Raham
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Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:
Raham is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. His name appears in the context of the lineage of Caleb, a significant figure in the history of Israel. The name "Raham" is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to love" or "to have compassion," which may reflect the character or the hoped-for qualities of the individual.

Biblical References:
Raham is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:44, which is part of the genealogical records that trace the descendants of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The verse states: "Shema the father of Raham, the father of Jorkeam. Rekem was the father of Shammai."

Genealogical Context:
Raham is identified as the son of Shema and the father of Jorkeam. This places him within the broader genealogy of Caleb, a prominent figure known for his faithfulness and courage as one of the two spies who brought back a positive report about the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14). The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the tribal and familial lines of the Israelites, emphasizing the continuity of God's promises through specific families.

Historical and Theological Significance:
While Raham himself is not a major figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogies underscores the importance of family lineage in the biblical record. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles highlight the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, particularly the promise of land and descendants. Raham's place in the genealogy of Caleb connects him to the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ would descend, fulfilling the messianic prophecies.

Cultural and Religious Context:
In ancient Israelite society, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliation. They served as a means of preserving history and ensuring the continuity of the covenant community. Raham's mention, though brief, contributes to this larger framework of identity and divine promise.

Conclusion:
Raham's role in the biblical genealogies, though minor, is part of the intricate tapestry of Israel's history. His mention in the lineage of Caleb and the tribe of Judah highlights the enduring significance of family lines in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Raham

compassion; a friend

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Raham

(belly). In the genealogy of the descendants of Caleb the son of Hezron, (1 Chronicles 2:44) Raham is described as the son of Shema and father of Jorkoam.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Merciful, one of the descendants of Caleb, the son of Hezron (1 Chronicles 2:44).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
RAHAM

ra'-ham (racham, "pity," "love"): Son of Shema, and father of Jorkeam (1 Chronicles 2:44).

Strong's Hebrew
7357. Racham -- "pity," a man of Judah
... 7356, 7357. Racham. 7358 . "pity," a man of Judah. Transliteration: Racham
Phonetic Spelling: (rakh'-am) Short Definition: Raham. ... Raham. ...
/hebrew/7357.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter xvii
... It may not be a strict etymology, for the second half, raham, could hardly be' derived
from ham??n, "multitude." Consequently the criticisms of Procksch, who ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xvii.htm

Thesaurus
Raham (1 Occurrence)
...RAHAM. ra'-ham (racham, "pity," "love"): Son of Shema, and father of Jorkeam (1
Chronicles 2:44). Multi-Version Concordance Raham (1 Occurrence). ...
/r/raham.htm - 7k

Jorkeam (1 Occurrence)
... am (yorqe`am; the King James Version Jorkoam): This is probably to be taken as the
name of a town, the "father" or "founder" of which was Raham (1 Chronicles 2 ...
/j/jorkeam.htm - 7k

Abraham (2539 Occurrences)
... In the form 'abh-raham his ear caught the echo of some root (perhaps rhm; compare
Arabic ruham, "multitude") still more suggestive of the patriarch's extensive ...
/a/abraham.htm - 50k

Rahab (14 Occurrences)

/r/rahab.htm - 16k

Jorkoam (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jorkoam (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:44 And Shema begat
Raham, the father of Jorkoam: and Rekem begat Shammai. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/j/jorkoam.htm - 6k

Jor'ke-am (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jor'ke-am (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:44 And Shema
begot Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem begot Shammai. (See RSV). ...
/j/jor'ke-am.htm - 6k

Gier (2 Occurrences)
... Gier eagle. Hebrews raham = "parental affection," Leviticus 11:18; Deuteronomy
14:17; RV, "vulture"), a species of vulture living entirely on carrion. ...
/g/gier.htm - 7k

Rekem (6 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 2:44 Shema became the father of Raham, the father of
Jorkeam; and Rekem became the father of Shammai. (WEB KJV ...
/r/rekem.htm - 11k

Rahel (1 Occurrence)

/r/rahel.htm - 6k

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