Bible Study: Genesis

[guitarintro]

I am starting to read The Bible from the beginning. I came across this passage and I was wondering if someone could assist me.

Genesis 38:8-10 (New American Standard Bible)

8Then Judah said to Onan, "(A)Go in to your brother's wife, and perform your duty as a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother."
9Onan knew that the (B)offspring would not be his; so when he went in to his brother's wife, he wasted his seed on the ground in order not to give offspring to his brother.
10But what he did was displeasing in the sight of the LORD; so He (C)took his life also.



SOURCE: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis 38:8-10;&version=49;

 

[crishmael]

If I remember correctly, if a woman's husband died without giving her any children, it was the custom for the husband's brother to have a child with his brother's wife that would then carry on his brother's name. Onan, knowing the child would not be considered his, went to just have sex with her, pulling out before [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse]. By refusing to carry on his brother's name, he was, in effect killing him forever and just sleeping with his former sister in law. Therefore, the Lord took his life as well.

At least that's how I remember my study. Someone else may have more info.