Zerah (Genesis 36:33)

One of the chiefs of the Edomites (Genesis 36:17; 1 Chronicles 1:37). He is the son of Reuel, Esau’s son by his wife Basemath. He was likely the ancestor of Jobab, who later became king of the Edomites (Genesis 36:13, 33).

One of the twin sons of Judah by his daughter-in-law Tamar (Genesis 38:30; 46:12; Matthew 1:3). Although Zerah thrust out his hand first, he drew it back, allowing his brother, Perez, to be born first. The descendants of Zerah (the Zerahites) became one of the most influential clans of Judah (Numbers 26:20; Joshua 7:1, 18; 22:20; 1 Chronicles 2:4–6; 9:6). Because Ethan and Heman are listed as sons of Zerah in 1 Chronicles 2:6, the Ezrahites mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 and the titles to Psalms 88 and 89 are also considered to be Zerahites. However, Ethan and Heman are listed as Levites in 1 Chronicles 15:17. It is more likely that the Ezrahites were a Levite clan.