Shelah

Shelah was the third son of Yehudah (commonly known as Judah). His mother was named Shu'a. His brothers were 'Er and 'Onan. He also had two twin brothers: Perez & Zerah.

Biography
'Er died for his wickedness, and left no children. It was of their culture that if a man died, leaving no children, his brother would have to produce children through the dead man's wife for him. 'Onan refused to do this, and died because God saw this as wicked. At this time, Shelah was too young to fulfill his duties as a brother, so Yehudah deceptively told his daughter-in-law, Tamar, to live as a widow in her father's house until Shelah grew up. He thought Shelah may die too, but didn't want that to happen.

After a while, Shelah's mother died. Other events took place, including more deception, and Shelah got twin brothers. They were named Perez and Zerah.

Descendants
Shelah became the ancestor of the Shelanite clan of the tribe of Judah. His sons were 'Er (likely named after his uncle who had died prior to his birth), La'adah, Yokim, and others.

(For a fuller list of Shelah's descendants, see the Tribe of Judah)