Interesting Facts

• Jerah is listed as the fourth among the sons of Joktan.
• His name appears in the genealogical records tracing the descendants of Shem.

Genealogy

• Father: Joktan.
• He is listed among twelve (or possibly thirteen) brothers, including Almodad, Sheleph/Shelaf, Hazarmaveth/Chazarmoveth, Hadoram/Hadurom, Uzal/Ozel, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and potentially Jobab.

Historical Context

The life of Jerah unfolded in the period following the great flood and the events at the Tower of Babel in the land of Shinar. The dispersion of humanity after the confusion of languages led the descendants of Noah to migrate and establish new settlements. As a son of Joktan, who descended from Shem, Jerah would have been part of the eastward migration of this lineage. The sources indicate that the dwelling place of Joktan and his sons was “from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east”. This suggests their establishment in a region east of Shinar. Additionally, the book of Jasher interprets the name of Joktan to signify a time when the lives of men were diminished and lessened. Therefore, Jerah was likely born into a world experiencing significant demographic changes, the emergence of distinct linguistic groups, and the initial phases of rebuilding and societal organization after the scattering from Babel. The rise of figures like Nimrod and the formation of early kingdoms also mark this historical period.

Narrative

The narrative concerning Jerah within the provided sources is solely genealogical. He is included in the lists that detail the sons of Joktan, thus situating him within the broader lineage of Shem following the flood and the Tower of Babel incident. The sources do not ascribe any specific actions, pronouncements, or personal history to Jerah. His existence is documented through his familial connection to Joktan and his position among his brothers. As the fourth son listed, he is part of a family that settled in the eastern regions after the scattering from Shinar. While the historical context describes a dynamic era of migration, city-building, and the early development of distinct cultures and languages, Jerah’s individual contribution or experiences during this time are not recorded in these sources. His significance, therefore, rests in his place within the genealogical record as a descendant of Shem, contributing to the repopulation and diversification of the earth in the post-diluvian world.