Charashim, a term found in the Old Testament, refers to a location and is often associated with craftsmanship or artisanship. The name itself is derived from the Hebrew root "charash," which means "to engrave" or "to craft," indicating a place linked to skilled labor or artisans.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 4:14 : "Meonothai was the father of Ophrah. Seraiah was the father of Joab, the father of Ge Harashim, so called because they were craftsmen." This verse situates Charashim within the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. The mention of "Ge Harashim" or "Valley of Craftsmen" suggests that this area was notable for its skilled workers, possibly in metalwork, woodwork, or other forms of craftsmanship.

2. Nehemiah 11:35 : "Lod, Ono, and in the Valley of the Craftsmen." This passage lists Charashim among the settlements where the people of Judah resided after the return from Babylonian exile. The inclusion of Charashim in this list highlights its continued significance as a center for artisans even during the post-exilic period.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Charashim's identification as a hub for craftsmen is significant in understanding the socio-economic structure of ancient Israel. Artisans played a crucial role in the community, contributing to the construction of buildings, the creation of tools, and the production of goods necessary for daily life and religious practices. The presence of a dedicated area for craftsmen indicates a level of organization and specialization within the society.

The location of Charashim is not definitively known today, but its mention alongside other known locations like Lod and Ono provides some geographical context. These areas were situated in the lowland regions of Judah, which were conducive to settlement and trade.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Charashim underscores the value placed on skilled labor and the diverse roles within the community of God's people. The Bible often highlights the importance of various vocations, recognizing that each contributes to the overall functioning and well-being of society. The artisans of Charashim, like the builders of the Tabernacle and the Temple, were integral to the worship and cultural life of Israel.

In summary, Charashim serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of Israelite society, where craftsmanship was not only a practical necessity but also a divinely ordained vocation. The biblical references to Charashim remind readers of the dignity and worth of all forms of labor in the eyes of God.Craftsmen, a valley named in 1 Chronicles 4:14. In Nehemiah 11:35 the Hebrew word is rendered "valley of craftsmen" (R.V. marg., Geha-rashim). Nothing is known of it. CHARASHIM

kar'-a-shim (charashim, "craftsmen").

See GE-HARASHIM.

2798. Charashim -- "craftsmen," a man of Judah
... Charashim. 2799 . "craftsmen," a man of Judah. Transliteration: Charashim Phonetic
Spelling: (khar-aw-sheem') Short Definition: Ge-harashim. ... Charashim, craftsmen ...
/hebrew/2798.htm - 6kCharashim (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHARASHIM. kar'-a-shim (charashim, "craftsmen").
See GE-HARASHIM. Multi-Version Concordance Charashim (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/charashim.htm - 7k

Geharashim
... ge-ha-ra'-shim (ge'charashim): In 1 Chronicles 4:14, the King James Version renders
"valley of Charashim." In Nehemiah 11:35, English Versions of the Bible ...
/g/geharashim.htm - 6k

Ge-harashim (2 Occurrences)
... ge-ha-ra'-shim (ge'charashim): In 1 Chronicles 4:14, the King James Version renders
"valley of Charashim." In Nehemiah 11:35, English Versions of the Bible ...
/g/ge-harashim.htm - 7k

Lod (4 Occurrences)
... The town lay in the Shephelah, perhaps in ge ha-charashim, "the valley of craftsmen"
(Nehemiah 11:35). In the New Testament it appears as Lydda. ...
/l/lod.htm - 11k

Lydda (3 Occurrences)
... The town lay in the Shephelah, perhaps in ge ha-charashim, "the valley of craftsmen"
(Nehemiah 11:35). In the New Testament it appears as Lydda. ...
/l/lydda.htm - 11k

Charax

/c/charax.htm - 6k

Charan (3 Occurrences)

/c/charan.htm - 7k

Artificers (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 4:14 And Meonothai begat Ophrah: and Seraiah begat Joab, the father
of the valley of Charashim; for they were artificers. (WBS YLT). ...
/a/artificers.htm - 11k

Begat (112 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 4:14 And Meonothai begat Ophrah: and Seraiah begat
Joab, the father of the valley of Charashim; for they were craftsmen. ...
/b/begat.htm - 31k

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