The Hebrew word ʻAzzân, represented by H5821, means strong one. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. The name identifies a specific Israelite individual.
The single appearance of H5821 occurs in the book of Numbers. ʻAzzân is named as the father of Paltiel, who was chosen as the representative leader for the tribe of Issachar. This mention comes in the context of listing the princes appointed to assist in the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes Numbers 34:26.
The identity of ʻAzzân is established through his connection to several key figures and concepts:
- H6409 Palṭîyʼêl (Paltiel, Phaltiel): Defined as "deliverance of God," this is the name of Azzan's son. He is explicitly identified as "Paltiel the son of Azzan" Numbers 34:26.
- H5387 nâsîyʼ (prince): This title describes the role of Azzan's son, Paltiel. It signifies an "exalted one, i.e. a king or sheik" or ruler, highlighting his position of authority Numbers 34:26.
- H3485 Yissâˢkâr (Issachar): This is the tribe to which Azzan and his son belonged. The name means "he will bring a reward" and identifies them as descendants of Jacob's son, Issachar Numbers 34:26.
- H4294 maṭṭeh (tribe): This term, meaning "a branch" or "tribe," is used to denote the specific tribal group that Paltiel was appointed to lead Numbers 34:26.
- H1121 bên (son): This word, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name)," directly links Paltiel to his father, Azzan, establishing his lineage Numbers 34:26.
The significance of H5821 is not derived from the name itself but from its context within the biblical narrative.
- Lineage of Leadership: Azzan's name is preserved in scripture solely to establish the paternal lineage of a chosen leader. His identity is tied to his son, Paltiel, who held the title of prince H5387 over the tribe H4294 of Issachar Numbers 34:26.
- Role in Covenant Fulfillment: His mention, though brief, places his family within the pivotal moment of Israel's history when the Promised Land was being apportioned. This underscores the importance of designated leadership in carrying out God's commands.
- A Name's Legacy: Though the name ʻAzzân means "strong one," its legacy is carried forward through the strength of his son's appointed position in a foundational event for the nation of Israel.
In summary, ʻAzzân H5821 is a name that appears once, identifying an individual through his descendant. His significance is entirely contextual, marking him as the father of Paltiel, the prince of Issachar. His inclusion in the biblical record serves to validate his son's lineage and authority during the critical task of dividing the land of Canaan, illustrating how even minor figures play a role in the larger narrative of Israel's history.
TRV