Zara: Son of Judah
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Zara, also spelled Zerah, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, with additional references in other parts of the Bible. Zara's narrative is significant in the genealogical and historical context of the Israelite tribes.

Biblical Account

The account of Zara's birth is recorded in Genesis 38. Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, had three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. After the death of Er and Onan, Judah's daughter-in-law Tamar, who was widowed, sought to secure her place in the family lineage. Disguising herself, Tamar conceived twins by Judah. During childbirth, a unique event occurred: "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" (Genesis 38:28-30).

Genealogical Significance

Zara's lineage is noted in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. He is listed among the descendants of Judah in 1 Chronicles 2:4, which states, "Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law, bore him Perez and Zerah." The descendants of Zara, known as the Zerahites, are mentioned in the census of the Israelites in the wilderness, as recorded in Numbers 26:20.

Historical and Theological Context

Zara's account is intertwined with themes of redemption and divine providence. The unusual circumstances of his birth highlight the sovereignty of God in the unfolding of His plans, even through human frailty and error. The scarlet thread tied around Zara's wrist has been interpreted by some as a symbol of redemption, prefiguring the redemptive work of Christ.

Zara's lineage is also significant in the broader narrative of the Bible. While his brother Perez is more prominently featured in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3), Zara's inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of all branches of Judah's family in the history of Israel.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The account of Zara and his family has been a subject of interest in Jewish and Christian traditions. It reflects the complexities of family dynamics and the fulfillment of God's promises through unexpected means. The narrative also serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of human actions within the covenant community.

In summary, Zara, son of Judah, is a figure whose life and lineage are woven into the fabric of biblical history, illustrating the intricate ways in which God's purposes are realized through the lives of His people.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 1:3
And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
2196. Zara -- Zerah, an Israelite
... Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Zara Phonetic Spelling:
(dzar-ah') Short Definition: Zerah Definition: Zerah, son of Judah and Tamar ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2196.htm - 6k
Library

Whether it is Credible that the Men of the Primitive Age Abstained ...
... Consequently it does not at all appear whether he who is named as the son was himself
the first ... "Judah," he says, "begat Pharez and Zara;" yet neither ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 15 whether it is credible.htm

Matt. I. 1
... any longer have been accounted to be a Son of David ... he is come to Jacob, he remembers
both "Judah, and his ... 3. "And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar." [116 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iii matt i 1.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... it was the will of God, to have his own Son as a direct descendant from Judah; and
at ... Matthew says, "Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar;" and "David the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

Index of Subjects.
... respecting, [135]257 etc.; why descended from Zara of Tamar ... 436]312 etc.; both Son
of David and Son of God ... Judah, the blessing of, its prophetic import, [455]196 ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... lay hold of him when he came from the field, ending sometimes in their hiring him
from one another for the night; [785] or, again, how his son Judah slept with ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Both Covenants were Prefigured in Abraham, and in the Labour of ...
... but typically by [the history of] Thamar, Judah's daughter-in ... Phares came forth the
first; then, after him, Zara, upon whom ... in the last times in the Son of God. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxv both covenants were prefigured.htm

John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the ...
... Babylon, Jebamoth, 46 b; Kerithuth, 9 a; Aboda Zara, 57 a ... in any other district of
the tribe of Judah a single ... 4] He made no account of the title "son of Abraham ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter vi john the baptistvisit.htm

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