Metaphysical meaning of Zerah (mbd)
Zerah (in A. V., Genesis 38:30; 46:12, Zarah; Matt. 1:3, Zara), ze'–rah (Heb.) --rising of light; beginning of light; breaking forth of the sun; sunrise; appearing; birth of a child; germination of a seed; scattering rays; brightness; brilliance; splendor; glory.
a Son of Judah and Tamar, and twin brother of Perez (Gen. 38 :30). b Son of Simeon (I Chron. 4:24). In Genesis 46 :10 this Zerah is called Zohar. c A son of Reuel, and grandson of Esau (Gen. 36:13). d An Ethiopian king who came with his army to fight against Asa, king of Judah, and was defeated (II Chron. 14 :9).
Meta. Zerah (rising of light, sunrise, birth of a child, germination of a seed, beginning of light, brightness, splendor) denotes the rise of new light, understanding, in the consciousness. It is the first conscious awakening to the presence of this new inner light, or understanding (the sun rises in the east, and the east signifies the within).
The Zerah who was leader of the Ethiopian army that came up against Judah signifies a result of the rising of this new light into the darkened (Ethiopian) phase of thought in man; which result is that these ignorant thoughts and beliefs are stirred to greater activity and expression and so must be dealt with by the people of Judah, under Asa, who represents the will directing constructively. (See ZEPHATHAH, where the conflict between Asa, king of Judah, and Zerah took place.)
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