The story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38 is complex, with neither character being fully exonerated. However, there are some key points to consider:

Tamar is generally viewed more favorably in biblical scholarship:

1. Tamar's actions, while deceptive, were aimed at fulfilling her right to have children and continue her deceased husband's lineage16. This was an important cultural and religious duty at the time.

2. Judah himself declares Tamar "more righteous" than himself, acknowledging that he had wronged her by withholding his son Shelah as her husband13.

3. Some scholars describe Tamar as a "heroine in Israel" who risked her life for family fidelity3. Her actions ultimately secured the royal lineage leading to Jesus through her son Perez.

4. Tamar's response when exposed was submissive and restrained, privately presenting evidence to Judah rather than publicly shaming him4.

Judah, while not fully exonerated, experiences a turning point:

1. Judah's initial actions are portrayed negatively - he broke his promise to Tamar and hypocritically condemned her to death while being guilty himself25.

2. However, when confronted with evidence of his wrongdoing, Judah acknowledges his fault. This moment is seen as a watershed, where Judah "comes to his senses"7.

3. After this incident, Judah's character improves. He later shows selflessness in offering himself as a substitute for Benjamin, demonstrating significant growth8.

While neither character is completely blameless, the biblical narrative seems to present Tamar more favorably. Judah's acknowledgment of her relative righteousness and his subsequent character development suggest the story serves as a turning point in his life37.

It's important to note that interpretations of this story vary, and some later traditions have attempted to shift blame or exonerate Judah further9. However, the biblical text itself presents a nuanced view of both characters, ultimately using this complex situation to advance God's purposes through an unlikely lineage.