Lexical Summary Saraph: Saraph Original Word: שָׂרָף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Saraph The same as saraph; Saraph, an Israelite -- Saraph. see HEBREW saraph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom saraph Definition "burning," a man of Judah NASB Translation Saraph (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs III. שָׂרָף proper name, masculine a Judahite; — 1 Chronicles 4:22; Σαια, A ᵐ5L Σαραφ. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence“ …Jokim, the men of Cozeba, Joash, and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and Jashubi-Lehem. These were the records of ancient times.” (1 Chronicles 4:22) Historical Placement Saraph appears in the Chronicler’s Judahite genealogy that traces the posterity of Shelah, a son of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:21-23). The section offers post-exilic Israel an inspired reminder that the covenant community’s roots run deep, stretching back to pre-monarchic days. Saraph’s placement alongside craftsmen and administrators underscores the Chronicler’s broader purpose: to honor every stratum of Judah’s heritage—royal, priestly, artisan, and colonial alike. Genealogical Context 1. Lineage: A descendant of Shelah, Judah’s third surviving son (Genesis 38:5; Numbers 26:20). Cross-Border Leadership The phrase “who ruled in Moab” indicates that Saraph and Joash exercised authority beyond Israel’s traditional borders. Several implications arise: • Judahite Colonies: During seasons of famine, trade, or political alliance, Judahites settled east of the Dead Sea (compare Ruth 1:1-2). Saraph’s rule shows such ventures succeeded to the extent of establishing local governance. Vocational Integration The surrounding verses highlight guilds of linen-workers and royal potters “who lived there in the king’s service” (1 Chronicles 4:23). The Chronicler thereby links Saraph’s political authority with skilled labor, portraying a holistic picture of kingdom life: governance, craftsmanship, and worship converging under divine oversight. Ministry Insights 1. God values forgotten leaders. Saraph’s lone mention shows that Heaven records every faithful act, even when human memory fades. Prophetic Foreshadowings • Gentile Inclusion: Saraph’s rule in Moab anticipates David’s Moabite ancestry through Ruth and, ultimately, the Messiah’s global reign (Matthew 1:5; Revelation 5:9-10). Practical Applications • Christian leaders can look to Saraph as an early model of cultural engagement without compromise. Summary Though mentioned only once, Saraph embodies Judah’s enduring influence, the sanctity of secular vocations, and the foreshadowing of God’s expanding kingdom. His brief appearance in Scripture invites modern readers to recognize the significance of seemingly minor roles in the unfolding redemptive narrative. Forms and Transliterations וְשָׂרָ֛ף ושרף vesaRafLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 4:22 HEB: כֹזֵבָ֗א וְיוֹאָ֧שׁ וְשָׂרָ֛ף אֲשֶׁר־ בָּעֲל֥וּ NAS: of Cozeba, Joash, Saraph, who ruled KJV: and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion INT: of Cozeba and Joash Saraph who ruled 1 Occurrence |