Lexical Summary Yarcha: Month Original Word: יַרְחָע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jarha Probably of Egyptian origin; Jarcha, an Egyptian -- Jarha. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition an Eg. slave NASB Translation Jarha (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs יַרְחָֹע proper name, masculine an Egyptian slave 1 Chronicles 2:34,35; ᵐ5 Ιωχηλ, ᵐ5L Ιερεε. Topical Lexicon Personal Profile Jarha is introduced within the chronicler’s genealogy of the tribe of Judah as the Egyptian servant of Sheshan, a descendant of Jerahmeel (1 Chronicles 2). Although foreign-born and originally a household slave, Jarha is entrusted with Sheshan’s only daughter and thereby grafted into Judah’s ancestral line. Biblical Occurrences and Genealogical Importance The name appears twice (1 Chronicles 2:34, 35). The second occurrence records Sheshan’s decisive act: “So Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his servant Jarha, and she bore him Attai” (1 Chronicles 2:35). From Attai a ten-generation line unfolds (verses 36-41) that culminates in Elishama. By inserting Jarha into this lineage, Scripture preserves the memory of a non-Israelite who becomes a patriarchal link in Judah’s record. Cultural and Social Background 1. Servitude and Status. In the Ancient Near East, servants rarely rose above their station. Sheshan’s willingness to bestow his daughter on Jarha reveals both personal esteem for the servant and the flexibility of Israelite custom when a male heir was lacking. Redemptive-Historical Significance Jarha’s account signals an early biblical pattern: God’s purposes advance through unexpected individuals. As Rahab precedes and Ruth follows, Jarha testifies that the promises to Abraham—“all the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3)—are already at work long before the prophets explicitly announce a worldwide salvation. Theological Themes 1. Grace that Crosses Boundaries. Jarha embodies divine grace transcending ethnicity and status, anticipating New Testament teaching that Christ “has made the two one” (Ephesians 2:14). Connections with Other Scriptural Accounts • Rahab (Joshua 2) and Ruth (Ruth 4) demonstrate similar inclusion of foreigners who impact Israel’s destiny. Practical Ministry Applications • Churches may highlight Jarha when teaching hospitality to immigrants and the dignity of all work, reinforcing James 2:1’s call against favoritism. Name Significance Ancient etymologies relate Jarha to moonlight or illumination, an apt metaphor for a servant whose brief appearance sheds light on God’s inclusive purposes. Historical Placement The genealogy sits in the early monarchy or pre-monarchy period, likely spanning the era between the Exodus and David. Jarha’s Egyptian origin may trace to migratory waves during or after the Israelites’ sojourn in Egypt, reflecting centuries-long interchange between the two lands. Summary Jarha stands as a quiet yet potent witness to God’s ability to lift the humble, integrate the outsider, and secure covenantal lineage through surprising choices. Though his name surfaces only twice, the Spirit has ensured his legacy endures wherever the Chronicles are read. Forms and Transliterations יַרְחָֽע׃ ירחע׃ לְיַרְחָ֥ע לירחע lə·yar·ḥā‘ leyarCha ləyarḥā‘ yar·ḥā‘ yarCha yarḥā‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 2:34 HEB: מִצְרִ֖י וּשְׁמ֥וֹ יַרְחָֽע׃ NAS: servant whose name was Jarha. KJV: an Egyptian, whose name [was] Jarha. INT: had an Egyptian name was Jarha 1 Chronicles 2:35 2 Occurrences |
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