The Hebrew word Chelʼâh, represented by H2458, is the proper name of an Israelitess, Helah. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The name identifies a specific woman whose role is defined by her position within the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah.
In the biblical narrative, H2458 appears exclusively within the genealogies recorded in 1 Chronicles. Helah is identified as one of the two H8147 wives H802 of Ashur H806, who is described as the father H1 of Tekoa H8620 1 Chronicles 4:5. The record further details her contribution to the lineage by listing her sons H1121: Zereth, Jezoar, and Ethnan 1 Chronicles 4:7. Her role is defined by her marriage and her children within this ancestral listing.
Several related words clarify Helah's position within the genealogy:
- H806 'Ashchûwr (black; Ashchur, an Israelite; Ashur): This is the name of Helah's husband, identified as the "father of Tekoa" 1 Chronicles 4:5.
- H5292 Naʻărâh (Naarah, the name of an Israelitess...): This is the name of Ashur's other wife, listed alongside Helah, establishing the family structure 1 Chronicles 4:5.
- H1121 bên (a son (as a builder of the family name)...): This term is essential for identifying Helah's offspring, Zereth, Jezoar, and Ethnan, and thus her contribution to the lineage 1 Chronicles 4:7.
- H802 ʼishshâh (a woman... wife...): This word defines Helah's role as one of the two wives of Ashur 1 Chronicles 4:5.
The significance of H2458 is rooted in its genealogical context, highlighting specific themes:
- Preservation of Lineage: The inclusion of Helah by name demonstrates the importance of recording family lines, particularly within the tribe of Judah. Her sons are explicitly named as her descendants 1 Chronicles 4:7.
- Maternal Contribution: Helah is primarily defined by her role as a wife to Ashur H806 and a mother to her sons. This establishes her part in building up the family of Tekoa.
- Family Structure: The record notes that Ashur had two H8147 wives, Helah and Naarah H5292, matter-of-factly documenting a specific family unit within the Israelite community 1 Chronicles 4:5.
In summary, H2458 Chelʼâh is a proper name whose importance is tied directly to the biblical genealogies. The name Helah designates an Israelitess whose identity is preserved through her marriage to Ashur and the sons she bore. Though mentioned only twice, her inclusion serves as a vital link in the ancestral chain of Judah, illustrating the meticulous detail with which scripture records the history of its people.
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