from עַז and גָּד; stern troop; Azgad, an Israelite; Azgad.
Transliteration:ʻAzgâd
Pronunciation:az-gawd'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun עַזְגָּד (ʻAzgâd, `{{H5803}}`) is a compound name derived from two distinct elements: עַז (ʻaz, `{{H5794}}`) and גָּד (gâd, `{{H1409}}`). The first element, עַז, conveys meanings of "strong," "mighty," "fierce," or "bold." It speaks to an inherent power or intensity. The second element, גָּד, is more multifaceted, carrying the primary meanings of "fortune" or "good fortune," but also referring to a "troop" or "band." In the context of a personal name and the traditional understanding, the composite meaning is often rendered as "stern troop" or "strong fortune." This suggests a character or group marked by strength, resilience, and perhaps a determined, unyielding nature. As a proper noun, ʻAzgâd refers exclusively to an individual and the family lineage descended from him, limiting its semantic range to this specific identity, yet the etymology offers insight into the perceived characteristics or aspirations associated with the name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻAzgâd (`{{H5803}}`) appears a total of four times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah. These occurrences are consistently in lists related to the return from Babylonian captivity and the subsequent re-establishment of the Jewish community in Judah.
1. **[[Ezra 2:12]]**: This verse lists the "sons of Azgad" among those who returned with Zerubbabel from the Babylonian exile. Their number is given as 1,222, indicating a significant family contingent within the returning remnant. This places Azgad as a prominent ancestral figure whose descendants participated in the initial wave of returnees.
2. **[[Ezra 8:12]]**: Here, Azgad is mentioned as the father of Johanan, who, along with 110 males, returned with Ezra during a later wave of returnees. This highlights the continued presence and participation of Azgad's lineage in the rebuilding efforts, specifically under Ezra's leadership. The mention of "males" suggests adult men, likely heads of households or those capable of contributing to the community.
3. **[[Nehemiah 7:17]]**: This verse is a parallel account to [[Ezra 2:12]], again listing the "sons of Azgad" among those who returned with Zerubbabel. The number is consistent with Ezra's account (2,322 in some texts, 1,222 in others, reflecting scribal variations common in numerical lists, but confirming their substantial presence). This repetition underscores the importance of Azgad's family in the foundational return.
4. **[[Nehemiah 10:16]]**: Azgad himself (or a representative of his family bearing the name) is listed among the chiefs of the people who sealed the solemn covenant in the days of Nehemiah. This covenant involved a renewed commitment to the Law of Moses, abstaining from intermarriage, upholding the Sabbath, and supporting the temple. Azgad's inclusion among these leaders signifies his (or his family's) standing, authority, and active participation in the spiritual and social renewal of the community.
Collectively, these occurrences portray Azgad as the patriarch of a substantial and influential family that played a vital role in the restoration of Israel after the exile. Their presence in the lists of returnees and their participation in the covenant sealing demonstrate their commitment to the Lord and the rebuilding of the nation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ʻAzgâd (`{{H5803}}`) naturally connects to its constituent parts and broader biblical themes:
* **עַז (ʻaz, `{{H5794}}`):** This root word is frequently used throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe strength, power, boldness, and might, often in relation to God's attributes (e.g., His mighty arm) or the characteristics of strong individuals or nations. In the context of ʻAzgâd, it suggests a family characterized by fortitude and resilience, qualities essential for enduring exile and undertaking the arduous task of rebuilding.
* **גָּד (gâd, `{{H1409}}`):** While גָּד can refer to the pagan deity of fortune, its usage in ʻAzgâd is more likely in its sense of "troop" or "band," aligning with the "stern troop" interpretation of the name. It also relates to the tribe of Gad, though there is no direct indication that Azgad was from this tribe. The concept of a "troop" or "company" further emphasizes the collective strength and unity of Azgad's descendants.
* **Return from Exile:** The primary context for ʻAzgâd is the post-exilic period. This connects to themes of divine faithfulness in preserving a remnant, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the arduous journey of physical and spiritual restoration (e.g., [[Jeremiah 29:10-14]], [[Isaiah 43:5-7]]).
* **Covenant Renewal:** Azgad's participation in sealing the covenant in Nehemiah links him to the broader concept of Israel's relationship with God, characterized by covenant obligations and renewed commitment to the Torah (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 29]], [[Joshua 24]]).
* **Genealogy and Family Lineage:** The repeated mention of the "sons of Azgad" highlights the importance of family identity and continuity in ancient Israel, especially in establishing claims to land and heritage after the exile (e.g., [[Nehemiah 7:64]]).
### Theological Significance
While ʻAzgâd (`{{H5803}}`) is a proper noun referring to an individual and his family, its theological significance can be discerned from the meaning of the name and the actions attributed to his descendants in the biblical narrative.
The name "stern troop" or "strong fortune" itself may reflect the character required for those who endured the hardship of exile and possessed the resolve to return to a devastated land. It speaks to a divinely endowed strength or a providential favor that enabled them to persist. This aligns with the broader theological theme of God preserving a remnant and empowering them to fulfill His purposes, even through immense adversity.
The family of Azgad's prominent role in the return from exile and their participation in sealing the covenant in Nehemiah underscores their commitment to the restoration of God's people and His law. Their actions demonstrate a tangible faith and dedication to rebuilding not just the physical structures of Jerusalem, but also the spiritual and communal life of Israel. They represent a segment of the community that actively chose to align themselves with God's redemptive plan, forsaking the comforts of Babylon for the challenges of rebuilding Zion.
Their inclusion in the sacred historical records of Ezra and Nehemiah serves as a testament to their faithfulness and contribution to the continuity of God's covenant people. It highlights the importance of every family and individual in God's overarching plan, even those whose specific deeds are not detailed but whose presence and commitment are recorded for posterity. The very existence of such detailed lists emphasizes God's meticulous care for His people and the significance of each participant in His ongoing work of salvation history.
### Summary
ʻAzgâd (`{{H5803}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, meaning "stern troop" or "strong fortune," derived from עַז (strong) and גָּד (troop/fortune). This name identifies a prominent individual and his family lineage in the post-exilic period of Israel. The "sons of Azgad" are repeatedly listed in [[Ezra 2:12]] and [[Nehemiah 7:17]] as a substantial group among those who first returned from Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel. Later, in [[Ezra 8:12]], Azgad's descendant Johanan leads a contingent back with Ezra. Most significantly, Azgad (or a representative of his family) is recorded in [[Nehemiah 10:16]] as one of the chiefs who sealed the solemn covenant to uphold the Law of God. The theological significance of ʻAzgâd lies in its representation of a resilient and faithful family contributing significantly to the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel after the exile, embodying the strength and commitment necessary for rebuilding God's covenant people.
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