Topical Encyclopedia The Ze'rahites are a biblical clan descending from Zerah, one of the sons of Judah. Zerah himself was the twin brother of Perez, both born to Judah and Tamar, as recorded in Genesis 38. The Ze'rahites are thus part of the larger tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, which holds significant prominence throughout the biblical narrative.Genealogy and Early Mentions Zerah's birth is noted in Genesis 38:29-30, where he is marked by the unusual circumstances of his birth, as his twin brother Perez was born first despite Zerah's hand emerging first. This event is symbolic and often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the complex destinies of their descendants. The Ze'rahites are listed among the descendants of Judah in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 2:4-6, which states: "Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law, bore him Perez and Zerah. Judah had five sons in all. The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five in all." These genealogies emphasize the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, underscoring the Ze'rahites' place within the tribe of Judah. Role in the Exodus and Settlement in Canaan During the Exodus and the subsequent settlement in Canaan, the Ze'rahites are mentioned in the census of the Israelites. Numbers 26:20 records the descendants of Judah by their clans, including the Ze'rahites: "The descendants of Judah by their clans were: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, the Zerahite clan from Zerah." The Ze'rahites, as part of the tribe of Judah, played a role in the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. The tribe of Judah was allocated a significant portion of territory, as detailed in the book of Joshua, and the Ze'rahites would have been part of this tribal inheritance. Notable Ze'rahites One of the most notable figures among the Ze'rahites is Achan, who is infamously known for his transgression during the conquest of Jericho. In Joshua 7, Achan, identified as a son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, took some of the devoted things from Jericho, leading to Israel's defeat at Ai. This act of disobedience resulted in severe consequences for Achan and his family, as well as a temporary setback for the Israelites. Joshua 7:24-25 recounts the punishment: "Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold bar, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys, and sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and brought them up to the Valley of Achor. And Joshua said, 'Why have you brought this trouble upon us? The LORD will bring trouble upon you this day.'" Cultural and Theological Significance The Ze'rahites, as part of the tribe of Judah, contribute to the rich tapestry of Israel's history and identity. The tribe of Judah holds a special place in biblical theology, being the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, the Messiah, would come. The Ze'rahites, through their connection to Judah, share in this heritage. The account of Achan serves as a moral and theological lesson on the importance of obedience to God's commands and the communal consequences of individual sin. It highlights the seriousness with which God views covenant faithfulness and the need for holiness among His people. In summary, the Ze'rahites are a significant clan within the tribe of Judah, with a legacy that includes both notable figures and cautionary tales. Their account is interwoven with the broader narrative of Israel's journey from slavery in Egypt to the establishment in the Promised Land, reflecting themes of heritage, obedience, and divine justice. Concordance Ze'rahites (2 Occurrences)1 Chronicles 27:11 1 Chronicles 27:13 Thesaurus Ze'rahites (2 Occurrences)Ze'rahites. Zerahites, Ze'rahites. Zer'ahites . Multi-Version Concordance Ze'rahites (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 27:11 The eighth ... /z/ze'rahites.htm - 7k Zerahites (5 Occurrences) Zer'ahites (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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