The term "Zerahite" refers to the descendants of Zerah, a name that appears in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel in the Old Testament. Zerah is notably mentioned as a son of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, making the Zerahites a clan within the tribe of Judah. The lineage and significance of the Zerahites can be traced through various passages in the Bible, providing insight into their role and contributions to the history of Israel.

Genealogy and Origin

Zerah 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 wrist, and he was named Zerah." The birth of Zerah and his brother Perez is significant in the lineage of Judah, as both lines are mentioned in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel.

Tribal Significance

The Zerahites, as descendants of Zerah, are listed among the clans of Judah. In the census of the Israelites in the wilderness, the Zerahites are counted as part of the tribe 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 enumeration underscores the Zerahites' inclusion in the broader community of Judah, contributing to the tribe's strength and numbers.

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, and the LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites." Achan's sin of taking forbidden items led to Israel's defeat at Ai and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.

Role in Israel's History

The Zerahites, like other clans within the tribes of Israel, played a role in the settlement and development of the Promised Land. Their presence in the genealogies and censuses indicates their participation in the communal and religious life of Israel. While not as prominently featured as other clans, the Zerahites' inclusion in the biblical narrative highlights the diversity and complexity of Israel's tribal structure.

Conclusion

The Zerahites, as descendants of Zerah, are an integral part of the tribe of Judah. Their lineage, marked by both notable figures and cautionary tales, reflects the broader themes of faithfulness and obedience that run throughout the biblical narrative. Through their inclusion in the genealogies and historical accounts, the Zerahites contribute to the rich tapestry of Israel's history as recorded in the Scriptures.Zerahite (4 Occurrences)

Numbers 26:13
of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites.
(Root in WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV)

Numbers 26:20
The sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites.
(Root in WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV)

1 Chronicles 27:11
The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites: and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
(Root in WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV)

1 Chronicles 27:13
The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zerahites: and in his division were Twenty-four thousand.
(Root in WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV)

Zerahite (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Zerahite (4 Occurrences). Numbers 26:13 of Zerah, the
family of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. ...
/z/zerahite.htm - 7k

Zerahites (5 Occurrences)

/z/zerahites.htm - 8k

Zerah (22 Occurrences)
... Numbers, Joshua and 1 Chronicles. See Curtis (Chronicles, 84) for
identification of Ezrahite with Zerahite. (2) Edomites: (a) an ...
/z/zerah.htm - 19k

Zerahi'ah (4 Occurrences)
Zerahi'ah. Zerahiah, Zerahi'ah. Zerahite . Multi-Version Concordance
Zerahi'ah (4 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Zerahiah, Zerahi'ah. Zerahite . Reference
/z/zerahi'ah.htm - 7k

Izrahite (1 Occurrence)
... 27:8), is called an "Izrahite." The name may be derived from the town or family
of Izrah, but more likely is a corruption of the word "Zerahite," descendant of ...
/i/izrahite.htm - 7k

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