I. Introduction
A. Transition from the events in Genesis 37, specifically Joseph being sold into slavery
B. Introduction to the narrative of Judah’s family and his relationship with Tamar in Genesis 38
II. Judah’s Marriage and Sons
A. Verses 1-5: Judah marries a Canaanite woman named Shua and has three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah
B. Verses 6-7: Judah arranges a marriage for his eldest son, Er, with Tamar
III. Tamar and the Death of Er
A. Verses 8-10: Er is wicked in the eyes of the Lord, and the Lord takes his life
B. Verses 11-14: Judah promises Tamar that she will be given in marriage to his youngest son, Shelah, once he is grown up, but fails to fulfill his promise
IV. Tamar’s Deception and the Birth of Perez and Zerah
A. Verses 15-19: Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and waits for Judah by the roadside
B. Verses 20-23: Judah sleeps with Tamar, thinking she is a prostitute, and she conceives twins
C. Verses 24-26: Tamar is accused of prostitution and is brought to Judah, revealing that he is the father of her children
D. Verses 27-30: Tamar gives birth to twin sons, Perez and Zerah
V. Conclusion
A. Summary of the events in Genesis 38
B. Transition to the subsequent chapters and the further development of the narrative
Note: This outline provides a general structure of Genesis 38, focusing on the events surrounding Judah’s family and his relationship with Tamar. It highlights Judah’s failed promise, Tamar’s deception, and the birth of Perez and Zerah. The actual chapter contains additional details, dialogues, and interactions that are not included in this outline.