The Hebrew name Chetsrôw, represented by H2695, is an orthographical variation for a word meaning enclosure. It is used in scripture to identify an Israelite, with the spellings Hezrai and Hezro. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible.
The biblical appearances of H2695 are confined to two parallel lists of King David's mighty men. In 2 Samuel 23:35, the individual is named Hezrai the Carmelite, and is listed alongside Paarai the Arbite. A similar account in 1 Chronicles 11:37 names him Hezro the Carmelite, listed with Naarai the son of Ezbai. In both contexts, the name serves to identify a specific warrior who was part of this elite group.
Several related words appear alongside H2695, providing context about his origin and fellow warriors:
- H3761 Karmᵉlîy (a Karmelite or inhabitant of Karmel (the town); Carmelite): This term identifies the origin of Hezro/Hezrai in both biblical accounts, indicating he was from Karmel (2 Samuel 23:35, 1 Chronicles 11:37).
- H6474 Paʻăray (yawning; Paarai, an Israelite; Paarai): Named as a fellow warrior in the list that includes Hezrai 2 Samuel 23:35.
- H701 ʼArbîy (an Arbite or native of Arab; Arbite): This descriptor identifies the origin of Paarai, who is mentioned in the same list as Hezrai 2 Samuel 23:35.
- H5293 Naʻăray (youthful; Naarai, an Israelite; Naarai): An Israelite warrior listed in the 1 Chronicles account alongside Hezro 1 Chronicles 11:37.
- H229 ʼEzbay (hyssop-like; Ezbai, an Israelite; Ezbai): Identified as the father of Naarai in the 1 Chronicles list 1 Chronicles 11:37.
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is used to establish the father-son relationship between Ezbai and Naarai in the 1 Chronicles passage 1 Chronicles 11:37.
The significance of H2695 is primarily historical rather than theological, highlighting specific aspects of the biblical record.
- Record of David's Kingdom: The inclusion of Hezro/Hezrai in the lists of David's mighty men serves to honor and memorialize the key figures who were instrumental in the history of David's reign (2 Samuel 23:35, 1 Chronicles 11:37).
- Preservation of Identity: The careful recording of the name, even with slight variations, along with his regional identity as a Carmelite, demonstrates the importance of personal identity and lineage in the biblical narrative.
- Parallel Historical Accounts: The presence of H2695 in both 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles highlights the practice of keeping parallel records. The minor differences in the name and the names of associated warriors show different documentary traditions being preserved.
In summary, H2695 is the proper name of an individual, Hezro or Hezrai, whose identity is preserved exclusively within the lists of King David's mighty warriors. Though mentioned only twice, his inclusion provides a specific detail in the historical record, identifying him as a Carmelite who served David. The name's significance lies in its contribution to the detailed and personal nature of the biblical chronicles.
TRV