“And the name of the daughter of Asher was Serah.”
Numbers 26:46 NKJV
During my daily reading today, I was struck by this simple verse – the name of one woman mentioned among thousands of men above the age of 20 who were counted as ones who left Egypt and were able to go to war (v. 1-4).
Since she was mentioned in a verse all by herself, she had to be someone of significance!
Curiosity got the best of me today, and a quick search revealed two other times she was mentioned – Genesis 46:17 and I Chronicles 7:30.
In Genesis 46, she is listed along side of her brothers as one who left with Jacob to journey to Egypt. The chapter lists 69 men and one woman – Serah:
“The sons of Asher were Jimnah, Ishuah, Isui, Beriah, and Serah, their sister. And the sons of Beriah were Heber and Malchiel.”
Genesis 46:17 NKJV
And again we see her in where once again she is listed along side of her brothers and among those “fit for battle” (I chronicles 7:30, 40)
In Hebrew, the name śeraḥ means, literally, “the prince breathed”. It also means abundant. Many theories abound in ancient Rabbinical writings and teachings regarding Serah. Some teachings say she never died, others say she was captured up like Elijah. Some teachings say she was the one that broke the news to Jacab about his son, Joseph, being alive. Some teachings suggest she was Asher’s adopted daughter, others say she was his by birth. Some teachings say she is the one that helped Moses find Jacob’s bones in order to take his body with them during the Exodus, others say she gave a first hand account of passing through the Red Sea, describing it like a wall of transparent glass, to Rabbi’s hundreds of years after the Exodus.
I wonder what it was about her character that made her so remarkable. If she would have been among those that complained about manna and worshipped an idol, she would not have entered the Promised Land. If she would have been among those that believed the bad report of the spies, she would not have entered the Promised Land. For some reason, she was granted an exceptionally long life – she entered Egypt, she left during the Exodus, and was set to enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the desert which is believed to be a time span of at least 250 years.
Either way, whatever stories are true and whatever is legend, the fact is that Serah was a person of value. She was mentioned 3 times in the Bible. And, she was the ONLY woman mentioned in both the journey up to Egypt and the journey into the Promised Land. She was counted as one “fit for battle.” Serah was a warrior. She was steadfast and faithful. She was valued and loved. She lived an abundant, long life. The Bible doesn’t say if she was ever married – but based on the fact that her name alone was mentioned alone, the overarching belief is that she remained an unmarried virgin throughout her life. Her character alone is what made her remarkable, not a list of accolades – just quiet, unyielding, unwavering strength and faith.
The picture today is from our visit to Magdala in Israel. Believed to be the birthplace and city of Mary of Magdalene, the historical site has an atrium with 8 pillars designed to honor 7 remarkable women of the Bible and one unmarked pillar honoring all women who love G-d and live by faith. While Serah is not listed on the pillars, I imagine she is. She was a remarkable woman who’s character, tenacity, and longevity inspire me today. Serah, daughter of Asher, “the prince’s breath”, warrior for Him, honored by G-d.
Father, thank You that You love and value women. Thank You for opening my eyes to something – some ONE – new today. Your Word inspires me and transforms me. Give me a warrior’s heart, steadfast, unyielding, unwavering. May my life bring honor to You. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Numbers 26-27