Zaham is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. His name appears in the context of the royal lineage of the kings of Judah, highlighting the importance of family heritage and continuity in the biblical narrative.

Biblical Reference:

Zaham is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 11:18, which states: "Rehoboam married Mahalath, the daughter of David’s son Jerimoth and of Abihail, the daughter of Jesse’s son Eliab. She bore him sons: Jeush, Shemariah, and Zaham."

Genealogical Context:

Zaham is one of the sons of Rehoboam, the first king of Judah after the division of the united monarchy of Israel. Rehoboam was the son of Solomon and the grandson of David, making Zaham a direct descendant of the Davidic line. This lineage is significant in the biblical narrative, as it underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant with David, promising that his descendants would continue to rule over Israel.

Family Background:

Zaham's mother, Mahalath, is noted to be the daughter of Jerimoth, a son of David, and Abihail, the daughter of Eliab, Jesse's son. This connection further solidifies Zaham's place within the royal family, as both his paternal and maternal lines trace back to significant figures in Israel's history. The mention of his mother’s lineage emphasizes the importance of maternal heritage in the biblical genealogies, which often highlight the interconnectedness of Israel's tribes and families.

Historical and Theological Significance:

While Zaham himself does not play a prominent role in the biblical narrative beyond his mention in the genealogical record, his inclusion serves to illustrate the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His promises. The Davidic covenant, which assured the continuation of David's line, is a central theme in the Old Testament, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in the coming of the Messiah, who Christians believe is Jesus Christ.

Zaham's presence in the genealogy of Judah's kings also reflects the chronicler's intent to document the legitimacy and divine sanction of the Davidic dynasty. By listing the descendants of Rehoboam, the chronicler reinforces the notion of a divinely ordained monarchy, which was a key element of Israel's identity and hope.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The genealogies in the books of Chronicles were written during the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish community was re-establishing its identity and religious practices after returning from Babylonian exile. In this context, the chronicler's emphasis on the Davidic line served to remind the people of their historical roots and the enduring nature of God's promises, even in the face of national upheaval and change.

In summary, Zaham's mention in the Bible, though brief, contributes to the rich tapestry of Israel's history and the theological themes that run throughout the Scriptures. His place in the genealogy of Judah's kings underscores the continuity of God's covenant with David and the hope of a future restoration through the promised Messiah.Zaham

crime; filthiness; impurity

Zaham

(fatness), son of Rehoboam by Abihail the daughter of Eliab. (2 Chronicles 11:19)

ZAHAM

za'-ham (zaham, meaning uncertain; Septuagint Codex Alexandrinus Zalam, Codex Vaticanus Rhoollam): A son of King Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:19).

2093. Zaham -- "loathing," a son of Rehoboam
... 2092, 2093. Zaham. 2094 . "loathing," a son of Rehoboam. Transliteration:
Zaham Phonetic Spelling: (zah'-ham) Short Definition: Zaham. ...
/hebrew/2093.htm - 6k

2092. zaham -- to be foul, loathsome
... 2091, 2092. zaham. 2093 . to be foul, loathsome. Transliteration: zaham Phonetic
Spelling: (zaw-ham') Short Definition: loathes. ... 2091, 2092. zaham. 2093 ...
/hebrew/2092.htm - 5k

Zaham (1 Occurrence)
...ZAHAM. za'-ham (zaham, meaning uncertain; Septuagint Codex Alexandrinus Zalam, Codex
Vaticanus Rhoollam): A son of King Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:19). ...
/z/zaham.htm - 6k

Zahar (1 Occurrence)

/z/zahar.htm - 6k

Zadok's (1 Occurrence)

/z/zadok's.htm - 6k

Je'ush (9 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 2 Chronicles 11:19 and she bore him sons: Jeush, and Shemariah, and
Zaham. (See RSV). Jeush, Je'ush. Jeuz . Reference Bible.
/j/je'ush.htm - 8k

Jeush (9 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 2 Chronicles 11:19 and she bore him sons:
Jeush, and Shemariah, and Zaham. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/j/jeush.htm - 11k

Shemariah (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 11:19 and she bore him sons: Jeush, and Shemariah, and Zaham. (WEB
JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). Ezra 10:32 Benjamin, Malluch, Shemariah. ...
/s/shemariah.htm - 8k

Shamaria (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shamaria (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 11:19 Which bare
him children; Jeush, and Shamariah, and Zaham. (Root in KJV WBS YLT). ...
/s/shamaria.htm - 6k

Shemari'ah (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 11:19 and she bore him sons: Jeush, and Shemariah, and Zaham.
(See RSV). Ezra 10:32 Benjamin, Malluch, Shemariah. (See RSV). ...
/s/shemari'ah.htm - 7k

Shamariah (1 Occurrence)
... See SHEMARIAH. Multi-Version Concordance Shamariah (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles
11:19 Which bare him children; Jeush, and Shamariah, and Zaham. (KJV WBS). ...
/s/shamariah.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus