Who was Raham in the Bible?

Raham was a man from the tribe of Judah, listed as the son of Shema and the father (or founder) of Jorkeam. He appears only in a genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 2:44, establishing his family lineage.

Why is Raham mentioned in the Bible?

Raham is mentioned to preserve the genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, which was crucial for establishing lineage, inheritance rights, and the royal line leading to King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. His inclusion shows God's faithfulness in recording His people's history.

What is the significance of Raham being the 'father of Jorkeam'?

The phrase 'father of Jorkeam' (1 Chronicles 2:44) likely means Raham was the founder or chief of a town or clan named Jorkeam. This highlights how individuals in biblical genealogies often represent family groups or locations tied to the tribe of Judah's settlement.

Raham

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Raham was the son of Shema and the father or founder of Jorkeam, from the tribe of Judah.

Raham

Biography

Raham appears in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah as the son of Shema and the father (or founder) of Jorkeam (1 Chronicles 2:44). His placement in the Chronicler's genealogy situates him within the extended clan of Caleb, specifically through the line of Caleb's concubine Maacah. The name Raham may derive from the Hebrew root meaning "compassion" or "mercy," though its precise etymology is debated among scholars. His connection to Jorkeam suggests he may have been the founder or leading patriarch of a settlement by that name in the territory of Judah. Beyond this genealogical mention, no narrative events or personal details about Raham are recorded in Scripture, making him known exclusively through his place in Judah's tribal registry.

Significance

Raham's significance lies primarily in the genealogical framework of 1 Chronicles, where the Chronicler meticulously traces the families of Judah to establish territorial claims and tribal identity after the Babylonian exile. As a link in the Calebite branch of Judah, Raham represents the faithful settlement of the Promised Land by clans who took possession of their inheritance. His association with founding a town reflects the broader biblical theme of God fulfilling His land promises through specific families. Even figures known only by a single verse contribute to the tapestry of covenant faithfulness, reminding readers that God's purposes advance through countless unnamed generations.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 2:44

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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