Topical Encyclopedia Shelah, the third son of Judah, is a figure mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis. His account is intertwined with the narratives of his father Judah and his brothers Er and Onan. Shelah's mother was the Canaanite woman Shua, making him part of the lineage that would eventually lead to the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.Biblical References: Shelah's birth is recorded in Genesis 38:5: "Then she gave birth to another son and named him Shelah; it was at Kezib that she gave birth to him." This verse situates Shelah within the family of Judah, highlighting his place as the youngest of Judah's three sons by Shua. The narrative of Genesis 38 is significant for understanding Shelah's role in the family dynamics. After the death of his brothers Er and Onan, Judah promised his widowed daughter-in-law Tamar that she could marry Shelah when he came of age. However, Judah did not fulfill this promise, fearing that Shelah might also die like his brothers. Genesis 38:11 states, "Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, 'Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up.' For he thought, 'He may die too, like his brothers.' So Tamar went to live in her father’s house." Shelah's account is further mentioned in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 2:3-4, which recounts the descendants of Judah: "The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah. These three were born to him by the daughter of Shua the Canaanite. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put him to death. Judah’s daughter-in-law Tamar bore Perez and Zerah to Judah, bringing the total number of Judah’s sons to five." Role and Significance: Shelah's role in the biblical narrative is primarily genealogical. He is part of the lineage that would lead to the Davidic line and ultimately to Jesus Christ, as outlined in the genealogies of Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:30. Despite his limited direct involvement in the biblical accounts, Shelah's inclusion in these genealogies underscores the importance of his lineage. The account of Shelah also highlights themes of family responsibility and the consequences of failing to fulfill one's obligations. Judah's reluctance to give Shelah to Tamar as a husband reflects the complexities of familial duties and the cultural practices of levirate marriage, where a brother is expected to marry the widow of his deceased brother to produce offspring in his name. Cultural and Historical Context: Shelah's narrative occurs within the broader context of the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, where family lineage and inheritance were of paramount importance. The practice of levirate marriage, as seen in the account of Tamar, was a means to ensure the continuation of a family line and the protection of widows within the community. In summary, Shelah, though not a central figure in the biblical narrative, plays a crucial role in the genealogical record of the tribe of Judah. His account serves as a reminder of the intricate family dynamics and cultural practices of the time, as well as the unfolding of God's providential plan through the lineage of Judah. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 38:5,11,14,26And she yet again conceived, and bore a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bore him. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 46:12 Numbers 26:20 1 Chronicles 2:3 1 Chronicles 4:21 Strong's Hebrew 7956. Shelah -- a son of Judah... 7955, 7956. Shelah. 7957 . a son of Judah. Transliteration: Shelah Phonetic Spelling: (shay-law') Short Definition: Shelah. Word ... /hebrew/7956.htm - 6k Library Genealogy According to Luke. C. The Genealogy of Jesus. Ch. 3:23-38 Chapter xxxviii The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ... Chapter xlvi CHAPTER III. Resources Who are Semites? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the Hebrews? | GotQuestions.org Who was Tamar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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