Jarha is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. He is noted in the context of the family lineage of Caleb, a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah. The account of Jarha is found in 1 Chronicles 2:34-41, which provides insight into his unique position within the genealogical framework of Israel.

Biblical Account

Jarha is identified as an Egyptian servant in the household of Sheshan, a descendant of Judah. The narrative in 1 Chronicles 2:34-35 states: "Now Sheshan had no sons, only daughters. But he had an Egyptian servant named Jarha. So Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to his servant Jarha, and she bore him Attai." This passage highlights the unusual circumstance of an Egyptian servant being integrated into the Israelite lineage through marriage.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, it was uncommon for a servant, especially a foreigner, to be elevated to a position of familial significance within an Israelite household. The marriage of Sheshan's daughter to Jarha signifies a notable exception to the prevailing social norms of the time. This union underscores the flexibility within the tribal structures of Israel, where lineage and inheritance could be adapted to accommodate unique situations.

Genealogical Significance

The inclusion of Jarha in the genealogical record of Judah is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the openness of Israelite society to incorporate individuals from outside the traditional ethnic boundaries, provided they were integrated into the covenant community. Secondly, Jarha's marriage to Sheshan's daughter ensured the continuation of Sheshan's lineage, which might have otherwise faced extinction due to the absence of male heirs.

The descendants of Jarha and Sheshan's daughter are listed in the subsequent verses, tracing the lineage through Attai, Nathan, and Zabad, among others. This genealogical record serves to affirm the legitimacy and continuity of the family line within the broader narrative of Judah's descendants.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Jarha reflects the inclusive nature of God's covenant with Israel. It illustrates that faithfulness to God and integration into His people were not limited by ethnic or social status. The account of Jarha can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament theme of the inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God, as exemplified in the ministry of Jesus Christ and the early Church.

Conclusion

The account of Jarha in the Bible, though brief, provides a rich tapestry of cultural, genealogical, and theological insights. His account is a testament to the diverse and inclusive nature of God's plan for His people, as well as the adaptability of Israelite society in preserving family lines and honoring covenantal relationships.Jarha

the Egyptian servant of Sheshan, about the time of Eli, to whom his master gave his daughter and heir in marriage; (1 Chronicles 2:34,35) (B.C. before 1491.)

JARHA

jar'-ha (yarcha`, meaning unknown): An Egyptian slave of Shesham, about Eli's time (compare HPN, 235), who married his master's daughter, and became the founder of a house of the Jerahmeelites (1 Chronicles 2:34).

3398. Yarcha -- an Eg. slave
... 3397, 3398. Yarcha. 3399 . an Eg. slave. Transliteration: Yarcha Phonetic Spelling:
(yar-khaw') Short Definition: Jarha. ... slave NASB Word Usage Jarha (2). Jarha ...
/hebrew/3398.htm - 5kJarha (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JARHA. ... Multi-Version Concordance Jarha (2 Occurrences).
1 Chronicles 2:34 Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. ...
/j/jarha.htm - 7k

Sheshan (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHESHAN. she'-shan (sheshan; Sosan): A Jerahmeelite
whose daughter married his servant Jarha (1 Chronicles 2:31, 34, 35). ...
/s/sheshan.htm - 7k

Attai (4 Occurrences)
... at'-ta-i at'-i `attay, ("timely?"): (1) A son of Jarha, the Egyptian, by a daughter
of Sheshan (1 Chronicles 2:35 f). (2) A Gadite soldier who joined David's ...
/a/attai.htm - 8k

Jarib (3 Occurrences)

/j/jarib.htm - 8k

Obed (13 Occurrences)
... (2) Son of Ephlal and descendant of Sheshan, the Jerahmeelite, through his daughter
who was married to Jarha, an Egyptian servant of her father's (1 Chronicles ...
/o/obed.htm - 12k

Jaresiah (1 Occurrence)

/j/jaresiah.htm - 6k

Sismai (1 Occurrence)
... sis'-mi (tsitsmay; the King James Version Sisamai): A Judahite, of the descendants
of the daughter of Sheshan and Jarha, his Egyptian servant (1 Chronicles 2:40 ...
/s/sismai.htm - 7k

Egyptian (35 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 2:34 Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. Sheshan
had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha. (WEB KJV ...
/e/egyptian.htm - 19k

Beareth (108 Occurrences)
... Molid. (YLT). 1 Chronicles 2:35 and Sheshan giveth his daughter to Jarha his
servant for a wife, and she beareth to him Attai; (YLT). 1 ...
/b/beareth.htm - 34k

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