Carmi

Carmi is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. He is identified as a member of the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. In 1 Chronicles 5:3, Carmi is listed as one of the sons of Reuben: "The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi." His name, which means "my vineyard" or "vine-dresser," reflects the agricultural lifestyle that was common among the Israelites.

Carmi's significance in the biblical narrative is primarily genealogical, serving as a link in the lineage of the tribe of Reuben. The tribe of Reuben, although the firstborn, lost its preeminence due to Reuben's transgression against his father Jacob (Genesis 49:3-4). As a result, the tribe did not play a leading role in the history of Israel, and Carmi's mention is primarily to establish tribal heritage and continuity.

Zabdi

Zabdi is a biblical figure associated with the tribe of Judah. He is most notably mentioned in the context of the sin of Achan, which occurred during the conquest of Jericho. Zabdi is identified as the grandfather of Achan, who violated God's command by taking forbidden items from the spoils of Jericho, leading to Israel's defeat at Ai. In Joshua 7:1, the lineage is given: "But the Israelites acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was devoted to destruction. So the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites."

Zabdi's role in the narrative is primarily genealogical, providing context for Achan's identity and tribal affiliation. The incident involving Achan and the subsequent punishment underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands and the communal consequences of individual sin. Zabdi's mention serves to trace the lineage of Achan back to the tribe of Judah, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Israelite community.

Zerah

Zerah is a significant figure in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. He is one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar, as recorded in Genesis 38:29-30: "But as he was drawing back his hand, his brother came out, and she said, 'So this is how you have broken out!' And he was named Perez. Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his wrist, and he was named Zerah." Zerah's birth is marked by the unusual circumstance of his twin brother Perez being born first, despite Zerah's hand emerging initially.

Zerah's descendants are mentioned in various genealogical records, including the lineage of Achan, as noted in Joshua 7:1. The Zerahites, as his descendants are called, are listed among the clans of Judah in Numbers 26:20: "The descendants of Judah by their clans were: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, the Zerahite clan from Zerah."

Zerah's lineage is significant in the broader narrative of Israel's history, as it highlights the complex and often tumultuous family dynamics within the tribe of Judah. The account of Judah and Tamar, and the subsequent birth of Perez and Zerah, underscores themes of redemption and God's sovereignty in using imperfect human circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes.