The Zerahites are a significant clan within the tribe of Judah, descending from Zerah, one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar. The account of Zerah's birth is recorded in Genesis 38:27-30, where Tamar gives birth to twins, Perez and Zerah. Zerah is notable for the scarlet thread tied around his wrist during birth, as he initially appeared to be the firstborn, but Perez ultimately emerged first.

Genealogy and Tribal Significance

The Zerahites are listed among the descendants of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the genealogical records, Zerah is mentioned as a son of Judah, and his descendants are enumerated in several passages. In 1 Chronicles 2:4-6, the sons of Zerah are listed as Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara. These individuals are noted for their wisdom and contributions to the tribe's legacy.

Census and Military Role

The Zerahites are also mentioned in the context of the Israelite census and military organization. In the wilderness census recorded in Numbers 26:20, the Zerahites are counted among the families of Judah, contributing to the tribe's overall strength and military capability. The census highlights the importance of the Zerahites within the tribal structure and their role in the broader community of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Contributions

The Zerahites are associated with several notable figures and events in biblical history. Ethan the Ezrahite, one of the sons of Zerah, is traditionally credited with composing Psalm 89, a psalm that reflects on God's covenant with David and His faithfulness to His promises. This connection underscores the cultural and spiritual contributions of the Zerahites to Israel's religious heritage.

Prophetic and Eschatological References

While the Zerahites are not frequently mentioned in prophetic or eschatological contexts, their inclusion in the genealogical records of Judah underscores their enduring legacy within the narrative of Israel. The tribe of Judah, from which the Zerahites descend, holds a central place in biblical prophecy, particularly concerning the lineage of King David and the anticipated Messiah.

Conclusion

The Zerahites, as descendants of Zerah, play a vital role in the history and development of the tribe of Judah. Their contributions to Israel's military, cultural, and spiritual life are woven into the broader tapestry of biblical history, reflecting the enduring significance of this clan within the covenant community of God's people.ZERAHITES

ze'-ra-hits (ha-zarchi; Codex Vaticanus ho Zarai; Codex Alexandrinus ho Zaraei; the King James Version Zarhites):

(1) A family of Simeonites (Numbers 26:13).

(2) Descendants of Zerah, son of Judah (Numbers 26:20). To this family Achan belonged (Joshua 7:17), as did also two of David's captains (1 Chronicles 27:11, 13).

2227. Zarchi -- descendant of Zerah
... Zarchi. 2228 . descendant of Zerah. Transliteration: Zarchi Phonetic Spelling:
(zar-khee') Short Definition: Zerahites. ... of Zerah NASB Word Usage Zerahites (6). ...
/hebrew/2227.htm - 6kZerahites (5 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZERAHITES. ...Zerahites (5 Occurrences). Numbers 26:13 of
Zerah, the family of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. ...
/z/zerahites.htm - 8k

Zerahite (4 Occurrences)
... Zerahite (4 Occurrences). Numbers 26:13 of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites; of
Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. (Root in WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/z/zerahite.htm - 7k

Zerah (22 Occurrences)
... an ancestor of Achan. In Numbers 26:20 Joshua 7:17 he is the head of the
Zerahites (also 1 Chronicles 27:11, 13). the King James ...
/z/zerah.htm - 19k

Ze'rahites (2 Occurrences)
Ze'rahites. Zerahites, Ze'rahites. Zer'ahites . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Zerahites, Ze'rahites. Zer'ahites . Reference Bible.
/z/ze'rahites.htm - 7k

Zer'ahites (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Zer'ahites (2 Occurrences). Numbers 26:13 of Zerah, the
family of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. (See RSV). ...
/z/zer'ahites.htm - 6k

Clan (96 Occurrences)
... Jachinites; (See NIV). Numbers 26:13 of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites;
of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. (See NIV). Numbers 26 ...
/c/clan.htm - 32k

24000 (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 27:11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite,
of the Zerahites: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. ...
/num/24000.htm - 9k

Zabdi (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Joshua 7:17 He brought near the
family of Judah; and he selected the family of the Zerahites. ...
/z/zabdi.htm - 13k

Selected (23 Occurrences)
... The tribe of Judah was selected. (WEB). Joshua 7:17 He brought near the family
of Judah; and he selected the family of the Zerahites. ...
/s/selected.htm - 13k

Twenty-four (26 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 27:11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite,
of the Zerahites: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. ...
/t/twenty-four.htm - 14k

Who was Achan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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