Zerah (the Ethiopian)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Zerah (the Ethiopian) in the Bible?
The invasion led by Zerah the Ethiopian against King Asa is accepted by most modern scholars as a historical event, with the name Zerah potentially being a corruption of the Egyptian pharaoh Usarkon.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Zerah's invasion clarifies the geopolitical tensions in the region and demonstrates how external military threats influenced the religious reforms and military strategies of the Kingdom of Judah.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Zerah (the Ethiopian) reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Zerah (the Ethiopian) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Zerah (the Ethiopian) clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Zerah (the Ethiopian)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zerah-the-ethiopian/