Jorai
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Topical Encyclopedia
Jorai is a lesser-known figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. He is identified as one of the descendants of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Gad was one of the tribes that settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in the land of Gilead, which was known for its rugged terrain and pastoral lifestyle.

Biblical Reference:
Jorai is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:13, which provides a genealogical account of the descendants of Gad. The verse in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "Their kinsmen by their families were: Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber—seven in all."

Context and Significance:
The tribe of Gad, to which Jorai belonged, played a significant role in the history of Israel. Known for their valor and strength, the Gadites were renowned warriors. The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the heritage and lineage of the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people through their descendants.

Jorai's mention, though brief, is part of a larger narrative that underscores the importance of family and tribal connections in the history of Israel. The genealogies in Chronicles are not merely lists of names but are intended to remind the Israelites of their identity and heritage as God's chosen people. Each name, including Jorai's, represents a link in the chain of God's unfolding plan for His people.

Cultural and Historical Background:
The tribe of Gad, along with Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh, chose to settle east of the Jordan River. This decision was made during the time of Moses, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. The land of Gilead, where the Gadites settled, was suitable for their large herds and flocks. The Gadites were known for their military prowess, and their territory was often on the front lines of defense against neighboring nations.

Theological Implications:
The inclusion of Jorai in the genealogical record highlights the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His promises. Each name in the genealogy serves as a testament to God's ongoing relationship with His people. The chronicler's intent was to encourage the post-exilic community by reminding them of their rich heritage and the faithfulness of God throughout generations.

In summary, while Jorai himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles underscores the importance of lineage and the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel. Through these records, the chronicler affirms the identity and continuity of the people of God.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Jorai

(whom Jehovah teaches), one of the Gadites dwelling at Gilead in Bashan, in the reign of Jothan king of Judah. (1 Chronicles 5:13)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JORAI

jo'-ra-i (yoray, "whom Yahweh teaches"): A Gadite chief, but possibly the name of a clan (1 Chronicles 5:13).

Strong's Hebrew
3140. Yoray -- "He teaches," a Gadite
... 3139, 3140. Yoray. 3141 . "He teaches," a Gadite. Transliteration: Yoray
Phonetic Spelling: (yo-rah'-ee) Short Definition: Jorai. ... Jorai. ...
/hebrew/3140.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Jorai (1 Occurrence)
...JORAI. jo'-ra-i (yoray, "whom Yahweh teaches"): A Gadite chief, but possibly
the name of a clan (1 Chronicles 5:13). ...Jorai (1 Occurrence). ...
/j/jorai.htm - 6k

Jo'rai (1 Occurrence)
Jo'rai. Jorai, Jo'rai. Joram . Multi-Version Concordance Jo'rai (1 Occurrence). ...
(See RSV). Jorai, Jo'rai. Joram . Reference Bible.
/j/jo'rai.htm - 6k

Zi'a (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 5:13 Their brothers of their fathers' houses: Michael, and Meshullam,
and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jacan, and Zia, and Eber, seven. (See RSV). ...
/z/zi'a.htm - 6k

Zia (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 5:13 Their brothers of their fathers' houses: Michael, and Meshullam,
and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jacan, and Zia, and Eber, seven. ...
/z/zia.htm - 7k

Jacan (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 5:13 Their brothers of their fathers' houses: Michael, and Meshullam,
and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jacan, and Zia, and Eber, seven. ...
/j/jacan.htm - 7k

Jorah (1 Occurrence)

/j/jorah.htm - 7k

Jachan (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 5:13 And their brethren of the house of their fathers were, Michael,
and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jachan, and Zia, and Heber, seven. ...
/j/jachan.htm - 6k

Jaachan (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 5:13 And their brethren according to their fathers' houses were Michael,
and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jaachan, and Zia, and Eber, seven ...
/j/jaachan.htm - 6k

Eber (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 5:13 Their brothers of their fathers' houses: Michael, and Meshullam,
and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jacan, and Zia, and Eber, seven. ...
/e/eber.htm - 12k

Meshul'lam (23 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 5:13 and their brethren of their fathers' houses: Michael, and Meshullam,
and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jacan, and Zia, and Eber, seven. (See RSV). ...
/m/meshul'lam.htm - 12k

Resources
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Concordance
Jorai (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 5:13
Their brothers of their fathers' houses: Michael, and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jacan, and Zia, and Eber, seven.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Jorai

Jorai: A Gadite

Related Terms

Jorai (1 Occurrence)

Joram (26 Occurrences)

Jorah: A Returned Exile
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