Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Shu'a is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. The name Shu'a is associated with the lineage of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The references to Shu'a in the Bible are brief, yet they provide insight into the familial connections within the tribe of Judah. Biblical References: Shu'a is primarily mentioned in the context of the genealogy of Judah. The most notable reference to Shu'a is found in the Book of Genesis, where he is identified as the father of Judah's wife. In Genesis 38:2, the Berean Standard Bible states: "There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shu'a. He took her as a wife and slept with her." This passage highlights Shu'a as the father-in-law of Judah, making him an integral part of the lineage that would eventually lead to the birth of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. Genealogical Significance: Shu'a's daughter, who is not named in the biblical text, becomes the mother of three of Judah's sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. The narrative in Genesis 38 provides a glimpse into the complexities of Judah's family life, including the tragic deaths of Er and Onan and the subsequent birth of Perez and Zerah through Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law. Although Shu'a himself is not a central figure in these events, his familial connection to Judah places him within the broader narrative of Israel's history. Cultural and Historical Context: The mention of Shu'a as a Canaanite highlights the interactions and intermarriages between the Israelites and the surrounding Canaanite populations. This intermingling is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often leading to both cultural exchanges and conflicts. The marriage of Judah to a Canaanite woman reflects the complexities of maintaining cultural and religious identity amidst external influences. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Shu'a and his daughter in the genealogy of Judah underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and grace in using diverse and imperfect individuals to fulfill His divine purposes. Despite the challenges and moral failures depicted in the narrative, God's plan for the lineage of the Messiah continues unabated. Shu'a's indirect contribution to this lineage serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways in which God works through human history. Conclusion: While Shu'a is a minor figure in the biblical text, his role as the father-in-law of Judah places him within the significant genealogical framework of the tribe of Judah. His mention in the Scriptures, though brief, contributes to the rich tapestry of Israel's history and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Concordance Shu'a (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 7:32 Thesaurus Eli'shu-a (2 Occurrences)Eli'shu-a. Elishua, Eli'shu-a. Elisimus . Multi-Version Concordance Eli'shu-a (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 5:15 and Ibhar, and Elishua ... /e/eli'shu-a.htm - 6k Shu'a (1 Occurrence) Abi'shu-a (1 Occurrence) Bath-shu'a (2 Occurrences) Shuah (5 Occurrences) Shua (4 Occurrences) Abishua (5 Occurrences) Elishua (3 Occurrences) Jeshua (30 Occurrences) Abishu'a (4 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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