The Zarhites are a family lineage within the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. They are descendants of Zerah, the son of Judah and Tamar. The significance of the Zarhites is primarily genealogical, as they are part of the broader narrative of the Israelite tribes and their inheritances.

Biblical Lineage and References

Zerah, the progenitor of the Zarhites, was one of the twin sons born to Judah and Tamar, as recorded in Genesis 38:29-30: "But as he drew back his hand, his brother came out, and she said, 'How you have broken out!' So he was named Perez. Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and he was named Zerah." . The birth of Zerah is significant in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, as both Perez and Zerah are listed in the genealogies of Israel.

The descendants of Zerah, known as the Zarhites, are mentioned in several genealogical records in the Old Testament. In the census of the Israelites in the wilderness, the Zarhites are listed among the families of Judah. Numbers 26:20 states, "These were the descendants of Judah by their clans: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, the Zerahite clan from Zerah." . This passage highlights the Zarhites as one of the principal families within the tribe of Judah.

Role and Significance

The Zarhites, like other family groups within the tribes of Israel, played a role in the organization and structure of the Israelite community. They were part of the military and social fabric of the nation, contributing to the census and participating in the allocation of land and resources. The genealogical records serve to establish the Zarhites' place within the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's covenant with His people.

Notable Descendants

One of the most notable descendants of Zerah is Achan, who is infamously known for his transgression during the conquest of Jericho. In Joshua 7:1, it is recorded, "But the Israelites acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was devoted. So the LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites." . Achan's sin and its consequences underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands and the impact of individual actions on the community.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The Zarhites, as part of the tribe of Judah, are integral to the messianic lineage that culminates in the birth of Jesus Christ. The genealogies in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke trace Jesus' ancestry through the tribe of Judah, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. The inclusion of the Zarhites in these genealogical records highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan through the generations.

In summary, the Zarhites are a significant family within the tribe of Judah, contributing to the historical and theological narrative of the Israelites. Their lineage, as recorded in the Scriptures, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine purposes throughout history.The Zarhites

a branch of the tribe of Judah, descended from Zerah the son of Judah. (Numbers 26:13,20; Joshua 7:17; 1 Chronicles 27:11,15)

Receiving and Rejecting.
... morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken: and
he brought the family of Judah; and took the family of the Zarhites: and he ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xl receiving and rejecting.htm

The First Season
... lots for the discovery of Achan, doubtless Achan feared; when the tribe of Judah
was taken, his fear increased; but when the family of the Zarhites was taken ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/i the first season.htm

Two Coverings and Two Consequences
... Little did he count on the unerring lot that would come home to the tribe of Judah,
to the family of the Zarhites, to the house of Zabdir, and at last to the ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/two coverings and two consequences.htm

Two Coverings and Two Consequences
... Little did he count on the unerring lot that would come home to the tribe of Judah,
to the family of the Zarhites, to the house of Zabdir, and, at last, to the ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/two coverings and two consequences.htm

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