חֵזִיר

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Chêzîyr, represented by H2387, is a proper name defined as "perhaps protected." It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, referring to two different Israelites named Hezir.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The name H2387 is used to identify individuals in two specific historical lists. In the first instance, Hezir is named as the head of the seventeenth priestly course, part of the organization of temple service 1 Chronicles 24:15. In its second appearance, a different Hezir is listed among the leaders who sealed the covenant with God during the time of Nehemiah, a solemn act of national rededication Nehemiah 10:20.

Related Words & Concepts

Several other names and terms appear in direct context with Hezir, placing it within specific genealogical and structural records:

• H6483 Pitstsêts: Meaning "dispersive," this is the name of the priest Aphses, who headed the eighteenth course immediately following Hezir 1 Chronicles 24:15.
• H4918 Mᵉshullâm: Defined as "allied," this is the name of an individual who, alongside Hezir, sealed the covenant in Nehemiah's time Nehemiah 10:20.
• H4047 Magpîyʻâsh: Meaning "exterminator of (the) moth," this is another individual listed with Hezir as a sealer of the covenant Nehemiah 10:20.
• H7651 shebaʻ (seven) and H8083 shᵉmôneh (eight): These cardinal numbers are used with H6240 to form the ordinals "seventeenth" and "eighteenth," establishing Hezir's place in the priestly order 1 Chronicles 24:15.

Theological Significance

The significance of H2387 is derived entirely from the contexts in which it appears, highlighting the importance of individual roles within Israel's community.

• Priestly Order: The appearance of Hezir in the list of priestly divisions underscores the organized and systematic nature of temple worship. It marks an individual family line designated for sacred service 1 Chronicles 24:15.
• Covenant Renewal: By being named among those who sealed the covenant, Hezir represents a figure of commitment and leadership during a pivotal moment of national restoration and rededication to God's law Nehemiah 10:20.

Summary

In summary, while H2387 is simply a proper name, its two occurrences in scripture place individuals named Hezir in significant historical contexts. The name serves as a marker, identifying a leader in the priestly order and a participant in the solemn renewal of Israel's covenant with God. Its importance lies not in its definition but in its association with key moments of structural organization and spiritual commitment in the biblical narrative.