Bible Dictionaries
Zerah

Holman Bible Dictionary

(zee' ruh) Personal name meaning, “sunrise.” 1. A twin born to Tamar and her father-in-law, Judah (Genesis 38:30 , Zarah KJV). One of his descendants was Achan, who was executed for taking forbidden booty (Joshua 7:1 ,Joshua 7:1,7:25 ). Zerah is included in Matthew's genealogy of Christ, although Perez was the direct ancestor (Joshua 1:3 ). 2 . Descendant of Esau and thus clan leader of Edomites (Genesis 36:13 ,Genesis 36:13,36:17 ). 3 . Ancestor of Edomite ruler (Genesis 36:33 ). 4 . Clan leader in tribe of Simeon (Numbers 26:13 ), apparently same as Zohar (Genesis 46:10 ): 5 . Levite (1Chronicles 6:21,1 Chronicles 6:41 ). 6 . Cushite general God defeated in answer to Asa's prayer about 900 B.C. (2 Chronicles 14:8-13 ). See Cush; Ethiopia .