Sherah
“Kinswoman or blood relation”
Summary
A daughter of Ephraim who distinguished herself by founding three cities, including both the upper and lower Beth-horon—a rare example of a woman city-builder in Scripture.
☩Builder of Cities
Sherah was identified as a 'daughter' of Ephraim, though this likely indicates descent rather than immediate parentage. She is uniquely noted in Scripture as the founder of three important cities: Beth-horon the upper, Beth-horon the lower, and Uzzen-sherah (named after her). This accomplishment is remarkable, as city-founding was typically attributed to male figures in ancient Near Eastern records.
☩Strategic Importance
The two Beth-horons controlled the most important pass from the coastal plain up into the central hill country of Canaan—a vital military and commercial route. As an heiress, Sherah may have received these territories as her inheritance and enlarged them through her family's efforts. The cities she founded would later play significant roles in Israelite history, including Joshua's pursuit of the Amorites and various later military campaigns.
Related Verses1 mention
1 Chronicles· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sherah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Sherah," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Sherah," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).