The Hebrew word Yᵉzavʼêl, represented by H3149, is the name of an Israelite. Its definition, "sprinkled of God," is derived from an unused root meaning 'to sprinkle' and the word for God. The name is also rendered as Jeziel in the margin. It is a rare name in scripture, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse.
In its sole biblical appearance, Yᵉzavʼêl H3149 is listed among a group of men in the book of Chronicles. The verse identifies him as one of the sons H1121 of Azmaveth H5820, alongside Pelet H6404. This list is headed by a chief H7218, Ahiezer H295, and includes other individuals identified by their lineage, such as Joash H3101, the other son of Shemaah H8094 the Gibeathite H1395, and by their origin, like Jehu H3058 the Antothite H6069 1 Chronicles 12:3.
Several related words from the passage provide context for the identity of Yᵉzavʼêl H3149 and the group he was with:
- H7218 rôʼsh (chief): This word denotes the head or leader of the company, establishing a structure of rank. In the passage, Ahiezer is named as the chief 1 Chronicles 12:3.
- H1121 bên (son): This word, used to build a family name, identifies Jeziel's relationship to his father, Azmaveth. It is used multiple times in the passage to establish familial connections 1 Chronicles 12:3.
- H5820 ʻAzmâveth (Azmaveth): The name of Jeziel's father, which means "strong one of death." He is the father of both Jeziel and Pelet 1 Chronicles 12:3.
- H1395 Gibʻâthîy (Gibeathite): This term identifies a person as an inhabitant of Gibeah, showing that individuals in this list were also identified by their place of origin 1 Chronicles 12:3.
The theological weight of H3149 comes almost entirely from its etymology.
- Divine Consecration: The name Yᵉzavʼêl itself means "sprinkled of God." This suggests that the individual was seen as set apart or divinely marked for a purpose.
- A Purposeful Assembly: Jeziel is not named in isolation. He is part of a list where other names also carry significance, such as Ahiezer H295, meaning "brother of help," and Berachah H1294, a name associated with blessing 2 Chronicles 20:26. His father's name, Azmaveth H5820, means "strong one of death." This collection of meaningful names points to a group with a distinct character and identity.
- Inclusion in the Record: Though his specific deeds are not mentioned, his inclusion by name in the book of Chronicles places him within the recorded history of God's people. Being listed as a son H1121 of Azmaveth cements his place in the genealogical record 1 Chronicles 12:3.
In summary, Yᵉzavʼêl H3149 is a name that, while appearing only once, carries significant meaning. Defined as "sprinkled of God," it points to a person divinely set apart. He is recorded in scripture as the son H1121 of Azmaveth and part of a named company of men 1 Chronicles 12:3. Through his name and the context of his inclusion, Yᵉzavʼêl illustrates how even a minor figure in the biblical text can represent the theme of divine selection and purpose.
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