Zer'erah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the narrative surrounding the Midianites and the Israelites. The name Zer'erah appears in the Book of Judges, which is part of the historical books of the Bible, detailing the period of the judges who led Israel before the establishment of the monarchy.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Zer'erah is found in Judges 7:22. In this passage, Gideon, one of the judges of Israel, leads a divinely orchestrated attack against the Midianites. The text describes how the Lord caused confusion among the Midianite camp, leading them to turn their swords against each other. As a result, the Midianites fled, and their flight path included Zer'erah:

"When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the sword of one man against another throughout the camp, and the army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath." (Judges 7:22)

Historical and Geographical Context:

Zer'erah is mentioned as part of the route taken by the fleeing Midianites. The exact location of Zer'erah is not definitively known, and it is not frequently mentioned elsewhere in biblical or extrabiblical sources. However, it is generally understood to be in the region of the Jordan Valley, given its association with other known locations such as Beth-shittah and Abel-meholah.

The mention of Zer'erah in the context of Gideon's victory highlights the miraculous nature of the battle, where a small force of 300 Israelites, under God's guidance, defeated a much larger Midianite army. This event is a testament to God's power and His ability to deliver His people against overwhelming odds.

Theological Significance:

The account of Zer'erah in the narrative of Gideon underscores several key theological themes. First, it illustrates the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and His ability to bring about victory through unconventional means. The confusion and subsequent defeat of the Midianites serve as a reminder of God's control over human events and His commitment to the covenant people of Israel.

Additionally, the account of Gideon and the mention of Zer'erah emphasize the importance of faith and obedience. Gideon's willingness to follow God's seemingly illogical battle plan demonstrates trust in divine wisdom over human understanding. This narrative encourages believers to rely on God's guidance, even when it defies conventional logic.

Conclusion:

While Zer'erah itself is not a focal point in biblical history, its mention in the context of Gideon's victory over the Midianites contributes to the broader narrative of God's deliverance and faithfulness to Israel. The account serves as an enduring example of God's power and the importance of faith in His promises.Zer'erah (1 Occurrence)

Judges 7:22
When they blew the three hundred trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow and against all the army; and the army fled as far as Beth-shit'tah toward Zer'erah, as far as the border of A'bel-meho'lah, by Tabbath.
(DBY RSV)

Zer'erah (1 Occurrence)
Zer'erah. Zererah, Zer'erah. Zererath . Multi-Version Concordance
Zer'erah (1 Occurrence). Judges 7:22 When they blew the three ...
/z/zer'erah.htm - 6k

Zererah (1 Occurrence)

/z/zererah.htm - 7k

Zererath (1 Occurrence)

/z/zererath.htm - 7k

Beth-shit'tah (1 Occurrence)
... hundred trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow and against
all the army; and the army fled as far as Beth-shit'tah toward Zer'erah, as far ...
/b/beth-shit'tah.htm - 6k

A'bel-Meho'lah (3 Occurrences)
... hundred trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow and against
all the army; and the army fled as far as Beth-shit'tah toward Zer'erah, as far ...
/a/a'bel-meho'lah.htm - 7k

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