The Zarhites are a clan within the tribe of Judah, descending from Zerah, one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar. The lineage of the Zarhites is significant in the genealogical records of the Israelites, as it highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs and the unfolding of His divine plan through the tribe of Judah.

Biblical Lineage and Significance

Zerah, the progenitor of the Zarhites, is first mentioned in Genesis 38:29-30, where the unusual circumstances of his birth are recorded. Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law, gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah. Zerah's birth is marked by the scarlet thread tied around his wrist, as he initially appeared to be the firstborn, but Perez ultimately emerged first. This event is significant as it foreshadows the complex and often unexpected ways in which God's purposes are realized.

The descendants of Zerah, the Zarhites, are listed among the clans of Judah in the census taken during the Israelites' wilderness journey. In Numbers 26:20, the Bible states: "The descendants of Judah by their clans were: through Shelah, the Shelanite clan; through Perez, the Perezite clan; through Zerah, the Zerahite clan." This enumeration underscores the importance of the Zarhites within the broader context of the tribe of Judah.

Role in Israel's History

The Zarhites, like other clans within Judah, played a role in the settlement of the Promised Land and the establishment of the nation of Israel. Although the Bible does not provide extensive details about the specific activities or achievements of the Zarhites, their inclusion in the genealogical records signifies their contribution to the growth and development of the tribe of Judah.

In 1 Chronicles 2:6, the sons of Zerah are named: "The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five in all." These individuals are noted for their wisdom and skill, particularly Ethan, who is traditionally associated with the authorship of Psalm 89, a psalm that extols God's covenant faithfulness and the enduring promise to David, a descendant of Judah.

Theological Implications

The Zarhites, as part of the tribe of Judah, are integral to the messianic lineage that culminates in Jesus Christ. The tribe of Judah is prophesied to be the royal tribe, from which the Messiah would come. This is seen in Jacob's blessing over Judah in Genesis 49:10: "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and the allegiance of the nations is his."

The presence of the Zarhites in the genealogical records serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the line through which the Savior of the world would be born. The account of Zerah and his descendants is a reminder of the intricate and sovereign workings of God in history, ensuring the fulfillment of His redemptive plan through the tribe of Judah.

Conclusion

While the Zarhites may not be as prominently featured in biblical narratives as other clans, their inclusion in the genealogical and census records highlights their role in the unfolding account of God's people. Through the lineage of Zerah, the faithfulness of God to His promises is demonstrated, ultimately pointing to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, from the tribe of Judah.ZARHITES

zar'-hits.

See ZERAH, (1), (4).

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

Zarhites (4 Occurrences)
...ZARHITES. zar'-hits. See ZERAH, (1), (4). ...Zarhites (4 Occurrences). Numbers 26:13
Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. ...
/z/zarhites.htm - 7k

Zarhite (4 Occurrences)
... Zarhite (4 Occurrences). Numbers 26:13 Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of
Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. (Root in KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/z/zarhite.htm - 7k

Zerah (22 Occurrences)
... the King James Version has "Zarah" in Genesis 38:30; Genesis 46:12, and "Zarhites"
for "Zerahites" in Numbers, Joshua and 1 Chronicles. ...
/z/zerah.htm - 19k

Course (87 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 27:11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite,
of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. ...
/c/course.htm - 38k

Zerahites (5 Occurrences)
... ze'-ra-hits (ha-zarchi; Codex Vaticanus ho Zarai; Codex Alexandrinus ho Zaraei;
the King James Version Zarhites): (1) A family of Simeonites (Numbers 26:13). ...
/z/zerahites.htm - 8k

Zartanah (1 Occurrence)

/z/zartanah.htm - 7k

Saulites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Saulites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:13 of Zerah, the family
of the Zarhites; of Saul, the family of the Saulites. (DBY). ...
/s/saulites.htm - 6k

Sibbechai (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 27:11 The eighth for the eighth month was Sibbechai the Hushathite,
of the Zarhites; and in his division were twenty-four thousand. (DBY). ...
/s/sibbechai.htm - 8k

Saul (371 Occurrences)
... families of Simeon. (DBY). Numbers 26:13 of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites;
of Saul, the family of the Saulites. (DBY). 1 Samuel ...
/s/saul.htm - 76k

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