Zophah is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. He is identified as a descendant of Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Asher was the eighth son of Jacob, born to him by Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Asher is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and Zophah is listed among the descendants of this tribe.

Biblical References:

Zophah is specifically mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:35-36, which provides a genealogical account of the descendants of Asher. The passage reads:

"The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal. The sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera." (1 Chronicles 7:35-36)

This passage situates Zophah within the broader context of the family lineage of Asher, highlighting his role as a progenitor of several descendants. The mention of his sons indicates that Zophah was a patriarchal figure within his family, contributing to the growth and establishment of the tribe of Asher.

Tribal Significance:

The tribe of Asher, to which Zophah belonged, was known for its prosperity and abundance. Asher's territory was located in the fertile region of northern Canaan, which was conducive to agriculture and trade. The tribe was blessed by Jacob in Genesis 49:20, where it is said, "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king." This blessing underscores the tribe's reputation for wealth and provision.

Zophah's inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. The chronicler's emphasis on genealogies serves to connect the people of Israel to their ancestral roots, affirming their identity and continuity as God's chosen people.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies were crucial for establishing tribal and familial identities. They provided a sense of belonging and continuity, linking individuals to the promises and covenants made by God to their forefathers. For the Israelites, these records were not merely historical accounts but were imbued with theological significance, reflecting God's faithfulness to His people throughout generations.

Zophah's mention, though brief, contributes to the tapestry of Israel's history, illustrating the interconnectedness of the tribes and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. As a descendant of Asher, Zophah is part of the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan for His people, a plan that unfolds throughout the pages of Scripture.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the genealogies in which Zophah appears serve as a reminder of God's providence and sovereignty. They highlight the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with Israel and His unwavering commitment to His promises. Each name in the genealogical record, including Zophah's, represents a link in the chain of God's unfolding plan of salvation, culminating in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His people.Zophah

viol; honeycomb

Zophah

(a cruse) son of Helem or Hotham the son of Heber, an Asherite. (1 Chronicles 7:35,36)

Spreading out, a son of Helem (1 Chronicles 7:35), a chief of Asher. ZOPHAH

zo'-fa (tsophach, meaning uncertain): An Asherite (1 Chronicles 7:35, 36).

6690. Tsophach -- an Asherite
... 6689, 6690. Tsophach. 6691 . an Asherite. Transliteration: Tsophach Phonetic
Spelling: (tso-fakh') Short Definition: Zophah. ... Zophah. ...
/hebrew/6690.htm - 6kZophah (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZOPHAH. zo'-fa (tsophach, meaning uncertain): An Asherite
(1 Chronicles 7:35, 36). Multi-Version Concordance Zophah (2 Occurrences) ...
/z/zophah.htm - 7k

Suah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SUAH. su'-a (cuach): Son of Zophah, of the tribe
of Asher (1 Chronicles 7:36). Multi-Version Concordance Suah (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/suah.htm - 6k

Zoology

/z/zoology.htm - 18k

Zophai (1 Occurrence)

/z/zophai.htm - 7k

Jimrah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jimrah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 7:36 The sons of Zophah:
Suah, and Harnepher, and Shual, and Beri, and Jimrah, (DBY). ...
/j/jimrah.htm - 6k

Jimna (2 Occurrences)
... Beriites. (KJV DBY WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 7:35 And the sons of his brother
Helem: Zophah, and Jimna, and Shelesh, and Amal. (DBY). ...
/j/jimna.htm - 7k

Imna (1 Occurrence)
... Imna (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 7:35 The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, and
Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/i/imna.htm - 6k

Imrah (1 Occurrence)
... Imrah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 7:36 The sons of Zophah: Suah, and Harnepher,
and Shual, and Beri, and Imrah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/i/imrah.htm - 6k

Ithran (3 Occurrences)
... 41). (2) One of the sons of Zophah of the tribe of Asher (1 Chronicles 7:37).
Multi-Version Concordance Ithran (3 Occurrences). Genesis ...
/i/ithran.htm - 7k

Bezer (5 Occurrences)
... According to the manuscript it was fortified by Mesha. (2) A son of Zophah of the
house of Asher (1 Chronicles 7:37). AL Breslich. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/b/bezer.htm - 9k

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