The Hebrew word Gizrîy, represented by H1511, identifies the Gezrites, a member of a native tribe in Palestine. It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, indicating its highly specific and limited use within the scriptures.
In its sole biblical appearance, H1511 is used in a specific military context. The narrative describes how Dâvid H1732 and his men H582 went up and invaded H6584 the Geshurites, the Gezrites, and the Amalekites 1 Samuel 27:8. The passage identifies these groups as the ancient inhabitants H3427 of the land H776 that stretched toward Shur, near the land of Egypt H4714.
The word's meaning is clarified by the other groups and actions mentioned alongside it in its only appearance:
- H1651 Gᵉshûwrîy (Geshuri, Geshurites): This term refers to the inhabitants of Geshur. They are listed directly with the Gezrites as a people group that David invaded 1 Samuel 27:8.
- H6003 ʻĂmâlêqîy (Amalekite): This name identifies the descendants of Amalek. The Amalekites were another people targeted in the same military campaign by David and his men 1 Samuel 27:8.
- H6584 pâshaṭ (invade): This verb describes a hostile action of spreading out to plunder or attack. It is the specific action David took against the Gezrites and their neighbors, framing the relationship as one of conflict 1 Samuel 27:8.
The significance of H1511 is primarily historical and geographical rather than theological.
- Defining Regional Conflict: The term is used to identify one of the specific peoples targeted by David. Its inclusion in a list of enemies helps to define the landscape of conflict and the adversaries David faced before becoming king 1 Samuel 27:8.
- Historical Record of David's Campaigns: The mention of the Gezrites provides a detail in the account of Dâvid's H1732 military activities. It is part of a record of who he invaded H6584 while living among the Philistines.
- Ancient Peoples of the Land: The verse explicitly notes that the Gezrites were longtime inhabitants H3427 of the region. This gives historical depth to the narrative, establishing them as one of the native tribes of the land H776 at that time.
In summary, H1511 is a patrial term for the Gezrites, a tribe mentioned only once in the biblical record. Its significance is tied entirely to its single appearance, where it serves a historical purpose by documenting one of David's military engagements and helping to map the tribal landscape of ancient Palestine during a period of conflict.
TRV