Charchus
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Charchus is a figure mentioned in the apocryphal text of the Book of Tobit, which is part of the Deuterocanonical books in the Catholic and Orthodox Christian traditions but is not included in the Protestant canon. As such, Charchus does not appear in the canonical books of the Bible recognized by Protestant traditions, including the Berean Standard Bible . However, understanding the context and significance of Charchus requires a look into the narrative of Tobit, where he is briefly mentioned.

Context in the Book of Tobit

The Book of Tobit is a narrative that combines elements of Jewish piety and folklore, set during the time of the Assyrian exile. It tells the account of Tobit, a righteous Israelite of the tribe of Naphtali, who, despite his faithfulness, suffers blindness and misfortune. The narrative also follows his son, Tobias, on a journey that leads to divine intervention and the restoration of his family.

Charchus is mentioned in the context of the genealogy of Tobit's family. In Tobit 1:1-2, the lineage of Tobit is outlined, tracing his ancestry back to Naphtali, one of the sons of Jacob. The mention of Charchus is part of this genealogical record, serving to establish Tobit's heritage and his connection to the broader history of Israel.

Genealogical Significance

The inclusion of Charchus in the genealogy underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in Jewish tradition. Genealogies in biblical texts often serve to authenticate the identity and legitimacy of key figures, linking them to the patriarchs and the covenant promises given to Israel. While Charchus himself is not a prominent figure with a detailed narrative, his mention contributes to the historical and religious context of Tobit's account.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Book of Tobit, including its genealogical elements, emphasizes themes of faithfulness, divine providence, and the importance of family and community. The narrative illustrates how God works through ordinary lives and familial relationships to bring about His purposes. Although Charchus is a minor figure, his place in the genealogy of Tobit reflects the interconnectedness of God's people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history.

Conclusion

While Charchus is not a figure found in the canonical texts of the Protestant Bible, his mention in the Book of Tobit provides insight into the cultural and religious milieu of the Jewish diaspora during the Assyrian exile. The genealogical record, including Charchus, serves to root the narrative of Tobit in the broader account of Israel, highlighting the enduring themes of faith, family, and divine intervention.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CHARCHUS

kar'-kus.

See BARCHUS.

Thesaurus
Charchus
Charchus. Charchemish, Charchus. Charcoal . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CHARCHUS. kar'-kus. See BARCHUS. Charchemish, Charchus. Charcoal . ...
/c/charchus.htm - 6k

Barchus
... bar'-kus (Codex Vaticanus, Bachous; Codex Alexandrinus, Barchoue; the King James
Version Charchus, from Aldine edition, Charkous; 1 Esdras 5:32 = Barkos (Ezra 2 ...
/b/barchus.htm - 6k

Charchemish (1 Occurrence)

/c/charchemish.htm - 6k

Charcoal (3 Occurrences)

/c/charcoal.htm - 7k

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