Helah is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. She is noted as one of the wives of Ashhur, who is identified as the father of Tekoa. The reference to Helah is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 1 Chronicles.

Biblical Reference:

1 Chronicles 4:5-6 : "Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah. Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the descendants of Naarah."

In this passage, Helah is mentioned alongside Naarah, indicating that Ashhur had multiple wives, a practice not uncommon in the patriarchal narratives of the Old Testament. The text, however, does not provide further details about Helah's own children, if any, or her personal background. The focus remains on the lineage and descendants of Ashhur through his other wife, Naarah.

Genealogical Context:

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the tribal and familial lines of the Israelites, particularly emphasizing the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. Helah's mention, though brief, situates her within this broader context of Judah's lineage. Her husband, Ashhur, is noted as the progenitor of Tekoa, a town in Judah, which later becomes significant in biblical history as the home of the prophet Amos (Amos 1:1).

Cultural and Historical Insights:

The practice of polygamy, as seen in the case of Ashhur, was a cultural norm in ancient Israelite society, particularly among those of significant status or wealth. Wives and their offspring played crucial roles in the continuation of family lines and inheritance rights. Although Helah's personal account is not elaborated upon, her inclusion in the genealogical record underscores the importance of women in maintaining and transmitting the heritage of Israel.

Theological Significance:

While Helah's mention is brief, her presence in the biblical text contributes to the overarching narrative of God's covenantal relationship with Israel. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the mention of figures like Helah, highlight the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the multiplication and establishment of their descendants. Each name, including Helah's, is a testament to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history.

In summary, Helah's role, though not extensively detailed, is part of the intricate tapestry of biblical genealogy that underscores the faithfulness of God to His people and the continuity of His divine purposes through generations.Helah

(rust), one of the two wives of Ashur, father of Tekoa. (1 Chronicles 4:5)

Rust, (1 Chronicles 4:5, 7), one of the wives of Ashur. HELAH

he'-la (chel'ah): A wife of Ashhur, father of Tekoa (1 Chronicles 4:5, 7).

2458. Chelah -- an Israelite woman
... Chelah. 2459 . an Israelite woman. Transliteration: Chelah Phonetic Spelling:
(khel-aw') Short Definition: Helah. ... woman NASB Word Usage Helah (2). Helah. ...
/hebrew/2458.htm - 6kHelah (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HELAH. he'-la (chel'ah): A wife of Ashhur, father of
Tekoa (1 Chronicles 4:5, 7). Multi-Version Concordance Helah (2 Occurrences). ...
/h/helah.htm - 7k

Izhar (10 Occurrences)
... (2) A descendant of Judah, whose mother's name was Helah. ... 1 Chronicles 4:7 The sons
of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan. (WEB ASV BBE NAS RSV). ...
/i/izhar.htm - 10k

Zohar (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 4:7 And the sons
of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan. (See JPS DBY YLT NIV). ...
/z/zohar.htm - 9k

Zereth (2 Occurrences)
... BBE DBY NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 4:7 The sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar,
and Ethnan. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/z/zereth.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

Naarah (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 4:5 Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives,
Helah and Naarah. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/n/naarah.htm - 8k

Jezoar (1 Occurrence)
... je-zo'-ar. See IZHAR. Multi-Version Concordance Jezoar (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles
4:7 And the sons of Helah were, Zereth, and Jezoar, and Ethnan. (KJV WBS). ...
/j/jezoar.htm - 6k

Teko'a (11 Occurrences)
... father of Tekoa. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 4:5 And Ashhur the father of Tekoa
had two wives, Helah and Naarah. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles ...
/t/teko'a.htm - 9k

Ethnan (1 Occurrence)
... Ethnan (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:7 The sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar,
and Ethnan. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/ethnan.htm - 6k

Ashur (6 Occurrences)
... father of Tekoa. (KJV WBS). 1 Chronicles 4:5 And Ashur the father of Tekoa
had two wives, Helah and Naarah. (KJV WBS). Hosea 14:3 ...
/a/ashur.htm - 8k

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