Who was Paruah in the Bible?

Man living at the time of United Monarchy

Paruah is a man mentioned in 1 Kings 4:17 in the Bible. He is described as the father of Jehoshaphat. Paruah is only mentioned in this single verse and not much else is known about him from the biblical text.

From a biblical point of view, we can gather a few insights about Paruah based on the context of 1 Kings 4:17. During the time of the United Monarchy, which was the period when Israel was united under the reign of King David and King Solomon, it was common for genealogies to be recorded to establish lineage and inheritance rights. Paruah’s mention in the genealogy of Jehoshaphat indicates that he was a part of the lineage that was important enough to be recorded in the historical records of the Israelite monarchy.

Jehoshaphat, the son of Paruah, is a more prominent figure in the Bible. He later becomes the fourth king of Judah and is known for his commitment to the Lord and his efforts to bring religious reforms to the nation (2 Chronicles 17:3-6). The fact that Paruah is mentioned in relation to Jehoshaphat could suggest that he played a role in shaping the spiritual heritage of his son.

While the details about Paruah are limited, his inclusion in the biblical genealogy serves as a reminder of the importance of ancestry and lineage in the biblical narrative. It highlights the continuity of God’s plan throughout generations and the significance of passing down faith from one generation to the next.

In conclusion, Paruah is a relatively obscure figure in the Bible, mentioned only in passing in the genealogy of Jehoshaphat. His role as the father of Jehoshaphat underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical context, emphasizing the continuity of God’s plan through generations.