Sala, also known as Salah, is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. He is recognized as a descendant of Shem, the son of Noah, and is part of the lineage leading to Abraham, making him an important link in the ancestry of the Israelites and, by extension, the genealogy of Jesus Christ as presented in the New Testament.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 10:24 : "Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber." In this passage, Sala is referred to as Shelah, a variant of his name. He is listed as the son of Arphaxad and the father of Eber, placing him in the line of Shem.

2. Genesis 11:12-15 : "When Arphaxad was 35 years old, he became the father of Shelah. And after he became the father of Shelah, Arphaxad lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters. When Shelah was 30 years old, he became the father of Eber. And after he became the father of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters." This passage provides additional details about Sala's lifespan and his role as the father of Eber, further establishing his place in the genealogical record.

3. 1 Chronicles 1:18, 24 : "Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber." This verse reiterates the genealogy found in Genesis, confirming Sala's position in the lineage from Shem to Abraham.

4. Luke 3:35-36 : "the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech." In the New Testament, Sala is included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, underscoring his significance in the biblical narrative and the fulfillment of God's promises through the line of Shem.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Sala's inclusion in the genealogies highlights the continuity of God's covenantal promises from Noah through Shem and ultimately to Abraham. As a patriarchal figure, Sala represents the faithfulness of God in preserving a lineage through which the Messiah would come. His life, though not detailed extensively in Scripture, serves as a testament to the unfolding of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Name Variations:

The name Sala is rendered as Shelah in some translations and genealogical records. This variation is common in ancient texts, where transliterations and translations can result in different spellings. Despite these differences, the identity and genealogical role of Sala remain consistent across biblical accounts.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliations. Sala's place in these records underscores the importance of lineage in understanding one's role and purpose within the broader narrative of God's people. His mention in both the Old and New Testaments reflects the enduring significance of his lineage in the history of salvation.Sala or Salah

(sprout), the son of Arphaxad, and father of Eber. (Genesis 10:24; 11:18-14; Luke 3:35) (B.C. 2307.)

The Book of Jubilees
... Sala (son of Cainan) is dismissal; modern authorities make it to signify extension. ...
Cainan seventy-four years after the Flood; [271] Cainan begets Salah in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

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