The Daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. She is known primarily as the wife of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and the mother of three of his sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Her account is intertwined with the early history of the tribe of Judah, which would later become one of the most prominent tribes of Israel.

Biblical Account

The account of Judah and the daughter of Shua is found in Genesis 38. After leaving his brothers, Judah "went down to stay with a man of Adullam named Hirah" (Genesis 38:1). There, he met the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua and took her as his wife. The text does not provide her personal name, referring to her only in relation to her father, Shua.

Judah and Shua's daughter had three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. The narrative quickly turns to the lives of these sons, particularly focusing on the first two, Er and Onan, who were both struck down by the LORD due to their wickedness (Genesis 38:7, 10). This left Shelah as the only surviving son, and he would later become an ancestor in the lineage of Judah.

Cultural and Theological Context

The marriage of Judah to a Canaanite woman is significant within the cultural and theological context of the Old Testament. The Canaanites were often depicted as a people whose practices and beliefs were in opposition to those of the Israelites. Marriages between Israelites and Canaanites were generally discouraged due to the potential for leading the Israelites away from their covenantal relationship with God.

Despite this, the union between Judah and the daughter of Shua is part of the divine narrative that leads to the establishment of the tribe of Judah. This tribe would later produce significant biblical figures, including King David and, according to the New Testament, Jesus Christ.

Role in the Lineage of Judah

The daughter of Shua, though unnamed, plays a crucial role in the lineage of Judah. Her son Shelah becomes an important link in the genealogical chain that is highlighted in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 2 and Matthew 1. The inclusion of Canaanite blood in the lineage of Judah underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and grace, working through imperfect and unexpected circumstances to fulfill His purposes.

Legacy and Interpretation

The account of Judah and the daughter of Shua is often examined for its moral and ethical implications, particularly in the context of family dynamics and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The deaths of Er and Onan serve as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the importance of faithfulness to His covenant.

In summary, the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua, though a minor character in the biblical narrative, is integral to the unfolding account of God's people. Her marriage to Judah and the subsequent events highlight themes of divine providence, judgment, and redemption that resonate throughout the biblical text.