Interesting Facts

• Zerah was the father of Jobab, who became king over the children of Esau.
• Zarach was the father of Jobab of Botzrah, who reigned as king in Edom after Bela.
• According to another account, Zara of Boser was the father of Jobab, who reigned in Edom after Balaq.
• Zarach was also a son of Judah.

Genealogy

• Zerah/Zarach/Zara was the father of Jobab, who reigned as king over the children of Esau. Jobab was from the land of Botzrah/Boser.
• Zarach was also a son of Judah. Judah was one of the sons of Jacob. The mother of Zarach is not mentioned in the provided sources. Zarach had a twin brother named Perez.

Historical Context

The accounts involving Zerah/Zarach/Zara as the father of Jobab place him within the context of the early leadership of the Edomites, who were descendants of Esau. This period is described as “before there reigned any king over the children of Israel”. Following a conflict between the sons of Esau and the sons of Jacob, and a period where Bela the son of Beor reigned over Edom, Jobab, son of Zerah/Zarach/Zara, ascended to the throne. This suggests a time of establishing kingship and distinct identities among the descendants of Esau. The fact that Jobab was from Bozrah/Boser indicates a geographical association of this lineage within Edomite territory. The other instance of Zarach being a son of Judah places him within the lineage of Jacob’s descendants who went down to Egypt. This was a time before the Exodus and their establishment as a nation in Canaan.

Narrative

The narrative concerning Zerah/Zarach/Zara is primarily genealogical, establishing him as the progenitor of King Jobab of Edom. The differing accounts of the name (Zerah, Zarach, Zara) and the location (Botzrah, Boser) may reflect variations in oral tradition or scribal practices over time. Regardless, the consistent element is his role as the father of a significant early king of Edom, highlighting his importance within the Edomite lineage. The rise of Jobab to the throne following Bela suggests a transition in Edomite leadership. The second mention of Zarach as a son of Judah is part of a list enumerating the descendants of Jacob who resided in Egypt. In this context, Zarach’s narrative is one of origin, placing him within the foundational families of what would become the tribes of Israel. He is mentioned as having a twin brother, Perez, indicating a notable event at his birth. While the sources do not elaborate on his individual actions or life story, his inclusion in the genealogy of Judah signifies his place within the early history of the Israelite people.