Zerah זֶ֫רַח
King of Edom
Who is Zerah in the Bible?
Zerah was a king of Edom mentioned in the genealogical records of Genesis 36:33 and 1 Chronicles 1:44. He ruled from the city of Bozrah, a major Edomite center, during the period before Israel established its monarchy, likely during the time of the judges. As an Edomite king, Zerah was part of the lineage descended from Esau who inhabited the region of Seir. His inclusion in the biblical record of Edomite rulers demonstrates the historical parallel between Edom's established kingdom and Israel's later development as a nation under kings.
Biography
Zerah was a king of Edom, mentioned in the lists of Edomite kings in Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1. He was from the city of Bozrah, an important Edomite center. The list of kings in which Zerah appears is chronologically placed before the time of Israel's monarchy, indicating that he ruled during the period of the judges. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau who settled in the region of Seir.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 36:33
"When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:44
"When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | זֶ֫רַח | zeraḥ | Zerach , the name of three Israelites, also of an Idumaean and an Ethiopian prince |