from חָזָה and אֵל; seen of God; Chaziel, a Levite; Haziel.
Transliteration:Chăzîyʼêl
Pronunciation:khaz-ee-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H2381, Chăzîyʼêl (חֲזִיאֵל), is a compound proper noun derived from two significant roots: חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`) and אֵל (el, `{{H410}}`). The root חָזָה primarily means "to see," "to behold," or "to gaze," often carrying the connotation of prophetic vision or divine perception. The suffix אֵל is the common Hebrew word for "God." Therefore, the name Chăzîyʼêl literally translates to "seen of God" or "God has seen." This etymology suggests divine observation, recognition, and perhaps even a sense of divine favor or knowledge concerning the individual. It implies God's active engagement and awareness of the person's existence and life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Chăzîyʼêl (Haziel in English translations) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* **[[1 Chronicles 23:9]]**: "The sons of Shimei were Shelomith, Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the heads of the fathers' houses of Ladan."
This occurrence places Haziel within the genealogical records of the Levites, specifically among the descendants of Gershon, son of Levi. King David is in the process of organizing the Levites for their service in the temple, assigning them duties according to their families. Haziel is listed as one of the sons of Shimei, whose lineage is traced back through Ladan to Gershon. The context is administrative and genealogical, part of a detailed account of the divine ordering of temple service. While the text offers no narrative about Haziel himself, his inclusion in this sacred lineage, coupled with the meaning of his name, subtly underscores the divine oversight and purpose behind the Levitical priesthood. Even in the meticulous recording of lineage, the names themselves can carry profound significance, indicating that these individuals and their roles were "seen" and ordained by God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of Chăzîyʼêl connect it to several key biblical concepts:
* **חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`):** This root is fundamental. While it means "to see," it frequently denotes a deeper, spiritual seeing, as in prophetic visions (e.g., "the vision that Isaiah saw" [[Isaiah 1:1]]). This suggests that "seen of God" implies more than mere observation; it could involve divine understanding, discernment, or even a divine revelation concerning the individual.
* **אֵל (el, `{{H410}}`):** As a common element in Hebrew names (theophoric names), אֵל signifies a direct relationship with God. Examples include Daniel ("God is my judge"), Ezekiel ("God strengthens"), Samuel ("heard by God"), and Israel ("struggles with God"). Chăzîyʼêl fits this pattern, emphasizing God's active role in "seeing" the person.
* **Divine Omniscience and Providence:** The concept of God "seeing" is intrinsically linked to His attributes of omniscience (all-knowing) and providence (divine care and guidance). God sees all things, knows all things, and is actively involved in His creation and the lives of His people. The name Haziel serves as a microcosm of this grand theological truth.
* **Divine Election/Appointment:** Particularly for a Levite, being "seen of God" carries connotations of divine election or appointment for sacred service. The Levites were uniquely set apart for the sanctuary, and their very existence and lineage were part of God's sovereign plan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Chăzîyʼêl, "seen of God," extends beyond the identity of a single Levite to broader truths about the nature of God and His relationship with humanity:
* **God's Personal Cognizance:** The name affirms God's intimate awareness of every individual. Even a person listed in a lengthy genealogy, without further narrative, is known and "seen" by God. This counters any notion that individuals might be overlooked or insignificant in the divine scheme. God's eye is on all His creation, and particularly on His covenant people.
* **Divine Purpose and Ordination:** For Haziel, a Levite, the name subtly points to the divine purpose behind his life and lineage. The Levites were chosen by God for specific service, and their very existence was part of God's unfolding plan for worship and atonement. Being "seen of God" implies that their roles were divinely ordained and recognized.
* **Comfort and Assurance:** For the reader, the name can serve as a profound reminder of God's omnipresence and care. Regardless of one's prominence or obscurity in human terms, God sees and knows. This offers comfort and assurance that one's life, efforts, and even struggles are not invisible to the Almighty. It reinforces the biblical teaching that God knows our "sitting down and our rising up" ([[Psalm 139:2]]).
* **God's Active Engagement:** The name suggests not just passive observation but active engagement. God's "seeing" often leads to His acting on behalf of those He sees (e.g., God "saw" the affliction of Israel in Egypt and acted to deliver them [[Exodus 3:7]]). While no such action is recorded for Haziel, the name itself carries this potential for divine intervention and care.
### Summary
H2381, Chăzîyʼêl (Haziel), is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "seen of God," derived from חָזָה (to see) and אֵל (God). It appears singularly in [[1 Chronicles 23:9]], identifying a Levite within the genealogical records of those organized for temple service. The name's etymology highlights divine observation, recognition, and perhaps divine purpose. Theologically, Chăzîyʼêl underscores God's personal cognizance of every individual, His providential care, and the divine ordination of roles, particularly within the sacred service of the Levites. It serves as a subtle yet powerful affirmation that no one is overlooked by God, and that His watchful eye is upon all His people and their service.
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