Topical Encyclopedia Pharez, also spelled Perez, is a significant figure in the genealogical records of the Bible, particularly within the lineage of the tribe of Judah. He is the son of Judah and Tamar, as recorded in Genesis 38. The circumstances of his birth are notable, as Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law, bore him and his twin brother Zerah after a complex series of events involving levirate marriage customs.Biblical Account and Lineage The account of Pharez's birth is found in Genesis 38:27-30 : "When the time came for Tamar to give birth, there were twins in her womb. And as she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it around his wrist. 'This one came out first,' she announced. But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, 'You have broken out first!' So he was named Perez. Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread around his wrist, and he was named Zerah." Pharez's name, meaning "breach" or "bursting forth," reflects the unusual circumstances of his birth. Despite being the second to emerge, he is listed first in genealogical records, indicating his prominence in the lineage of Judah. Descendants and Significance Pharez's descendants are significant in the history of Israel. He is listed in the genealogy of King David, as recorded in the Book of Ruth 4:18-22 : "Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, Hezron was the father of Ram, Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, Nahshon was the father of Salmon, Salmon was the father of Boaz, Boaz was the father of Obed, Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse was the father of David." This lineage is crucial as it establishes the Messianic line, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ, as detailed in the genealogies of Matthew 1 and Luke 3. Pharez's inclusion in these genealogies underscores the fulfillment of God's promises through the tribe of Judah. Tribal Leadership and Legacy The descendants of Pharez played a prominent role in the leadership and development of the tribe of Judah. In the wilderness census recorded in Numbers 26:20-21 , the family of Pharez is noted for its size and influence: "The descendants of Judah by their clans were: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, the Zerahite clan from Zerah. The descendants of Perez were: The Hezronite clan from Hezron, the Hamulite clan from Hamul." Pharez's lineage continued to be influential during the period of the Judges and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. The tribe of Judah, from which Pharez descended, was known for its leadership and military prowess, often taking a leading role in the affairs of the nation. Cultural and Theological Implications The account of Pharez and his descendants highlights themes of redemption and divine providence. Despite the unconventional circumstances of his birth, Pharez's line is chosen to carry forward the promise of a Savior. This narrative illustrates the sovereignty of God in using unexpected means to fulfill His purposes and the importance of faithfulness to His covenant promises. Pharez's legacy is a testament to the enduring faithfulness of God to His people, as seen through the continuation of the Messianic line and the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 46:12And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zarah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 26:20,21 1 Chronicles 2:5 1 Chronicles 9:4 Library Whether it is Credible that the Men of the Primitive Age Abstained ... Matt. I. 1 Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia. The Book of Jubilees Letter Lii. To Nepotian. Index of Subjects. Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ... Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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