Definition: And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 26:20. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a long line of families who were connected to prominent figures in ancient Israel – Judah, Shelah, Pharez, and Zerah. It highlights a significant conflict and a shift in the history of the Israelites. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the sons of Judah…” : This refers to the tribe of Judah, which was a very important group of people in ancient Israel. “…after their families were…” : This means that these sons continued to live and have descendants from their original family line. “Of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites:” This is the crucial part. The Shelanites were a small group of people who lived in the region of modern-day Lebanon. They had a unique religious practice involving a ritual sacrifice. The verse says they were descendants of Shelah. “Of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites:” This refers to the Pharzites, another group of people living in that region. They were known for their wealth and power. “Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites:” This is where it gets a bit more complicated – and it’s where the mystery lies. The Zarhites were a group of people who lived near the border of Israel and were involved in a conflict with the Israelites. So, what's the big deal? The verse describes a continuous lineage that includes figures connected to the original leaders of Judah, Shelah, Pharez, and Zerah. It suggests a long history of rivalry and conflict between these groups. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a reference to a prophecy or a story about a future conflict. It’s been a source of debate and speculation for centuries! --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the text and historical context, but it's important to remember that biblical texts are often open to multiple meanings and interpretations. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail (e.g., its connection to prophecies)?