The Hebrew word ʻAzgâd, represented by H5803, is the name of an Israelite. Its base definition is "stern troop". This name appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the historical accounts of the return from exile. The name functions to identify a specific Israelite family head and his descendants.
In the biblical narrative, H5803 is used to mark a specific lineage within the community returning to Judah. A man named Azgad is listed among the leaders of the people who sealed a covenant with God Nehemiah 10:15. More frequently, the name identifies a clan, referred to as the "children of Azgad" or "sons of Azgad". In the census of returnees, the family of Azgad numbered "a thousand two hundred twenty and two" Ezra 2:12, while a later count lists them as "two thousand three hundred twenty and two" Nehemiah 7:17. A specific descendant is named: "Johanan the son of Hakkatan," who returned with "an hundred and ten males" Ezra 8:12.
Several related words provide context for the family and role of Azgad:
- H1121 bên (a son): This term is fundamental to understanding Azgad's record, as he is primarily identified as the progenitor of the "children of Azgad" Ezra 2:12 and the "sons of Azgad" Ezra 8:12, signifying his role as the head of a clan.
- H3110 Yôwchânân (Johanan, the name of nine Israelites): He is explicitly named as a descendant of Azgad who was part of the return to Jerusalem, establishing a direct link in the family line Ezra 8:12.
- H1138 Bunnîy (built; Bunni or Buni, an Israelite): The name Azgad appears alongside Bunni in the list of chiefs who sealed the covenant, indicating his status as a contemporary leader among the people Nehemiah 10:15.
The significance of H5803 is rooted in the history of Israel's restoration.
- Genealogical Identity: The name serves as a vital marker for a specific family clan. The repeated mention of the "children of Azgad" underscores the importance of lineage and family identity in the reconstruction of the post-exilic community (Ezra 2:12, Nehemiah 7:17).
- Covenantal Leadership: The appearance of Azgad by name among the leaders sealing the covenant demonstrates the role of family heads in representing their clans and making a formal commitment to uphold God's law Nehemiah 10:15.
- Community Restoration: The specific census numbers associated with the sons of Azgad provide a tangible record of the people who returned from Babylon, highlighting God's faithfulness in restoring the nation.
In summary, ʻAzgâd H5803 is the proper name of an Israelite patriarch whose family was prominent during the return from exile. Its use is confined to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where it functions to identify both an individual leader and a significant clan. While not a theological concept, the name provides a clear example of how genealogy and family leadership were central to the narrative of Israel's restoration and covenant renewal.
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