Hirah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. He is identified as an Adullamite and is known primarily for his association with Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Hirah's role, though minor, provides insight into the social and relational dynamics of the time.

Biblical References:

Hirah is mentioned in Genesis 38:1-12. The passage describes a period in Judah's life when he "departed from his brothers and pitched his tent near a certain Adullamite named Hirah" (Genesis 38:1). This indicates that Hirah was a resident of Adullam, a city in the lowlands of Judah, and that he became a close associate of Judah during this time.

Role and Significance:

Hirah's significance in the biblical narrative is primarily as a companion to Judah. His presence in the account highlights the interactions between the Israelites and the surrounding Canaanite populations. Hirah's friendship with Judah suggests a level of social integration and personal relationships that transcended tribal and ethnic boundaries.

In Genesis 38, Hirah is involved in a key event in Judah's life. After Judah's wife, the daughter of Shua, passes away, Judah seeks comfort and companionship. Hirah accompanies Judah to Timnah, where Judah encounters Tamar, his daughter-in-law, under unusual circumstances. Hirah's role as a companion during this journey underscores his closeness to Judah and his involvement in Judah's personal affairs.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The mention of Hirah as an Adullamite provides a glimpse into the geographical and cultural setting of the narrative. Adullam was a city located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Judah. This area was known for its fertile land and strategic location, making it a significant site for trade and interaction between different peoples.

Hirah's friendship with Judah reflects the broader cultural exchanges that occurred in the region. The Israelites, though distinct in their covenant relationship with God, often interacted with neighboring peoples, which sometimes led to both positive and negative influences.

Theological Implications:

While Hirah himself is not a central theological figure, his presence in the narrative of Genesis 38 contributes to the unfolding account of God's covenant people. The chapter illustrates themes of sin, repentance, and redemption, as seen in Judah's eventual acknowledgment of his wrongdoing with Tamar. Hirah's involvement in the account serves as a backdrop to these larger themes, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and the sovereignty of God in guiding His people.

In summary, Hirah, though a minor character, plays a role in the narrative of Judah's life, providing context and depth to the account of Genesis 38. His association with Judah offers insights into the social and cultural interactions of the time, as well as the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of Judah.Hirah

liberty; anger

Hirah

(a noble race), an Adullamite, the friend of Judah. (Genesis 38:1,12) and see Genesis38:20

HIRAH

hi'-ra (chirah; Septuagint Eiras): A native of Adullam, and a "friend" of Judah (Genesis 38:1, 12). The Septuagint and the Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) both describe him as Judah's "shepherd."

2437. Chirah -- a friend of Judah
... 2436, 2437. Chirah. 2438 . a friend of Judah. Transliteration: Chirah
Phonetic Spelling: (khee-raw') Short Definition: Hirah. ... Hirah. ...
/hebrew/2437.htm - 6k

Chapter xxxviii
... 1-5. And it came to pass at that time that Judah went down away from his brethren
and pitched his tent near a man of Adullam, whose name was Hirah. ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm

Hirah (3 Occurrences)
...HIRAH. hi'-ra (chirah; Septuagint Eiras): A native of Adullam, and a "friend" of
Judah (Genesis 38:1, 12). ... Multi-Version Concordance Hirah (3 Occurrences). ...
/h/hirah.htm - 7k

Adullamite (3 Occurrences)
... a-dul'-am-it: The gentilic adjective of ADULLAM, which see. It is used only of Judah's
friend Hirah (Genesis 38:1, 12, 20). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/a/adullamite.htm - 7k

Adullam (10 Occurrences)
... Adullam (10 Occurrences). Genesis 38:1 It happened at that time, that Judah went
down from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. ...
/a/adullam.htm - 16k

Hips (6 Occurrences)

/h/hips.htm - 8k

Friend (139 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT). Genesis 38:1 Now at that time, Judah went away
from his brothers and became the friend of a man of Adullam named Hirah. (BBE) ...
/f/friend.htm - 40k

Hiram (21 Occurrences)

/h/hiram.htm - 18k

Visited (40 Occurrences)
... Genesis 38:1 It happened at that time, that Judah went down from his brothers, and
visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. (WEB NAS). ...
/v/visited.htm - 18k

Judah's (18 Occurrences)
... of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went
up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite ...
/j/judah's.htm - 12k

Timnath (9 Occurrences)
... of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went
up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite ...
/t/timnath.htm - 9k

Timnah (12 Occurrences)
... Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers to Timnah, he and his friend
Hirah, the Adullamite. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/timnah.htm - 13k

What was the Cave of Adullam? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Judah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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