Aher is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. The name "Aher" appears in 1 Chronicles 7:12, where it is listed among the descendants of Benjamin. The passage reads: "Shuppim and Huppim were the sons of Ir, and Hushim was the son of Aher" . The context of this verse is a genealogical listing, which is part of the Chronicler's broader effort to document the lineage and tribal affiliations of the Israelites.

Genealogical Context

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the historical and tribal identities of the Israelites after their return from the Babylonian exile. These records were crucial for re-establishing the social and religious order in post-exilic Israel. Aher's mention, though brief, contributes to the Chronicler's comprehensive account of the tribes, particularly the tribe of Benjamin, which played a significant role in Israel's history.

Tribal Significance

The tribe of Benjamin holds a unique place among the tribes of Israel. It was the tribe of Israel's first king, Saul, and later became part of the Southern Kingdom of Judah after the division of the united monarchy. The inclusion of Aher in the genealogical records underscores the Chronicler's intent to preserve the heritage and continuity of the Benjamite lineage.

Interpretative Considerations

The name "Aher" itself is somewhat enigmatic. In Hebrew, "Aher" can mean "another" or "other," which has led to various interpretations among scholars and theologians. Some suggest that "Aher" might be a scribal gloss or a textual variant, while others propose that it could be a title or a nickname rather than a proper name. Despite these uncertainties, the mention of Aher in the genealogical record is accepted as part of the inspired biblical text, contributing to the overall narrative of Israel's history.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of seemingly minor figures like Aher in the biblical genealogies highlights the comprehensive nature of God's covenant with Israel. Every individual and family line, no matter how obscure, is part of the unfolding account of God's redemptive plan. This reflects the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people and His attention to detail in the preservation of His promises.

Conclusion

While Aher is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his mention in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles serves as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of relationships and histories that form the backdrop of the biblical account. The genealogies, including the brief reference to Aher, affirm the continuity of God's covenant people and the fulfillment of His purposes through the generations.Aher

(following), ancestor of Hushim a Benjamite. The name occurs in the genealogy of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 7:12) It is not improbable that Aher and Ahiram, (Numbers 26:38) are the same.

AHER

a'-her ('acher, "another"; Aer): A man of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:12), apparently a contracted form, perhaps the same as Ahiram (King James Version) (Numbers 26:38) or Aharah (1 Chronicles 8:1).

313. Acher -- an Israelite
... 312, 313. Acher. 314 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Acher Phonetic Spelling:
(akh-air') Short Definition: Aher. ... NASB Word Usage Aher (1). Aher. ...
/hebrew/313.htm - 5k

7945. shel -- who, which, that
... 'aher; used with prepositional prefix, and often followed by some pronominal affix;
on account of, whatsoever, whichsoever -- cause, sake. see HEBREW 'aher. ...
/hebrew/7945.htm - 6k

4332. Mishael -- "Who is what God is?" three Israelites
... Insep. Relatively (see 'aher) interposed; who (is) what God (is)?; Mishael, the
name of three Israelites -- Mishael. ... see HEBREW 'aher. 4331, 4332. ...
/hebrew/4332.htm - 6k

8033. sham -- there, thither
... A primitive particle (rather from the relative pronoun, 'aher); there (transferring
to time) then; often thither, or thence -- in it, + thence, there (-in, + of ...
/hebrew/8033.htm - 6k

Aher (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AHER. ...Aher (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 7:12 Shuppim
also, and Huppim, the sons of Ir, Hushim, the sons of Aher. ...
/a/aher.htm - 7k

Ahiram (1 Occurrence)
... In it occurs Aher ('acher), which may be either Ahiram or Aharah with the end
of the word lost. ... See AHARAH; AHER; EHI. Willis J. Beecher. ...
/a/ahiram.htm - 7k

Hushim (4 Occurrences)
... (2) The sons of Aher of the lineage of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:12). ... 1 Chronicles
7:12 Shuppim also, and Huppim, the sons of Ir, Hushim, the sons of Aher. ...
/h/hushim.htm - 8k

Ir (4 Occurrences)
... These are the men of Recah. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles
7:12 Shuppim also, and Huppim, the sons of Ir, Hushim, the sons of Aher. ...
/i/ir.htm - 7k

Ahi (2 Occurrences)

/a/ahi.htm - 7k

Shuppim (3 Occurrences)
... Shuppim (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 7:12 Shuppim also, and Huppim, the sons of
Ir, Hushim, the sons of Aher. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/s/shuppim.htm - 7k

Ahead (98 Occurrences)

/a/ahead.htm - 33k

Huppim (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 7:12 Shuppim
also, and Huppim, the sons of Ir, Hushim, the sons of Aher. ...
/h/huppim.htm - 7k

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