### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĂchîyʻezer**, represented by `{{H295}}`, means **brother of help**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible and is used to identify two distinct Israelite men. The name itself is a compound from the Hebrew words for "brother" and "help."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **ʼĂchîyʻezer** is most prominently featured as a leader from the tribe of Dan during the wilderness wanderings. He is introduced as the son of Ammishaddai and the representative for his tribe [[Numbers 1:12]]. He is designated as the **captain** `{{H5387}}` of the children of Dan, leading their armies under the tribe's **standard** `{{H1714}}` [[Numbers 2:25]]. As a **prince** `{{H5387}}`, he also presented an offering on the tenth day for the dedication of the altar ([[Numbers 7:66]], [[Numbers 7:71]]). His command was positioned as the "rereward of all the camps," a key strategic role [[Numbers 10:25]]. A second individual named **ʼĂchîyʻezer** is mentioned as the **chief** `{{H7218}}` of a group of Gibeathite warriors [[1 Chronicles 12:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the roles associated with **ʼĂchîyʻezer**:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word establishes the lineage of the Danite leader as the **son** of Ammishaddai, a recurring detail in all five of his mentions [[Numbers 1:12]].
* `{{H5387}}` **nâsîyʼ** (prince, captain): This title defines Ahiezer's role as "an exalted one" or leader within his tribe, designating him as both **captain** of the army and **prince** of the people ([[Numbers 2:25]], [[Numbers 7:66]]).
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh** (chief): This term, meaning "the head," is used to describe the other Ahiezer's position of authority over a group of men [[1 Chronicles 12:3]].
* `{{H4264}}` **machăneh** (camp, host): This word describes the organized military and civil encampment of the tribes, where Ahiezer led the **camp** of Dan ([[Numbers 2:25]], [[Numbers 10:25]]).
* `{{H6635}}` **tsâbâʼ** (host, army): This term denotes the organized military force or **host** for which Ahiezer was responsible as a commander ([[Numbers 2:25]], [[Numbers 10:25]]).
* `{{H5996}}` **ʻAmmîyshadday** (Ammishaddai): This is the proper name of Ahiezer's father, meaning "people of (the) Almighty" [[Numbers 1:12]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative importance of `{{H295}}` is tied to the theme of divine order and leadership in Israel.
* **Tribal Leadership and Order:** The first Ahiezer exemplifies the structured leadership God established for Israel. As a **prince** `{{H5387}}` and **captain** `{{H5387}}`, his role was vital to the organization of the tribes, both for travel and for military formation ([[Numbers 2:25]], [[Numbers 10:25]]).
* **Participation in Worship:** His inclusion among the princes who brought offerings for the tabernacle shows that tribal leadership was integrated with national worship. Each leader had a part in consecrating the sacred space [[Numbers 7:66]].
* **Military Responsibility:** Both men named Ahiezer held positions of command. The Danite leader commanded the **host** `{{H6635}}` of the rear guard, a critical position of protection for all of Israel [[Numbers 10:25]]. The Gibeathite was a **chief** `{{H7218}}` among warriors, highlighting a similar association with military leadership [[1 Chronicles 12:3]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼĂchîyʻezer** `{{H295}}`, meaning "brother of help," is a name tied directly to leadership and responsibility within Israel's early history. The name is borne by two figures: a prominent **prince** and **captain** from the tribe of Dan who played a role in Israel's civil, religious, and military order during the Exodus, and a **chief** among warriors. The accounts of these men illustrate the importance of designated authority and structure in the life of the nation.