behind the seen, redeeming it all for His glory.
I've posted Shadia's Bible studies on here before Hagar: Rediscovering the God Who Sees Me (Bible Study) (Behind the Seen: Exploring the Bible's Unsung Heroes)
Legion: Rediscovering the God Who Rescues Me (Bible Study) (Behind the Scene: Exploring the Bible's Unsung Heroes)
Once again Hadia has written a study that really makes the reader think and apply the Bible.
If you are searching for a good Bible study, this is it. Written by the author of Hagar and Legion: Rediscovering the God Who rescues me. the first study in the series Rediscovering the God Who Rescued Me; Shadia Hrichi. This author has an enjoyable way of teaching the Bible. It's informative, and exciting to dig into the Bible with Shadia. The readers will learn so much and enjoy as they learn.
Hey everyone, I am part of a book launch team for an incredible Bible study, that is being released on October 19! I have read through the first 3 weeks and I love this and recommend it to anyone looking for a new study.
I will be posting a full review soon! I have enclosed a link to Shadia's author facebook page.
Shadia Hrichi Author Face book page
Today I am sharing a link to a video of author ShadiaHrichi talking about her new book. This is a great study that has encouraged me, and has made me think deeper about Hagar and what God wants and has for us as His children.
Full Review:
What do you think of when you hear the name Tamar? Who was Tamar? When I was invited to do a book launch on the Bible study of Tamar, I was intrigued. This is one that I really wanted to do.
We all know that Tamar was the wife of Er, son of Judah, but we need to read the story to find out more about Tamar and why she is the subject of redemption. From this story, we can learn that God redeems us all and it does not matter what choices we have made, good or bad God will redeem us if we ask!
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to review this study. It's an easy 6-week study that can be extended into 12 weeks if so desired. If you are looking for a Bible study I urge you to give this one a try.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 21, 2026
There’s something incredibly special about returning to the familiar and discovering something entirely new and that’s exactly what I experienced with Tamar by Shadia Hrichi.
One of my reading goals for 2026 was to intentionally weave more non-fiction into my bookish life, aiming for at least one each month. I’m happy to say I’m right on track, and March’s selection turned out to be more than just a tick on a checklist , it became a deeply personal and thought-provoking journey.
Like many who grew up in the church, my understanding of Genesis has always revolved around the “well-known” stories -the ones that are retold time and time again. Tamar’s story, however, often sits quietly in the background, easily overlooked. Yet through this six-week Bible study, her story came alive in such a powerful and moving way that I found myself seeing Scripture through fresh eyes.
Tamar’s life was anything but easy , widowed not once but twice, mistreated, betrayed, and forced into circumstances that seem unimaginable. And yet, she becomes the first woman named in the lineage of Christ. That alone stopped me in my tracks. If God could take someone whose story seemed so broken and weave it into His ultimate redemptive plan, then what does that say about our own lives?
What I loved most about this study was how accessible and in-depth it felt all at once. Hrichi has a gentle, guiding way of unpacking Scripture, encouraging readers to dig deeper without feeling overwhelmed. It’s the kind of book that invites you to pause, reflect, and truly sit with what you’re reading.
In fact, it impacted me so much that I found myself reaching out to my dad something I don’t often do mid-read , to talk through what I was learning. That sparked a meaningful theological conversation that I’ll treasure, reminding me that books like this don’t just inform us , they connect us.
Tamar is a beautiful reminder that no matter our past, our mistakes, or life’s unexpected turns, God is always working behind the scenes. There is comfort in knowing that nothing is wasted and that every thread of our story can be woven into something purposeful and redemptive.
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Scripture while also nurturing your heart, this is one I wholeheartedly recommend. It’s more than a study , it’s an experience.
One of my reading goals for 2026 was to intentionally weave more non-fiction into my bookish life, aiming for at least one each month. I’m happy to say I’m right on track, and March’s selection turned out to be more than just a tick on a checklist , it became a deeply personal and thought-provoking journey.
Like many who grew up in the church, my understanding of Genesis has always revolved around the “well-known” stories -the ones that are retold time and time again. Tamar’s story, however, often sits quietly in the background, easily overlooked. Yet through this six-week Bible study, her story came alive in such a powerful and moving way that I found myself seeing Scripture through fresh eyes.
Tamar’s life was anything but easy , widowed not once but twice, mistreated, betrayed, and forced into circumstances that seem unimaginable. And yet, she becomes the first woman named in the lineage of Christ. That alone stopped me in my tracks. If God could take someone whose story seemed so broken and weave it into His ultimate redemptive plan, then what does that say about our own lives?
What I loved most about this study was how accessible and in-depth it felt all at once. Hrichi has a gentle, guiding way of unpacking Scripture, encouraging readers to dig deeper without feeling overwhelmed. It’s the kind of book that invites you to pause, reflect, and truly sit with what you’re reading.
In fact, it impacted me so much that I found myself reaching out to my dad something I don’t often do mid-read , to talk through what I was learning. That sparked a meaningful theological conversation that I’ll treasure, reminding me that books like this don’t just inform us , they connect us.
Tamar is a beautiful reminder that no matter our past, our mistakes, or life’s unexpected turns, God is always working behind the scenes. There is comfort in knowing that nothing is wasted and that every thread of our story can be woven into something purposeful and redemptive.
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Scripture while also nurturing your heart, this is one I wholeheartedly recommend. It’s more than a study , it’s an experience.
September 24, 2021
"Tamar" is part of Shadia Hrichi’s series, “Behind the seen: exploring the bible’s unsung heroes.’ This six-week study is broken into three parts and then broken into further levels of involvement for studying. Hrichi sets out a plan for those wanting light, moderate, in-depth, and all-in options ranging from study time of 15-60 minutes per day. There are 7 free videos to accompany the study guide.
Tamar is an unsung hero. She is one of four women, and the first mentioned, in Jesus’ genealogy. Not only was she a woman, a widow, and a Canaanite, but she was also a misunderstood, disgraced, and betrayed woman - YET God chose Jesus’ lineage to place this woman. Hrishi explores how placing her where he did in history, shows that God compassionately understands humanity on every level and offers redemption for people who face impossible odds. I loved learning about the historical tidbits and cultural background of this little-known character of Genesis. I finished the 6 weeks feeling like I knew Tamar a little better and feeling that there’s hope for all of us. Nothing is out of God’s reach. He is working behind the 'seen'.
The layout of this study guide is fantastic! It’s important to me to have room to add notes and there’s lots of room provided to add information. I love the thought-provoking questions, the fun facts, and fill in the blanks based on the readings.
Publishes October 19, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Shadia Hrichi, Abilene Christian University Press & Leafwood Publishers, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Tamar is an unsung hero. She is one of four women, and the first mentioned, in Jesus’ genealogy. Not only was she a woman, a widow, and a Canaanite, but she was also a misunderstood, disgraced, and betrayed woman - YET God chose Jesus’ lineage to place this woman. Hrishi explores how placing her where he did in history, shows that God compassionately understands humanity on every level and offers redemption for people who face impossible odds. I loved learning about the historical tidbits and cultural background of this little-known character of Genesis. I finished the 6 weeks feeling like I knew Tamar a little better and feeling that there’s hope for all of us. Nothing is out of God’s reach. He is working behind the 'seen'.
The layout of this study guide is fantastic! It’s important to me to have room to add notes and there’s lots of room provided to add information. I love the thought-provoking questions, the fun facts, and fill in the blanks based on the readings.
Publishes October 19, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Shadia Hrichi, Abilene Christian University Press & Leafwood Publishers, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 20, 2021
Tamar is an immersive study of Genesis 38, that pulls that chapter into sharp focus against the backdrop of the whole Scriptures. The context and relationships this short chapter has with the rest of the Word of God is so much richer than I could have imagined a couple of months ago.
The author is excellent at drawing your attention to parallels and contrasts in scripture, and painting beautiful pictures of God's work behind the scenes, offering hope and grace and mercy, and so much more.
There were a couple of times I was led to familiar passages with fresh eyes. I love the way the Bible truly is a living word, and impacts us differently at different times in our lives. The way God can use faithful believers to bring us in at a different angle, and the view is even more captivating!
Anything more would be filled with spoilers, but I can say that we wandered through much of Genesis, as well as visiting Ruth, and Romans, and Psalms, and Isaiah, and shattered a few of my preconceived notions. I think my favorite was the alternate assumption to Tamar's appearance on the roadside, wearing a veil. Not the idea I'd ever heard offered even as a possibility, which is sad, because it seems so very plausible/probable.
I received a copy of this book from @netgalley, and chose to purchase a hardcopy for myself, to do it again and have something to hang onto. I know I will be rereading it more than once. (I chose to review it here, and all thoughts are my own.)
The author is excellent at drawing your attention to parallels and contrasts in scripture, and painting beautiful pictures of God's work behind the scenes, offering hope and grace and mercy, and so much more.
There were a couple of times I was led to familiar passages with fresh eyes. I love the way the Bible truly is a living word, and impacts us differently at different times in our lives. The way God can use faithful believers to bring us in at a different angle, and the view is even more captivating!
Anything more would be filled with spoilers, but I can say that we wandered through much of Genesis, as well as visiting Ruth, and Romans, and Psalms, and Isaiah, and shattered a few of my preconceived notions. I think my favorite was the alternate assumption to Tamar's appearance on the roadside, wearing a veil. Not the idea I'd ever heard offered even as a possibility, which is sad, because it seems so very plausible/probable.
I received a copy of this book from @netgalley, and chose to purchase a hardcopy for myself, to do it again and have something to hang onto. I know I will be rereading it more than once. (I chose to review it here, and all thoughts are my own.)
October 23, 2021
Another well done Bible study by author and scholar Hrichi! Tamar: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me takes participants through the difficult story of Tamar and how God took what was intended to harm and used it for the good.
Relatable, honest and unflinching, Hrichi doesn't sugar coat the struggles Tamar faced, rather deciding to shine a light on a God who is ever present and aware of the hardships Tamar (and those hardships we face, too!)
This study would be great to do as a group or just for your own personal study. Hrichi is a detailed, in depth researcher of her subjects. She has several other studies available, too! Don't miss out on Tamar's story of how God redeems that which was thought to be hopeless.
I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Relatable, honest and unflinching, Hrichi doesn't sugar coat the struggles Tamar faced, rather deciding to shine a light on a God who is ever present and aware of the hardships Tamar (and those hardships we face, too!)
This study would be great to do as a group or just for your own personal study. Hrichi is a detailed, in depth researcher of her subjects. She has several other studies available, too! Don't miss out on Tamar's story of how God redeems that which was thought to be hopeless.
I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 1, 2021
This is an excellent study. I was drawn into the text and the study right from the beginning and held in to the last page. The author did an amazing job digging deep into the layers of each concept. She did word studies in the original languages, she linked this story to the rest of scripture, and she used lots of cross references to back up and explain her position. I appreciated her study so much and look forward to processing for a long time. She gave several points of application and several places to “pause to ponder” which is really helpful when studies are full of information. I felt like I was learning so much and also given plenty of space and time to process and let the information sink into my head and then my heart.
December 7, 2021
From the incredible cover to the last word it was inspiring! The cover selection where the incident took place, walking away carrying the staff! Breathtaking! The connections with Ruth and Samson and Noah along with the genealogy connections - fantastic! Sharing your heart on page 152 met me right where I am at with all my past failures and sins hounding me day and night! I have personalized the prayer and will print it off for a continual reminder of God's faithfulness and who am I now that really matters. What great encouragement to say to a friend - Look at who you are now! Thankyou for being so vulnerable and sharing your heart!
Last but not least the goats!!! It made the Matt passage come alive with a new meaning! Are we following Jesus or expecting Him to follow us!
Last but not least the goats!!! It made the Matt passage come alive with a new meaning! Are we following Jesus or expecting Him to follow us!
November 12, 2024
It's deep in the Word
I liked the thoroughness and depths the author went into as she explored the life and redemption of Tamar. Looking at her story from differing points of view. It made me think of not only how Tamar felt but also Judah, her father, and even the community. There were aspects I have never considered before and it all helps me to see the story from different perspectives.
It was a lot of reading, but well worth the journey. Our ladies group loved it!
Thank Shadia.
I liked the thoroughness and depths the author went into as she explored the life and redemption of Tamar. Looking at her story from differing points of view. It made me think of not only how Tamar felt but also Judah, her father, and even the community. There were aspects I have never considered before and it all helps me to see the story from different perspectives.
It was a lot of reading, but well worth the journey. Our ladies group loved it!
Thank Shadia.
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