Biblical Reference:
Zair is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 8:21. The passage reads: "So Joram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. Then at night he set out and attacked the Edomites who had surrounded him and his chariot commanders, but his army fled to their tents."

Historical Context:
Zair is noted in the context of the reign of King Joram (also known as Jehoram) of Judah, who ruled from approximately 848 to 841 BC. During his reign, the Edomites, who were subject to Judah, revolted. Joram's campaign against Edom is a significant event, as it highlights the political and military challenges faced by the Kingdom of Judah during this period.

Geographical Location:
The exact location of Zair is not definitively known, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. Some scholars suggest that Zair might have been located in the region of Edom, south of the Dead Sea, given the context of Joram's campaign against the Edomites. The lack of additional biblical or archaeological evidence leaves the precise identification of Zair open to interpretation.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Zair in the biblical narrative underscores the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. This conflict is part of a larger narrative of the Israelites' interactions with surrounding nations, which often involved issues of loyalty, rebellion, and divine judgment. Joram's campaign against Edom, including the battle at Zair, reflects the broader theme of the Israelites' reliance on God's guidance and strength in overcoming their adversaries.

Cultural and Religious Insights:
The account of Joram's battle at Zair provides insight into the military strategies and challenges of ancient Near Eastern warfare. The use of chariots, a significant military asset at the time, indicates the importance of mobility and tactical advantage in battle. Additionally, the narrative highlights the consequences of disobedience to God, as Joram's reign was marked by idolatry and a departure from the ways of his forefathers, leading to instability and conflict.

Related Biblical Themes:
· Divine Judgment and Mercy: The revolt of the Edomites and the subsequent battle at Zair can be seen as part of God's judgment on Joram for his unfaithfulness. However, the broader biblical narrative also emphasizes God's mercy and the possibility of redemption for those who return to Him.
· Covenant and Kingship: The events surrounding Zair are tied to the Davidic covenant, where God promised David's descendants would rule over Israel. Joram's failure to uphold the covenantal standards set by his forefathers illustrates the challenges of maintaining a godly kingship.

Cross-References:
· 2 Chronicles 21:8-10: This passage provides additional context for the Edomite revolt during Joram's reign, further illustrating the challenges he faced and the consequences of his actions.

Conclusion:
While Zair is a minor geographical reference in the biblical text, its mention in the context of Joram's campaign against Edom provides valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and theological landscape of the time. The narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the complexities of leadership in ancient Israel.Zair

little; afflicted; in tribulation

Zair

(small), a place named in (2 Kings 8:21) only, in the account of Joram's expedition against the Edomites. It has been conjectured that Zair is identical with Zoar.

Little, a place probably east of the Dead Sea, where Joram discomfited the host of Edom who had revolted from him (2 Kings 8:21). ZAIR

za'-ir (tsa`ir; Zeior): When he invaded Edom, we are told that Joram passed over to Zair and all his chariots with him (2 Kings 8:21). In the parallel passage (2 Chronicles 21:9), "with his captains" (`im sarayw) takes the place of "to Zair" (tsa`irah), probably a copyist's corruption. The place has not been identified. Some have thought that Mt. Seir is intended; others that it means the town of Zoar. Conder suggested ez-Zuweirah, Southeast of the Dead Sea. If Zoar lay in this direction, it is the way by which an invading army might enter Edom.

6811. Tsair -- a place on the border of Edom
... 6810, 6811. Tsair. 6812 . a place on the border of Edom. Transliteration: Tsair
Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-eer') Short Definition: Zair. ... Zair. ...
/hebrew/6811.htm - 6kZair (1 Occurrence)
...ZAIR. za'-ir (tsa`ir; Zeior): When he invaded Edom, we are told that Joram passed
over to Zair and all his chariots with him (2 Kings 8:21). ...Zair (1 Occurrence). ...
/z/zair.htm - 7k

Za'ir (1 Occurrence)
Za'ir. Zair, Za'ir. Zaketan . Multi-Version Concordance Za'ir (1 Occurrence). ...
(See RSV). Zair, Za'ir. Zaketan . Reference Bible.
/z/za'ir.htm - 6k

Edomites (22 Occurrences)
... Under Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat, Edom revolted. Jehoram defeated them at
Zair, but was unable to quell the rebellion (2 Kings 8:20). ...
/e/edomites.htm - 23k

Zain (1 Occurrence)

/z/zain.htm - 6k

Encompassed (34 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 8:21 So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose
by night, and smote the Edomites who encompassed him, and the captains of ...
/e/encompassed.htm - 15k

E'domites (13 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 8:21 Then Joram passed over to Zair, and all his chariots with him: and
he rose up by night, and struck the Edomites who surrounded him, and the ...
/e/e'domites.htm - 9k

Surrounded (51 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 8:21 Then Joram passed over to Zair, and all his chariots with him: and
he rose up by night, and struck the Edomites who surrounded him, and the ...
/s/surrounded.htm - 21k

Compassed (52 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 8:21 So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose
by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him about, and the ...
/c/compassed.htm - 22k

Fleeth (54 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 8:21 and Joram passeth over to Zair, and all the chariots with him, and
he himself hath risen by night, and smiteth Edom, that is coming round about ...
/f/fleeth.htm - 22k

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