Who Was Ara in the Bible?
Ara is a man mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:38. He was from the tribe of Asher and lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy. Ara was the son of Jether (Ithran in some translations) and the brother of Jephunneh, Pispa, and other siblings. Although the Bible provides limited information about Ara, his mention in the genealogy underscores his role within the larger narrative of Israel’s history.
Biblical Reference
1 Chronicles 7:38 (ESV) states, “The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara.” This brief mention places Ara within the lineage of the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel descended from Jacob’s son Asher.
The Tribe of Asher
The tribe of Asher, descended from Jacob’s eighth son Asher, settled in the northern part of the land of Canaan. This region included rich agricultural land and access to the Mediterranean Sea. The tribe of Asher was known for its prosperity and abundance, as described in Moses’ blessing in Deuteronomy 33:24 (NIV): “About Asher he said: ‘Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him bathe his feet in oil.'”
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Importance of Genealogy
The genealogical records in the Bible, including the mention of Ara, emphasize the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite culture. These records were meticulously maintained to preserve the history and continuity of God’s covenant people. For modern Christians, this underscores the value of understanding and appreciating spiritual heritage and the continuity of faith through generations.
Every Individual Matters
Although Ara’s story is brief, his inclusion in the biblical genealogy highlights that every individual plays a role in God’s plan. This teaches modern Christians that their contributions, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, are valuable in the eyes of God. Each person’s life and faithfulness contribute to the larger tapestry of God’s redemptive work.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness Across Generations
Ara’s mention in the genealogy of Asher reflects God’s faithfulness to His covenant people across generations. The preservation of these records demonstrates God’s unwavering commitment to His promises. For modern Christians, this serves as a reminder that God remains faithful and attentive to His people, working through the details of their lives to fulfill His divine purposes.
Encouragement in God’s Plan
Knowing that Ara, a seemingly minor figure, is part of God’s recorded history can encourage believers that God’s plan includes everyone. No one is overlooked or forgotten in God’s eyes. This understanding can bring comfort and assurance to Christians, knowing that their lives are significant and purposeful in God’s grand design.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Fulfillment of God’s Promises
The genealogies in the Bible, including the lineage of Asher, ultimately point to the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ. The detailed genealogical records trace the lineage of the Messiah, demonstrating the meticulous unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus, as the fulfillment of these promises, embodies the culmination of God’s covenant faithfulness.
Jesus as the Ultimate Heir
The continuity of genealogies leading to Jesus highlights His role as the ultimate heir of God’s promises. Through Jesus, believers are grafted into this spiritual lineage, becoming part of God’s family and inheritors of His promises. Galatians 3:29 (NIV) states, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Conclusion
Ara, though briefly mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:38, is a significant figure within the biblical genealogies. His inclusion underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in Israel’s history and highlights the faithfulness of God to His covenant people. For modern Christians, Ara’s story serves as a reminder of the value of each individual in God’s plan and the assurance of God’s unwavering faithfulness across generations. The genealogies that include Ara ultimately point to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God’s redemptive promises, encouraging believers to trust in God’s sovereign plan and their place within His family.