Who was Zerah in the Bible?

Zerah was a Levite from the clan of Gershon, specifically recorded as the son of Iddo. His lineage is listed in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, which detail the priestly and temple service roles (1 Chronicles 6:21, 41).

What is the significance of Zerah the Levite?

As a Levite from the Gershonite clan, Zerah's significance lies in his hereditary role in Israel's worship system. The Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's curtains and coverings during the wilderness journeys (Numbers 3:25-26).

What events was Zerah involved in?

The Bible does not record specific events in Zerah's life. His mention is primarily genealogical, establishing the priestly line and the continuity of the Levitical service for the house of God during the time of King David (1 Chronicles 6:31-48).

Zerah

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleLevite

Zerah, a Levite of the Gershonite clan, was the son of Iddo (1Ch.6.21,41).

Zerah

Biography

Zerah was a Levite of the Gershonite clan, son of Iddo, whose lineage is preserved in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 6:21 and 6:41. He lived during the period of the divided monarchy and belonged to one of the three great Levitical clans, the Gershonites, which traced their descent from Gershon, the firstborn son of Levi. The Gershonites had historically been responsible for the coverings and curtains of the tabernacle during Israel's wilderness journey. Zerah's name appears in a sequence of priestly ancestors, reflecting the Chronicler's concern to document the legitimate lineage of those entrusted with temple service in Jerusalem. His role was primarily genealogical, serving as a link in the chain of Levitical succession.

Significance

Zerah the Gershonite Levite, though known only through genealogical lists, represents the broader importance of Levitical continuity in Israel's worship life. The Chronicler's meticulous preservation of such lineages was not mere antiquarianism, it affirmed that the temple service of the post-exilic community was grounded in legitimate, unbroken priestly heritage. This gave the restored community its connection to the Mosaic covenant and the institutions God had established at Sinai. Within God's redemptive plan, the faithful transmission of priestly office generation by generation made possible the ongoing ministry of atonement, blessing, and teaching that sustained Israel's covenant relationship with God until the coming of the ultimate High Priest.

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 6:21 1Chr 6:41

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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