Ba'ara is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin in the Old Testament. Her name appears in 1 Chronicles 8:8, where she is identified as one of the wives of Shaharaim. The passage reads: "And Shaharaim had sons in the country of Moab after he had sent away Hushim and Ba'ara his wives" (1 Chronicles 8:8). This brief mention provides limited information about her life and role, but it situates her within the broader context of Israel's tribal history.

Genealogical Context

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the lineage and heritage of the tribes of Israel, particularly focusing on the tribe of Benjamin in this section. Ba'ara's inclusion in this genealogy highlights her connection to Shaharaim, a Benjamite, and her role in the continuation of his lineage. The genealogical records in Chronicles are significant for understanding the historical and familial relationships among the Israelites, as well as for tracing the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

Cultural and Historical Background

The mention of Ba'ara in the context of Moab suggests a period when Israelites had interactions with neighboring nations. Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was often in conflict with Israel, yet there were also periods of peace and intermarriage. The fact that Shaharaim had sons in Moab indicates a complex relationship between the Israelites and the Moabites, reflecting the broader historical and cultural exchanges of the time.

Theological Significance

While Ba'ara herself is not a central figure in biblical theology, her mention in the genealogies underscores the importance of family and lineage in the biblical narrative. The genealogies in Chronicles are not merely historical records; they are theological affirmations of God's faithfulness to His people. Each name, including Ba'ara's, contributes to the tapestry of God's redemptive history, pointing to the continuity of His covenant promises through generations.

Interpretative Considerations

From a conservative Christian perspective, the genealogies, including the mention of figures like Ba'ara, are seen as divinely inspired records that affirm the historical reliability of Scripture. They serve as a testament to God's sovereign orchestration of history and His ongoing relationship with His people. The inclusion of women like Ba'ara, though brief, highlights the integral role women played in the unfolding of God's plan, even when their accounts are not fully detailed in the biblical text.

In summary, Ba'ara's mention in 1 Chronicles 8:8, though brief, is part of the rich tapestry of biblical genealogy that underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises and the intricate relationships among His people. Her presence in the text invites readers to consider the broader historical and theological implications of the genealogies in Scripture.Ba'ara (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 8:8
Shaharaim became the father of children in the field of Moab, after he had sent them away; Hushim and Baara were his wives.
(See RSV)

Ba'ara (1 Occurrence)
Ba'ara. Baara, Ba'ara. Baasa . Multi-Version Concordance Ba'ara (1
Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 8:8 Shaharaim became the father of ...
/b/ba'ara.htm - 6k

Beast (243 Occurrences)
... Be`ir, "cattle," and its root-verb, ba`ar, "to graze," are identical with the Arabic
ba`ir and ba`ara, but with a curious difference in meaning. ...
/b/beast.htm - 50k

Baara (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAARA. ba'-a-ra ba`ara', ("the burning one"): A
wife of the Benjamite Shaharaim (1 Chronicles 8:8). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/b/baara.htm - 6k

Baasa (26 Occurrences)

/b/baasa.htm - 13k

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