Ashhur is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. His name appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Chronicles. The name "Ashhur" is believed to mean "black" or "dark" in Hebrew, though the etymology is not definitively established.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 2:24 : "After Hezron died in Caleb-ephrathah, his wife Abijah bore to him Ashhur the father of Tekoa." This verse situates Ashhur within the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, identifying him as a descendant of Hezron. Hezron is a significant figure in the lineage of Judah, and his descendants played crucial roles in the establishment and development of the tribe.

2. 1 Chronicles 4:5 : "Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah." This passage provides additional familial details about Ashhur, noting his role as the progenitor of Tekoa, a town in Judah. The mention of his two wives, Helah and Naarah, suggests a man of some standing and influence, as polygamy was often associated with wealth and status in ancient Israelite society.

Role and Significance:

Ashhur's primary significance in the biblical narrative is his connection to Tekoa, a town that later becomes notable in the biblical history of Judah. Tekoa is mentioned in various contexts, including as the home of the prophet Amos (Amos 1:1) and as a strategic location during the reign of King Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:6). Ashhur's designation as the "father of Tekoa" implies that he was either the founder or a significant early settler of the town, contributing to its establishment and development.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the heritage and tribal affiliations of the Israelites, particularly emphasizing the lineage of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ are descended. Ashhur's inclusion in these records underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israelite culture. His connection to Tekoa also highlights the town's role within the broader narrative of Judah's history.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Ashhur in the genealogies of Judah reflects the providential unfolding of God's plan through specific families and individuals. Each name in these genealogies, including Ashhur's, contributes to the overarching narrative of God's covenantal relationship with His people. The genealogies affirm the continuity of God's promises from the patriarchs through the monarchy and ultimately to the coming of the Messiah.

In summary, Ashhur is a relatively minor yet significant figure within the genealogical records of Judah, representing the enduring legacy and divine purpose woven throughout the history of Israel. His association with Tekoa further enriches the historical and theological tapestry of the biblical narrative.ASHHUR

ash'-ur (ashchur, the King James Version Ashur): The "father of Tekoa" (1 Chronicles 2:24; 1 Chronicles 4:5), probably the founder of the village. The original meaning of the name is the "man of Horus," Ashurites (ha-'ashuri). This name occurs in the list of Ish-bosheth's subjects (2 Samuel 2:9).

The Syriac, Arabic, and Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) versions read ha-geshuri, "the Geshurites," designating the small kingdom to the South or Southeast of Damascus. This reading, though adopted by Ewald, Thenius and Wellhausen, is untenable, for during the reign of Ish-bosheth Geshur was ruled by its own king Talmai, whose daughter was married to David (2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 13:37). Furthermore Geshur was too far away from the rest of Ishbosheth's territory. A more consistent reading is ha-'asheri, as given in the Targum of Jonathan and accepted by Kohler, Klost, Kirkpatrick and Budde, "those of the house of Asher" (compare Judges 1:32). The term would, then, denote the country to the West of Jordan above Jezreel.

Samuel Cohon

806a. Ashchur -- "black," an Israelite
... "black," an Israelite. Transliteration: Ashchur Short Definition: Ashhur. Word Origin
from shachar Definition "black," an Isr. NASB Word Usage Ashhur (2). ...
/hebrew/806a.htm - 5kAshhur (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASHHUR. ash'-ur (ashchur ... Jezreel. Samuel Cohon.
Multi-Version Concordance Ashhur (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles ...
/a/ashhur.htm - 8k

Tekoa (12 Occurrences)
... A Tekoa is mentioned as a son of Ashhur (1 Chronicles 2:24; 1 Chronicles 4:5). Jonathan
Maccabeus and his brother Simon fled from the vengeance of Bacchides ...
/t/tekoa.htm - 15k

Naarah (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NAARAH (1). na'-a-ra (na`arah, "a girl"): One
of the two wives of Ashhur, father of Tekoa (1 Chronicles 4:5). NAARAH (2). ...
/n/naarah.htm - 8k

Teko'a (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:24 And after that Hezron was dead in Caleb-ephrath, then Abiah
Hezron's wife bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa. (See RSV). ...
/t/teko'a.htm - 9k

Helah (2 Occurrences)
... HELAH. he'-la (chel'ah): A wife of Ashhur, father of Tekoa (1 Chronicles 4:5, 7). ...
1 Chronicles 4:5 Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah. ...
/h/helah.htm - 7k

Na'arah (3 Occurrences)
... out at the Jordan. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 4:5 Ashhur the father of Tekoa
had two wives, Helah and Naarah. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 4 ...
/n/na'arah.htm - 7k

Temeni (1 Occurrence)
... temeni means a southerner, ie of Southern Judah; compare TEMAN (patronymic temani),
the name of Edom (Genesis 36:11, etc.), the "son" of Ashhur (1 Chronicles 4 ...
/t/temeni.htm - 7k

Ephrath (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:24 After that Hezron was dead in Caleb Ephrathah, then
Abijah Hezron's wife bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa. ...
/e/ephrath.htm - 10k

Ephrathah (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV BBE YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 2:24 After that Hezron was dead in Caleb
Ephrathah, then Abijah Hezron's wife bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa. ...
/e/ephrathah.htm - 9k

Eph'rathah (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:24 And after that Hezron was dead in Caleb-ephrath, then Abiah
Hezron's wife bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa. (See RSV). ...
/e/eph'rathah.htm - 8k

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