דברי הימים א, פרק ב׳, פסוק כ״ד

The genealogical records of the tribe of Judah reveal complex family ties, particularly surrounding the final days of Hezron and the birth of his son. The exact circumstances of Hezron's death present an intriguing puzzle. One approach suggests he died in a specific geographic location near Bethlehem. This area either belonged to his son Caleb or was a city that Caleb named after his wife, Ephrath [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, others strongly reject this geographic interpretation, as it would imply that Hezron entered the land of Israel and lived for over two hundred and fifty years, which is highly improbable [רד״ק]. Instead, the events are understood chronologically, indicating a close sequence of moments. In this view, Hezron passed away at the precise time that Caleb married Ephrath [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. Another perspective suggests a direct progression of actions, where Caleb simply joined his wife Ephrath following his father's death [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The family structure is further complicated by Hezron's marriages. Even though he married another woman in his old age, he had an additional wife named Abijah at the time of his death [רד״ק]. The primary approach among commentators is that Abijah gave birth to a son, Ashhur, after Hezron passed away, leaving the child fatherless, though there is a possibility the birth occurred while Hezron was still alive [רד״ק].

A fascinating connection weaves these events together. It is suggested that Hezron married Abijah at the exact same time Caleb married Ephrath. Because Hezron died almost immediately afterward, Ashhur was born an orphan. Consequently, Caleb and Ephrath took the child in and raised him. Growing up in their household, Ashhur was considered their own son, which explains why he is later counted among Caleb's descendants [מלבי״ם].

Ashhur eventually grew to become a figure of great prominence, recognized as the father of Tekoa. Commentators agree that this title does not refer to biological fatherhood over a person named Tekoa. Rather, it denotes authority, leadership, and governance. Ashhur was the founder, prince, and ruler of the city of Tekoa within the territory of Judah, and the residents of the city were viewed as his children.