Women in the Bible – Baara – Moabitess, Wife of Shaharaim

Women in the Bible – Baara – Moabitess, Wife of Shaharaim

1 Chronicles 8:8-11 (ESV)

And Shaharaim fathered sons in the country of Moab after he had sent away Hushim and Baara his wives. He fathered sons by Hodesh his wife: Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Sachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers’ houses. He also fathered sons by Hushim: Abitub and Elpaal.

Today’s name we consider is Baara. She was the wife of Shaharaim. This passage in 1 Chronicles also appears to use two names for the same person. In verse 8 she is referred to as Baara, followed by verse 9 calling her Hodesh. Even though the names do not resemble each other phonetically, their means are related. The root word for Baara is “ignite, as start a fire.” Hodesh means “lunar, or month” referring to the moon. It was tradition in those days to light fires to signify the new moon.

Apparently Baara/Hodesh practiced this ritual. She also gave birth to seven sons, which in her day that was the ultimate blessing. She is part of the lineage of King Saul, the first king of Israel. Her sons, and their sons, made up a might band of warriors from the tribe of Benjamin. We never hear anything else from these folks, but without them many things recorded in scripture would have never come to pass.

Never undervalue your life experiences. They may seem mundane, but God always has a bigger picture in mind, and you could very easily be filling a gap in His plan to bless you, your family, your people, or the world. Remain faithful to God’s call on your life.