Er: A Son of Shelah
Jump to: Nave'sGreekLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Er, a lesser-known figure in the genealogies of the Bible, is mentioned in the context of the descendants of Judah. He is identified as a son of Shelah, who was one of the sons of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. The lineage of Judah holds significant importance in biblical history, as it is the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended.

Biblical References:

Er is mentioned in the genealogical records found in the First Book of Chronicles. In 1 Chronicles 4:21 , it states: "The sons of Shelah son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah, the clans of the linen workers at Beth Ashbea." This passage places Er within the broader context of the descendants of Judah, highlighting his role as the progenitor of Lecah.

Genealogical Context:

The genealogies in the Bible serve to trace the lineage of significant tribes and families, often highlighting their roles and contributions to the history of Israel. Er, as a descendant of Judah through Shelah, is part of the lineage that contributes to the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. The tribe of Judah is particularly noteworthy for its leadership and the promise of a ruler from its line, as prophesied in Genesis 49:10.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

While Er himself is not a prominent figure with detailed narratives or accounts, his mention in the genealogies underscores the importance of family lines and heritage in the biblical narrative. The genealogies serve as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the line through which the Messiah would come. Er's inclusion in these records, though brief, is part of the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Er and other genealogical figures emphasizes the continuity of God's covenantal promises. Each name in the genealogy represents a link in the chain of God's unfolding plan for salvation history. The tribe of Judah, to which Er belongs, is central to this plan, as it is through Judah that the scepter shall not depart, pointing to the coming of Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

Conclusion:

Er, as a son of Shelah and a descendant of Judah, is a part of the rich genealogical heritage that underscores the faithfulness of God in the biblical narrative. His mention, though brief, contributes to the understanding of the lineage through which God's promises are fulfilled.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Chronicles 4:21
The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were, Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that worked fine linen, of the house of Ashbea,
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
1443. Eber -- Heber, an ancestor of Christ
... Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Eber Phonetic Spelling: (eb-er')
Short Definition: Eber Definition: Eber, father of Peleg and son of Shelah. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1443.htm - 6k
Library

Genealogy According to Luke.
... son of Addi, the son of Cosan, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29 the ... comes from
this man"Genesis 10:21; xl.15; Exodus 2:6], the son of Shelah, 36 the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/iv genealogy according to luke.htm

C. The Genealogy of Jesus. Ch. 3:23-38
... son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29 the ... Serug, the
son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36 the ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the genealogy of jesus.htm

Chapter xxxviii
... a son and he called his name Er. Again she conceived and bore a son and she called
his name Onan. Even once more she bore a son and she called his name Shelah. ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... After these things, my son Er took to wife Tamar, from Mesopotamia, a daughter of ...
[105] Now Er was wicked ... And I wished to give Shelah also to her, but my wife ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

Chapter xlvi
... Zohar and Shaul, the son of the Canaanitish woman. And the sons of Levi: Gershon,
Kohath and Merari. And the sons of Judah: Er and Onan and Shelah and Perez ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about birth control / contraceptives? Should Christians use birth control? | GotQuestions.org

What is onanism? Is onanism a sin? | GotQuestions.org

What is metempsychosis? | GotQuestions.org

Er: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Er

Er: A Son of Shelah

Er: An Ancestor of, Jesus

Er: Son of Judah

Related Terms

Be-er'othite (2 Occurrences)

Be-er'ah (1 Occurrence)

Aro'er (15 Occurrences)

Be-er'oth (8 Occurrences)

Be-er'othites (1 Occurrence)

Onan (6 Occurrences)

Offering (850 Occurrences)

Ramah (38 Occurrences)

Covering (191 Occurrences)

Hinnom (11 Occurrences)

Uttermost (48 Occurrences)

Judah's (18 Occurrences)

Liberally (4 Occurrences)

Liberality (7 Occurrences)

Liberal (11 Occurrences)

Beerlahairoi (1 Occurrence)

Baalathbeer (1 Occurrence)

Beerelim (1 Occurrence)

Bitterness (37 Occurrences)

Beer-lahai-roi (3 Occurrences)

Baalath-beer (2 Occurrences)

Succor (8 Occurrences)

Succorer (1 Occurrence)

Reservoir (1 Occurrence)

Tamar (28 Occurrences)

Jericho (59 Occurrences)

Aroer (17 Occurrences)

Beeroth (7 Occurrences)

Beerothite (4 Occurrences)

Sinai (38 Occurrences)

Flesh (468 Occurrences)

Shelah (18 Occurrences)

Beersheba (33 Occurrences)

Valley (187 Occurrences)

Olives (30 Occurrences)

Zarah (3 Occurrences)

Kinsman (29 Occurrences)

Kinswoman (4 Occurrences)

Utmost (21 Occurrences)

Offer (403 Occurrences)

Or (15123 Occurrences)

Lod (4 Occurrences)

Lydda (3 Occurrences)

Glittering (12 Occurrences)

Glitter (3 Occurrences)

Generally (7 Occurrences)

Fisherman (1 Occurrence)

Fisher (1 Occurrence)

Tires (3 Occurrences)

Robbery (18 Occurrences)

Robber (14 Occurrences)

Err (41 Occurrences)

Emperor (5 Occurrences)

Error (90 Occurrences)

Doorkeeper (8 Occurrences)

Modin

Pherez (11 Occurrences)

Potter (14 Occurrences)

Pond (2 Occurrences)

Perez (19 Occurrences)

Porter (6 Occurrences)

Pharez (11 Occurrences)

Port (3 Occurrences)

Pottery (11 Occurrences)

Beerah (2 Occurrences)

Beer-elim (1 Occurrence)

Bitter (203 Occurrences)

Bathshua (2 Occurrences)

Bath-shua (3 Occurrences)

Bath-shu'a (2 Occurrences)

Beer (15 Occurrences)

Confederate (3 Occurrences)

Canaanitess (4 Occurrences)

Caterpillar (6 Occurrences)

Cover (254 Occurrences)

Confederacy (2 Occurrences)

Copper (55 Occurrences)

Afterward (113 Occurrences)

Er, Onan, and Shelah
Top of Page
Top of Page