The Zoreathites are a group mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah in the Old Testament. They are associated with the town of Zorah, which is located in the Shephelah region of ancient Israel. Zorah is notably recognized as the birthplace of Samson, one of the judges of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Judges.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the Zoreathites is found in 1 Chronicles 4:2, which states: "Reaiah son of Shobal was the father of Jahath, and Jahath was the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites." . This passage situates the Zoreathites within the genealogical framework of Judah, indicating their lineage and familial connections.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Zorah, the town associated with the Zoreathites, is situated in the lowland region of Judah, known as the Shephelah. This area served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains occupied by the Philistines and the hill country of Judah. The strategic location of Zorah made it significant in the ongoing conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines during the period of the Judges.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The Zoreathites, as part of the tribe of Judah, shared in the cultural and religious heritage of the Israelites. They would have participated in the religious practices and observances commanded in the Mosaic Law, including the worship of Yahweh at the central sanctuary and adherence to the covenantal laws given to the people of Israel.

Connection to Samson:

Zorah's most famous resident, Samson, is a central figure in the narrative of the Judges. His account, found in Judges 13-16, highlights the ongoing struggle between Israel and the Philistines. Samson's birth was announced by an angel to his parents, who were instructed to raise him as a Nazirite, a vow that included abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting his hair. Despite his personal failings, Samson was used by God to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression, and his exploits are a testament to the divine empowerment and deliverance that characterized the period of the Judges.

Legacy:

The Zoreathites, through their connection to Samson and their place in the tribe of Judah, contribute to the rich tapestry of Israel's history. Their mention in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in the biblical narrative. As descendants of Judah, the Zoreathites are part of the broader account of God's covenantal promises to His people, which ultimately find fulfillment in the coming of the Messiah from the line of Judah.Zoreathites (2 Occurrences)

1 Chronicles 2:53
And the families of Kirjath-jearim were the Jithrites, and the Puthites, and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zoreathites and the Eshtaolites.
(DBY)

1 Chronicles 4:2
And Reaiah the son of Shobal begot Jahath; and Jahath begot Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the Zoreathites.
(DBY)

Zoreathites (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Zoreathites (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 2 ... Ahumai
and Lahad. These are the families of the Zoreathites. (DBY). ...
/z/zoreathites.htm - 7k

Zoreah (2 Occurrences)

/z/zoreah.htm - 7k

Zorite (1 Occurrence)

/z/zorite.htm - 6k

Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
... 2:53 And the families of Kirjath-jearim were the Jithrites, and the Puthites, and
the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zoreathites and the ...
/k/kirjath-jearim.htm - 13k

Jithrites (1 Occurrence)
... 2:53 And the families of Kirjath-jearim were the Jithrites, and the Puthites, and
the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zoreathites and the ...
/j/jithrites.htm - 6k

Begot (119 Occurrences)
... (DBY JPS). 1 Chronicles 4:2 And Reaiah the son of Shobal begot Jahath; and Jahath
begot Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the Zoreathites. (DBY JPS). ...
/b/begot.htm - 30k

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