Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Phares, also known as Perez, is a significant biblical figure whose account is primarily found in the Old Testament. He is recognized as an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogies presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. His narrative is intertwined with themes of redemption, providence, and the unfolding of God's covenant promises. Biblical Account: Phares is the son of Judah and Tamar, as recorded in Genesis 38. The account of his birth is marked by unusual circumstances. Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law, was initially married to Judah's firstborn, Er, who died without leaving an heir. According to the custom of levirate marriage, Tamar was then given to Onan, Judah's second son, who also died without providing offspring. When Judah hesitated to give his third son, Shelah, to Tamar, she took matters into her own hands. Disguising herself as a prostitute, Tamar seduced Judah, resulting in the conception of twins, Phares and Zerah. Genesis 38:27-30 describes the birth of the twins: "When the time came for Tamar to give birth, there were twins in her womb. And as she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it around his wrist. 'This one came out first,' she announced. But when he pulled his hand back and his brother came out, she said, 'You have broken out first!' So he was named Perez." Significance in Genealogy: Phares holds a crucial place in the genealogical records of the Bible. He is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:3 : "Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram." This lineage underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that through his descendants, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Role in Israel's History: Phares' descendants became prominent in the tribe of Judah, one of the leading tribes of Israel. The tribe of Judah played a central role in the history of Israel, providing leadership and continuity through the Davidic line. The blessing pronounced by Jacob on Judah in Genesis 49:10 foreshadows the royal lineage: "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his." Theological Implications: The account of Phares is a testament to God's sovereignty and grace. Despite the morally complex circumstances of his birth, Phares is integrated into the divine plan of salvation history. His inclusion in the genealogy of Christ highlights the theme of redemption and the transformative power of God's grace, which can work through human imperfection to achieve His purposes. Cultural and Historical Context: The narrative of Phares reflects the customs and social norms of the ancient Near East, particularly the practice of levirate marriage. This custom was intended to preserve family lineage and inheritance rights, which were vital in the patriarchal society of the time. The account also illustrates the importance of offspring and the continuation of family lines in biblical times. Conclusion: While the account of Phares may initially appear as a mere historical account, it is rich with theological significance and demonstrates the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through unexpected and often flawed human agents. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PHARESfa'-rez (Phares): the King James Version; Greek form of "Perez" (thus the Revised Version (British and American)) (Matthew 1:3 Luke 3:33). Greek 5329. Phares -- Perez, an Israelite ... 5328, 5329. Phares. 5330 . ... NASB Word Usage Perez (3). Perez. Of Hebrew origin (Perets); Phares (ie Perets), an Israelite -- Phares. see HEBREW Perets. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5329.htm - 6k Library Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ... Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists? Matt. I. 1 Of the Agreement of the Evangelists Matthew and Luke in the ... Christians were Promised to Isaac, Jacob, and Judah. Both Covenants were Prefigured in Abraham, and in the Labour of ... Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ... On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ... Psalm LXXVIII. Thesaurus Phares (2 Occurrences)...PHARES. fa'-rez (Phares): the King James Version; Greek form of "Perez" (thus the Revised Version (British and American)) (Matthew 1:3 Luke 3:33). ... /p/phares.htm - 7k Esrom (2 Occurrences) Pharez (11 Occurrences) Zara (1 Occurrence) Thamar (1 Occurrence) Begat (112 Occurrences) Aram (130 Occurrences) Upharsin (1 Occurrence) Tekel (2 Occurrences) Mene (2 Occurrences) Resources What are the differences between the Sadducees and Pharisees? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus rebuke the scribes and Pharisees so harshly in Matthew 23:13 36? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Phares (2 Occurrences)Matthew 1:3 Luke 3:33 Subtopics Related Terms |