Jether is a biblical figure mentioned in several contexts within the Old Testament. The name Jether, meaning "abundance" or "excellence," appears in different genealogies and narratives, reflecting the diverse roles and lineages in ancient Israel.

1. Jether, the Father of Amasa: Jether is identified as the father of Amasa, who was a commander in the army of Absalom and later in David's army. In 1 Chronicles 2:17, Jether is referred to as an Ishmaelite: "Amasa was the son of Jether the Ishmaelite, who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah, the mother of Joab." This connection highlights the intermingling of Israelite and Ishmaelite lineages.

2. Jether, the Gideonite: In Judges 8:20, Jether is mentioned as the eldest son of Gideon. Gideon instructs Jether to kill Zebah and Zalmunna, the Midianite kings, but Jether hesitates due to his youth: "So he said to Jether, his firstborn, 'Get up and kill them.' But the young man did not draw his sword; he was afraid because he was still a youth."

3. Jether, a Descendant of Asher: In 1 Chronicles 7:38, Jether is listed as one of the sons of Japhlet, a descendant of Asher, one of the tribes of Israel: "The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These were the sons of Japhlet."

Mered

Mered is a lesser-known figure in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. His account is primarily found in 1 Chronicles 4:17-18, where he is noted for his marriage alliances and descendants.

1. Mered's Marriages and Descendants: Mered is mentioned as having married Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh, which indicates a significant alliance with Egypt. This marriage produced children, including Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah, the father of Eshtemoa. The text states: "The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. And Mered’s wife Bithiah gave birth to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa."

2. Cultural and Historical Context: Mered's marriage to an Egyptian princess suggests a period of close relations between Israel and Egypt, possibly during the time of the Exodus or the early monarchy. This connection underscores the complex interactions between Israel and its neighbors.

Epher

Epher is a name that appears in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, associated with different tribes and lineages.

1. Epher, a Son of Midian: In Genesis 25:4, Epher is listed as one of the sons of Midian, a descendant of Abraham through Keturah: "The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah." This lineage places Epher among the Midianites, a group that frequently interacted with the Israelites.

2. Epher, a Descendant of Manasseh: In 1 Chronicles 5:24, Epher is mentioned as a leader among the descendants of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel: "These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty warriors, famous men, and heads of their families."

Jalon

Jalon is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical genealogies, mentioned briefly in the context of the tribe of Judah.

1. Jalon in the Lineage of Judah: Jalon is listed among the descendants of Judah in 1 Chronicles 4:17: "The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon." This brief mention places Jalon within the broader context of the tribe of Judah, which is significant in the biblical narrative as the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended.

These entries reflect the rich tapestry of relationships and lineages that characterize the biblical narrative, illustrating the interconnectedness of various tribes and peoples in the ancient Near East.