The Hebrew name ʼÛwrîy, represented by H221, means fiery. It appears 8 times in 7 unique verses in the Bible. This name is used to identify three distinct Israelites mentioned in scripture.
In the biblical narrative, H221 is the name of three individuals. The most prominent is Uri, the son H1121 of Hur H2354 and father of Bezaleel H1212 from the tribe H4294 of Judah H3063 (Exodus 31:2, 1 Chronicles 2:20). This Uri is part of the lineage of the chief artisan chosen by God to construct the tabernacle H4908 and its furnishings, including the brasen H5178 altar H4196 2 Chronicles 1:5. Another Uri is identified as the father of Geber H1398, who served as an officer H5333 for king H4428 Solomon H8010 in the country H776 of Gilead H1568 1 Kings 4:19. A third Uri is named among the porters H7778 during the time of Ezra, listed with Shallum H7967 and Telem H2928 Ezra 10:24.
Several related words clarify the context and roles of the individuals named Uri:
- H1212 Bᵉtsalʼêl (in (the) shadow (i.e. protection) of God): The celebrated son of the first Uri. Bezaleel was the master artisan whom the LORD H3068 called H7121 by name H8034 to oversee the construction of the tabernacle H4908 Exodus 35:30.
- H2354 Chûwr (Chur): The father of the first Uri and grandfather of Bezaleel. The lineage is explicitly stated: "Hur begat H3205 Uri, and Uri begat H3205 Bezaleel" 1 Chronicles 2:20.
- H1398 Geber (Geber): The son H1121 of the second Uri. He was appointed as the only officer H5333 for King Solomon in the country H776 of Gilead 1 Kings 4:19.
- H7778 shôwʻêr (doorkeeper, porter): The occupation of the third Uri. He is listed among the porters who were part of the community in the time of Ezra Ezra 10:24.
The name H221 carries significance through the roles of the men who held it.
- Lineage of Divine Appointment: The most significant Uri is the father of Bezaleel. His lineage from the tribe H4294 of Judah H3063 was specifically chosen by the LORD H3068 for the sacred task of constructing the tabernacle H4908, showing that God prepares and calls individuals through specific family lines for His purposes Exodus 31:2.
- Order and Administration: The second Uri is connected to the administration of Israel under King Solomon. His son H1121, Geber H1398, was an officer H5333 over the strategic region of Gilead H1568, demonstrating the importance of organized leadership in the kingdom 1 Kings 4:19.
- Restoration and Purity: The third Uri is listed among the porters H7778 in the time of Ezra, a period focused on restoring covenant faithfulness and purity to the community after the exile Ezra 10:24. His inclusion underscores the call to holiness for all who serve God.
In summary, ʼÛwrîy H221 is a personal name, meaning fiery, assigned to three Israelites with distinct roles in the nation's history. The name is most famously associated with the lineage of craftsmanship for the tabernacle H4908 as the father of Bezaleel H1212. It is also linked to the civil administration under King Solomon H8010 and the religious purification during the time of Ezra. Through these figures, the name Uri is connected to divine calling, earthly governance, and covenantal faithfulness.
TRV