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Zeruiah

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What is the meaning of Zeruiah in the Bible?

Zeruiah was the sister of King David and the mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, who served as key military leaders in David's army; the identity of her husband remains unknown, though he was buried in Bethlehem.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Zeruiah clarifies the dynastic power structure of David's reign, as her sons formed a powerful military faction that significantly influenced the political and military history of the United Monarchy.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Zeruiah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Zeruiah in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Zeruiah 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

"Zeruiah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zeruiah/
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