### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʻÊr**, represented by `{{H6147}}`, means **watchful** and is the name given to two Israelites in the biblical record. It appears **10 times** across **7 unique verses**, primarily documenting the lineage of Judah. The name is most prominently associated with Judah's firstborn son, whose story serves as a concise and severe narrative of divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary biblical figure named **ʻÊr** is introduced as the first **son** `{{H1121}}` **born** `{{H3205}}` to **Judah** `{{H3063}}` [[Genesis 38:3]]. As the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}`, Judah **took** `{{H3947}}` a **wife** `{{H802}}` for him named **Tamar** `{{H8559}}` [[Genesis 38:6]]. However, the narrative quickly turns, stating that **ʻÊr** was **wicked** `{{H7451}}` in the **sight** `{{H5869}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`, which resulted in the **LORD** slaying `{{H4191}}` him ([[Genesis 38:7]], [[1 Chronicles 2:3]]). This event is recounted in genealogical lists, which note that **ʻÊr** and his brother **Onan** `{{H209}}` **died** `{{H4191}}` in the **land** `{{H776}}` of **Canaan** `{{H3667}}` ([[Genesis 46:12]], [[Numbers 26:19]]). A second, different **ʻÊr** is mentioned as a descendant of Judah's son **Shelah** `{{H7956}}`, who was the **father** `{{H1}}` of **Lecah** `{{H3922}}` [[1 Chronicles 4:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial for understanding the context of Er's life and death:
* `{{H3063}}` **Yᵉhûwdâh** (Judah): As Er's **father** `{{H1}}`, Judah's lineage is central to the narrative. Er is listed as the first of his **sons** `{{H1121}}` [[Genesis 46:12]].
* `{{H1060}}` **bᵉkôwr** (firstborn): This term defines Er's status as the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` of Judah, which carried significant rights and responsibilities that were forfeited by his actions ([[Genesis 38:7]], [[1 Chronicles 2:3]]).
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (bad or evil): This word describes Er's character in the **sight** `{{H5869}}` of the LORD. It is the explicit reason given for his divine punishment ([[Genesis 38:7]], [[1 Chronicles 2:3]]).
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): This verb is used to state that the **LORD** **slew** `{{H4191}}` him, highlighting the direct and fatal consequence of his wickedness [[Genesis 38:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6147}}` is concentrated in the brief story of Judah's son.
* **Divine Judgment on Sin:** The account of Er is a stark example of God's direct judgment. His life was cut short not by accident or illness, but because he was **evil** `{{H7451}}` in the **sight** `{{H5869}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`, who personally **slew** `{{H4191}}` him [[1 Chronicles 2:3]].
* **Forfeiture of Birthright:** As the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}`, Er held a privileged position. His death represents the forfeiture of this blessing due to his sin, disrupting the patriarchal lineage and setting in motion the events involving his brother **Onan** `{{H209}}` and his wife **Tamar** `{{H8559}}`.
* **Sovereignty in Lineage:** Er's death demonstrates that human lineage and succession are subject to divine authority. Though he was the first in line, God removed him, and the line of Judah continued through his brothers, **Pharez** `{{H6557}}` and **Zerah** `{{H2226}}`, born later [[Genesis 46:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6147}}` **ʻÊr** is not just a genealogical entry but a significant moral lesson within the patriarchal narratives. He is remembered as the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` son of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` whose life was ended by the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` as a direct result of his wickedness. The story underscores the seriousness of sin in the sight of God and His ultimate authority over the plans and lineages of humanity.
TRV