The Hebrew name Chôrîy, represented by H2753, is used to identify two men in the biblical record. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses. The name's primary function is genealogical, serving as a specific marker to establish lineage within the families of Seir and the tribes of Israel.
In the biblical narrative, H2753 first identifies a man in the lineage of the inhabitants of Seir. This Hori is the son of Lotan (Genesis 36:22, 1 Chronicles 1:39) and is recorded as the ancestor of several dukes who resided in that land Genesis 36:30. The second individual named Hori appears in the book of Numbers as an Israelite from the tribe of Simeon. He is identified as the father of Shaphat, one of the men sent to spy out the land of Canaan Numbers 13:5.
Several related words help establish the genealogical context of Chôrîy:
- H1121 bên (a son): This term is crucial for defining Hori's place in his lineage, identifying him as the son of Lotan Genesis 36:22 and as the father of Shaphat Numbers 13:5.
- H3877 Lôwṭân (Lotan, an Idumaean): This individual is named as the father of the first Hori, directly connecting him to the family line of Seir 1 Chronicles 1:39.
- H8095 Shimʻôwn (Simeon, one of Jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him): This name identifies the tribal affiliation of the second Hori, placing him within the Israelite community as the father of a representative from the tribe of Simeon Numbers 13:5.
- H8202 Shâphâṭ (Shaphat, the name of four Israelites): This is the name of the son of the second Hori, linking the father to the specific individual chosen for the important mission of scouting the promised land Numbers 13:5.
The significance of H2753 is rooted in its function as a precise genealogical marker, establishing identity and connection within two different national groups.
- Edomite Lineage: The first Hori is a key figure in the lineage of Seir. The dukes Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan are said to have come from Hori, establishing his role as an ancestor of leaders in the land of Seir Genesis 36:30.
- Israelite Tribal Identity: The second Hori provides the necessary paternal link for his son, Shaphat. By naming Shaphat as the son of Hori, the text validates his position as the official representative from the tribe of Simeon Numbers 13:5.
- Patrilineal Connection: In both contexts, the name is used to connect generations. Hori is identified through his father (Lotan) and as a father himself (to Shaphat), demonstrating the importance of patrilineal descent in biblical record-keeping.
In summary, H2753 is a proper name that serves a straightforward but vital role in the biblical text. It is not a word with deep theological meaning but is instead a key piece of data for constructing family trees. Through the name Chôrîy, the narrative establishes clear lines of descent for both Edomite dukes and an Israelite tribal representative, illustrating the value placed on ancestry and heritage.
TRV