John Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:30

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

And afterward came out his brother that had the scarlet thread upon his hand, etc.] By which it was known that he so far came out first; which confirms the remarkable birth of his brother, who notwithstanding got the start of him: and his name was called Zarah; not from “rising”, or his coming forth like the rising sun, as is usually observed; but rather from his return, or drawing back his hand, and as it were returning to his mother’s womb; and so, according to Hillerus f1687, Zarah, by a transposition of letters, comes from rzj “Chazar”, to return: but Jarchi thinks he had his name from the refulgent appearance of the scarlet thread on his wrist.

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