### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Sârâph**, represented by `{{H8315}}`, identifies a specific Israelite. It is defined as "Saraph, an Israelite" and appears only one time in a single verse in the entire Bible. Its singular appearance places it within a specific genealogical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole mention of `{{H8315}}` occurs within a genealogical list in the book of Chronicles. **Saraph** is named alongside Jokim, the men of Chozeba, and Joash as individuals who "had the dominion in Moab" [[1 Chronicles 4:22]]. This reference situates **Saraph** as a figure of authority or leadership in a foreign land. The verse concludes by identifying these accounts as "ancient things," emphasizing their historical nature.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context in [[1 Chronicles 4:22]] provide a fuller picture:
* `{{H1166}}` **bâʻal** (had the dominion): This root word means to be master or have dominion over something. While it describes the authority of **Saraph** in Moab, it is also used metaphorically to describe God's covenant relationship with Israel, where He is an "husband" to them [[Jeremiah 31:32]].
* `{{H4124}}` **Môwʼâb** (Moab): This is the territory where **Saraph** held dominion. Moab, the land and its descendants, features throughout the Old Testament as a neighboring nation to Israel, sometimes as an adversary [[Amos 2:1]] and sometimes as a place of refuge [[Ruth 1:1]].
* `{{H3101}}` **Yôwʼâsh** (Joash): Listed alongside **Saraph**, Joash is the name of several Israelites in scripture. One notable Joash was a king of Israel who mourned the prophet Elisha, calling him "my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof" [[2 Kings 13:14]].
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (things): This word, used to label the account of **Saraph** as "ancient things," broadly means a word, matter, or thing. It is frequently used for God's divine word, such as when the "word of the LORD came unto Abram" [[Genesis 15:1]].
### Theological Significance
The mention of `{{H8315}}` **Sârâph**, though brief, connects to wider scriptural themes.
* **Historical Record:** The inclusion of **Saraph** in the Chronicles highlights the importance of preserving genealogical and historical records. The verse's closing statement that these are "ancient things" `{{H1697}}` affirms the value placed on remembering the past and the individuals within it [[1 Chronicles 4:22]].
* **Authority in a Foreign Land:** **Saraph's** role of having "dominion" `{{H1166}}` in Moab `{{H4124}}` points to the complex interactions between Israel and surrounding nations. It demonstrates that the influence and activities of Israelites were not confined to the borders of Israel.
* **The Theme of Dominion:** The word used for **Saraph's** authority, **bâʻal** `{{H1166}}`, is the same term used to describe God's covenantal relationship with Israel as their husband [[Jeremiah 31:32]]. This illustrates how concepts of human leadership and authority can echo divine roles.
### Summary
In summary, **Sârâph** `{{H8315}}` is the name of an Israelite known only from a single genealogical reference. While this individual is obscure, the context of his mention in [[1 Chronicles 4:22]] is significant. It ties him to themes of dominion, the history of Israel's relationship with Moab, and the biblical emphasis on preserving "ancient things." The story of **Saraph** is a reminder that even the briefest mentions in scripture contribute to the rich and detailed historical tapestry of the Bible.
TRV