Zihr´uh-hits
The name of two clan groups during the period of the wilderness wanderings, one belonging to the tribe of Simeon (Num 26:13) and the other to the tribe of Judah (Num 26:20). The association of the Zerahites with both Judah and Simeon probably reflects the fact that after the settlement in the land the tribe of Simeon was absorbed very quickly into the tribe of Judah and lost its identity (Gen 49:7; Josh 19:1). The same practice of dual identification is seen in the city lists in which cities are named as belonging to both Simeon and Judah (cf. Josh 15:21-63; with Josh 19:1-9). It is therefore likely that only one group is referred to. It was to the Zerahites that Achan belonged (Josh 7:17), as did Sibbecai and Maharai, two of David’s military commanders (1Chr 27:11; 1Chr 27:13).
