### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Chûr**, represented by `{{H2354}}`, is used for four Israelites and one Midianite in the scriptures. It appears **15 times** across **15 unique verses**. Primarily, it identifies a prominent Israelite leader from the tribe of Judah, but it also designates an enemy king who opposed Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the Israelite **Hur** `{{H2354}}` is a key figure alongside Moses `{{H4872}}` and Aaron `{{H175}}`. During the battle against Amalek `{{H6002}}`, he helped **stay up** `{{H8551}}` Moses' hands to ensure victory for Israel [[Exodus 17:12]]. Later, Moses entrusted **Hur** `{{H2354}}` and Aaron with authority over the elders `{{H2205}}` when he ascended the mountain [[Exodus 24:14]]. His lineage is also significant, as he is identified as the grandfather of Bezaleel `{{H1212}}`, the chief artisan of the Tabernacle [[Exodus 31:2]]. In contrast, another **Hur** `{{H2354}}` is listed as one of the five kings `{{H4428}}` of Midian `{{H4080}}` who were slain `{{H2026}}` by the Israelites [[Numbers 31:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several individuals are directly connected to the narrative of **Hur** `{{H2354}}`:
* `{{H1212}}` **Bᵉtsalʼêl** (Bezaleel): His name means "in (the) shadow (i.e. protection) of God." As the grandson of Hur, he was called by God to be the primary craftsman for the Tabernacle, making everything the LORD commanded [[Exodus 38:22]].
* `{{H175}}` **ʼAhărôwn** (Aaron): The brother of Moses, he partnered with Hur to support Moses' hands during battle [[Exodus 17:12]] and shared in the responsibility of judging the people in Moses' absence [[Exodus 24:14]].
* `{{H3612}}` **Kâlêb** (Caleb): Identified as the father of Hur ([[1 Chronicles 2:19]], [[1 Chronicles 2:50]]). The lineage of Hur is traced through this notable Israelite from the tribe of Judah.
### Theological Significance
The narrative role of **Hur** `{{H2354}}` carries significant weight, highlighting several key themes:
* **Faithful Support:** Hur's primary role is one of steadfastly supporting God's appointed leader, Moses. By helping hold up Moses' hands, he directly contributed to Israel's victory over Amalek, demonstrating the importance of faithful partnership in achieving God's purposes [[Exodus 17:12]].
* **Honorable Lineage:** The name is associated with a righteous legacy. Hur is the son of Caleb `{{H3612}}` and the ancestor of Bezaleel `{{H1212}}`, the man called by God to construct the Tabernacle [[Exodus 31:2]]. His descendants also include rulers who helped rebuild Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 3:9]].
* **Divine Appointment and Judgment:** The stories involving individuals named Hur underscore a sharp contrast. The Israelite Hur is associated with leadership, support, and a divinely blessed lineage. In contrast, the Midianite king Hur represents opposition to God's people and faces judgment and death ([[Numbers 31:8]], [[Joshua 13:21]]).
### Summary
In summary, **Chûr** `{{H2354}}` is a name that represents both faithfulness within Israel and opposition from without. It is most famously attached to the Israelite leader who was a vital companion to Moses, but it also marks an enemy king defeated by God's people. Through his lineage, the name is tied to the very construction of the Tabernacle, illustrating a legacy of service and divine craftsmanship that stands in stark contrast to the fate of those who stand against Israel.
TRV