Topical Encyclopedia The Zer'ahites, also known as the descendants of Zerah, are a significant family lineage within the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name "Zerah" means "rising" or "shining," and the Zer'ahites are often associated with the broader genealogical and historical narratives of the Israelites.Biblical Lineage and Origin Zerah was one of the twin sons born to Judah and Tamar, as recorded in Genesis 38. The birth of Zerah is marked by a notable event where his brother Perez was born first, despite Zerah's hand emerging first during childbirth. This incident is described in Genesis 38:28-30 : "And as she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it around his wrist. 'This one came out first,' she announced. But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, 'You have broken out first!' So he was named Perez. Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his wrist, and he was named Zerah." Tribal Significance The Zer'ahites are listed among the clans of Judah in the genealogies of the Old Testament. In the census of the Israelites taken in the wilderness, the Zer'ahites are mentioned as one of the families within the tribe of Judah. Numbers 26:20 states, "The descendants of Judah by their clans were: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, and the Zerahite clan from Zerah." Notable Descendants Several notable figures in the Bible are identified as Zer'ahites. Among them is Achan, a member of the Zer'ahite clan, whose disobedience during the conquest of Jericho led to Israel's temporary defeat at Ai. Achan's sin and its consequences are detailed in Joshua 7, where he is referred to as "Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah" (Joshua 7:1). Another significant Zer'ahite is Ethan, known for his wisdom. Ethan the Ezrahite is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as one of the wise men whose wisdom was surpassed by Solomon: "For he was wiser than all men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol." Role in Israel's History The Zer'ahites, as part of the tribe of Judah, played a role in the broader narrative of Israel's history. The tribe of Judah was prominent in the leadership and military endeavors of Israel, and the Zer'ahites contributed to the tribe's strength and legacy. The genealogies and records of the Zer'ahites, as with other clans, served to establish identity, inheritance rights, and tribal organization within the nation of Israel. Cultural and Theological Insights The account of Zerah and his descendants offers insights into the themes of birthright, divine providence, and the unfolding of God's plan through the lineage of Judah. The scarlet thread tied around Zerah's wrist at birth has been interpreted by some as a symbol of redemption and foreshadowing of the bloodline leading to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is from the tribe of Judah. The Zer'ahites, through their inclusion in the biblical narrative, remind readers of the intricate tapestry of God's people and the importance of each family and individual in the fulfillment of divine promises. Concordance Zer'ahites (2 Occurrences)Numbers 26:13 Joshua 7:17 Thesaurus Zer'ahites (2 Occurrences)Zer'ahites. Ze'rahites, Zer'ahites. Zereathites . Multi-Version Concordance Zer'ahites (2 Occurrences). Numbers 26:13 of Zerah, the ... /z/zer'ahites.htm - 6k Ze'rahites (2 Occurrences) Zereathites (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |