The Hebrew name ʼĂchîyshachar, represented by H300, means brother of (the) dawn. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, where it identifies a specific Israelite man within a genealogical listing. The name is a compound of the Hebrew words for "brother" and "dawn."
The sole appearance of Ahishahar H300 is in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:10. In this verse, he is listed as one of the sons H1121 of Bilhan H1092, who is himself a son of Jediael H3043. Ahishahar is named alongside his brothers Jeush H3274, Benjamin H1144, Ehud H164, Chenaanah H3668, Zethan H2133, and Tharshish H8659 as part of this lineage.
Several related words establish the genealogical context for Ahishahar:
- H3043 Yᵉdîyʻăʼêl (knowing God): The grandfather of Ahishahar. The sons of Jediael are described as "mighty men of valour" 1 Chronicles 7:11.
- H1144 Binyâmîyn (son of (the) right hand): The patriarch of the tribe to which Ahishahar belongs. Jediael is identified as one of the three sons of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 7:6.
- H1121 bên (a son): This crucial term establishes the direct father-son relationships that form the basis of the genealogy where Ahishahar is found 1 Chronicles 7:10.
While the name Ahishahar itself is not the subject of theological discourse, its inclusion in the biblical record carries significance:
- Genealogical Identity: The inclusion of Ahishahar in this detailed list highlights the biblical importance of preserving family and tribal lineage. This record connects him to his father Bilhan H1092 and grandfather Jediael H3043 within the tribe of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 7:10.
- Contribution to the Tribe: Though mentioned only once, Ahishahar is part of a family line described as "mighty men of valour, ... fit to go out for war and battle" 1 Chronicles 7:11. This associates him with the strength and military readiness of his ancestors.
- Role within Benjamin: As a descendant of Benjamin H1144, Ahishahar is part of the tribe Jacob prophesied would "ravin as a wolf" Genesis 49:27 and Moses described as "The beloved of the LORD" who would "dwell in safety" Deuteronomy 33:12.
In summary, H300 is the proper name of a specific individual, Ahishahar. Its singular appearance serves to document his place within the official lineage of the tribe of Benjamin. The name, meaning "brother of the dawn," is part of the meticulous record-keeping that establishes the historical and covenantal identity of the Israelite people as recorded in scripture.
TRV