Jarha
Summary
An Egyptian slave who married his master Sheshan's daughter and became the founder of a chief house among the Jerahmeelites.
☩Marriage and Lineage
Jarha was an Egyptian slave belonging to Sheshan, a descendant of Judah through the Jerahmeelite line. Since Sheshan had no sons, he gave his daughter (possibly named Ahlai) in marriage to Jarha, who was thereby made free and incorporated into the Hebrew community. This is the only marriage of its kind mentioned in Scripture. Through this union, Jarha became the founder of a chief house among the Jerahmeelites that continued for many generations.
☩Distinguished Descendants
From Jarha's line descended several illustrious persons, including Zabad in the reign of David and Azariah in the reign of Joash. His genealogy is traced through eleven generations, indicating the importance of this family line. The Jerahmeelites dwelt in the south of Judah nearest Egypt, which explains how an Egyptian might naturally be found in such a household.
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Jarha," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Jarha," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Jarha," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Jarha," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).