Ezrah is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. His name appears in the context of the lineage of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name "Ezrah" is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "help" or "aid," which is fitting given the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:

Ezrah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:17, which states: "The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And Mered’s wife bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa." This passage situates Ezrah within the broader genealogical framework of the tribe of Judah, highlighting his role as a progenitor of several descendants.

Genealogical Context:

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the historical and familial connections among the tribes of Israel. Ezrah's inclusion in these records underscores the significance of his lineage. His descendants, as noted in the passage, include individuals who played roles in the development and settlement of the tribe of Judah. The mention of Eshtemoa, a town in the territory of Judah, further emphasizes the geographical and tribal importance of Ezrah's lineage.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

In the context of ancient Israel, genealogies were crucial for maintaining tribal identity and inheritance rights. They provided a sense of continuity and connection to the promises given to the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Ezrah's place in the genealogy of Judah highlights the enduring legacy of this tribe, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament, would descend.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the genealogies in the Bible, including the mention of figures like Ezrah, serve to demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people. They reflect the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history, culminating in the coming of the Messiah. Each name in these records, including Ezrah's, contributes to the tapestry of God's covenantal relationship with Israel.

Conclusion:

While Ezrah is not a prominent figure in terms of biblical narrative or exploits, his inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles underscores the importance of every individual in the unfolding account of God's people. His descendants' roles in the tribe of Judah highlight the interconnectedness of family, tribe, and divine purpose in the biblical worldview.5834. Ezrah -- "help," a man in Judah
... 5833, 5834. Ezrah. 5835 . "help," a man in Judah. Transliteration: Ezrah Phonetic
Spelling: (ez-raw') Short Definition: Ezrah. Word Origin fem. ...
/hebrew/5834.htm - 6k

5833. ezrah -- help, helper, assistance
ezrah or ezrath. 5832, 5833. ezrah or ezrath. 5834 . help, helper,
assistance. Transliteration: ezrah or ezrath Phonetic Spelling ...
/hebrew/5833.htm - 6k

5830. Ezra -- "help," three Israelites
... NASB Word Usage Ezra (22). Ezra. A variation of ezrah; Ezra, an Israelite -- Ezra.
see HEBREW ezrah. 5829, 5830. Ezra. 5831 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5830.htm - 6k

Ezrah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ezrah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:17 The sons
of Ezrah: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; and ...
/e/ezrah.htm - 6k

Mered (2 Occurrences)
... Septuagint has at least four variants in 1 Chronicles 4:17, 18): A descendant of
Judah through Caleb, and mentioned as a "son of Ezrah" (1 Chronicles 4:17). ...
/m/mered.htm - 9k

Ezrahite (5 Occurrences)
... It may be derived from Zerah, instead of Ezrah, seeing that there were an Ethan
and a Heman who were descendants of Zerah, head of a Judahite family (1 ...
/e/ezrahite.htm - 9k

Jalon (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JALON. ja'-lon (yalon, meaning unknown): In 1
Chronicles 4:17, a son of Ezrah, a Judahite. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/j/jalon.htm - 7k

Ezra (28 Occurrences)
... ez'-ra (Aramaic or Chaldee, `ezra', "help"; a hypocoristicon, or shortened form
of Azariah, "Yahweh has helped." The Hebrew spells the name `ezrah, as in 1 ...
/e/ezra.htm - 29k

Jether (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 4:17 The sons of Ezrah: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; and
she bore Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. ...
/j/jether.htm - 11k

Ishbah (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 4:17 The sons of Ezrah: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; and
she bore Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. ...
/i/ishbah.htm - 7k

Eshtemo'a (5 Occurrences)
... in Eshtemoa; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 4:17 And the sons of Ezrah: Jether,
and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon. And she bore Miriam, and ...
/e/eshtemo'a.htm - 7k

Epher (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 4:17 The sons of Ezrah: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; and
she bore Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. ...
/e/epher.htm - 8k

Eshtemoa (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 4:17 The sons of Ezrah: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; and
she bore Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. ...
/e/eshtemoa.htm - 9k

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