Pharez

Pharez is a biblical figure identified as a son of Hezron and a grandson of Judah. According to the book of 1 Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible, Pharez was the son of Hezron who was born to him through his wife, Maachah, as the result of a incestuous relationship. This account is distinct from the narrative in Genesis, which only mentions the union of Judah and the Canaanite woman Tamar resulting in the births of Pharez and Zerah. In the book of 1 Chronicles, Pharez is listed as one of Hezron's children.

Pharez appears later in the biblical narrative as an ancestor of King David. According to the genealogies provided in Chronicles, Pharez's descendants, including an eponymously named family member, were among the members of the royal lineage of David. This connection serves as a demonstration of the ties between the original descendants of Judah and the soon-to-be monarchs of Israel.

Pharez is often cited as a reminder of the sinfulness of the ancient Israelites and their willingness to intermarry with non-Israelite people. The account serves as an example of the hybrid nature of the Hebrew royal family. Despite the controversial context of his birth, Pharez is afforded a place in the biblical narrative that emphasizes the importance and prominence of his lineage.