from עָזַר and אֵל; God has helped; Azarel, the name of five Israelites; Azarael, Azareel.
Transliteration:ʻĂzarʼêl
Pronunciation:az-ar-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עֲזַרְאֵל (`{{H5832}}`, ʻĂzarʼêl) is a compound proper noun, derived from two fundamental Hebrew roots. The first component is עָזַר (`{{H5826}}`), meaning "to help, to succor, to aid, to support." The second component is אֵל (`{{H410}}`), which is a common Semitic word for "God" or "deity," often referring specifically to the God of Israel. Thus, the name עֲזַרְאֵל literally translates to "God has helped" or "God is my help." As a proper name, its semantic range is inherently limited to its onomastic function, serving as a personal declaration or a parental testimony to divine assistance. It encapsulates a profound theological statement within an individual's identity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name עֲזַרְאֵל (or its variant transliterations Azareel, Azarael) appears in the Old Testament referring to five distinct individuals, underscoring the prevalence of the theological concept of divine aid in Israelite naming conventions:
1. **A Korahite Mighty Man:** In [[1 Chronicles 12:6]], Azarel is listed among the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag. He is identified as one of the Korahites, skilled warriors who could handle shields and spears, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains. This context highlights God's help in establishing David's kingdom through the loyalty and strength of such individuals.
2. **A Musician in the Temple:** [[1 Chronicles 25:18]] mentions Azarel as the eighth son of Heman, one of the three chief musicians appointed by David for the temple service. He, along with his brothers and sons, was "under the hand of their father for the music of the house of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God." This instance suggests divine help in the orderly and skillful worship of God.
3. **A Prince of Dan:** In [[1 Chronicles 27:22]], Azarel the son of Jeroham is identified as the chief officer over the tribe of Dan during David's reign. This administrative role points to God's help in governing and organizing the nation.
4. **One Who Put Away Foreign Wives:** [[Ezra 10:41]] lists Azarel among those who had taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period and who, in response to Ezra's call for repentance, covenanted to put them away. This difficult act of obedience, necessary for the purity of the Israelite community, implies a need for divine help to overcome social and personal attachments for the sake of God's covenant.
5. **A Priest Musician in Nehemiah's Time:** [[Nehemiah 12:36]] mentions Azarel as one of the priests who participated in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. He is described as playing "the musical instruments of David the man of God." This celebration of restoration and security, marked by solemn worship, again signifies God's help in rebuilding and re-establishing His people in their land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name עֲזַרְאֵל is intrinsically linked to its constituent parts:
* **עָזַר (`{{H5826}}`):** This verb "to help" is widely used throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe both human and divine assistance. When applied to God, it emphasizes His active intervention on behalf of His people, providing rescue, strength, and deliverance (e.g., [[Psalm 33:20]], [[Psalm 121:2]]).
* **אֵל (`{{H410}}`):** As a divine name, אֵל signifies God's power, might, and sovereignty. Its inclusion in personal names frequently serves as a theological affirmation or a prayer (e.g., Immanuel, "God with us").
The concept of "God has helped" is further reinforced by other Hebrew names that incorporate the root עָזַר combined with divine elements, such as:
* **Azariah (`{{H5838}}`):** "Yahweh has helped."
* **Eliezer (`{{H461}}`):** "My God is help."
These related names underscore a recurring theological motif in ancient Israel: the profound conviction that God is the ultimate source of all help and salvation.
### Theological Significance
The name עֲזַרְאֵל carries significant theological weight, serving as a powerful affirmation of God's character and His relationship with humanity.
1. **God as the Divine Helper:** The very essence of the name declares God as the one who actively intervenes to provide assistance and succor to His people. This aligns with numerous biblical passages that portray God as a refuge, strength, and ever-present help in trouble ([[Psalm 46:1]]).
2. **Testimony to Divine Providence:** Bearing a name like Azarel served as a constant reminder, both to the individual and to the community, of God's providential care and faithful involvement in the lives of His covenant people. It speaks to a worldview where God is not distant but intimately engaged in human affairs.
3. **Encouragement and Hope:** In a world often fraught with challenges, the name עֲזַרְאֵל would have been a source of hope and encouragement. It testifies to the belief that no circumstance is beyond God's capacity to provide aid, whether in battle, in worship, in leadership, or in personal obedience.
4. **Confession of Dependence:** The name implicitly acknowledges human inadequacy and dependence upon a higher power. It is a humble confession that true help comes from God alone.
### Summary
עֲZַרְאֵל (`{{H5832}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "God has helped" or "God is my help," formed from the roots עָזַר (to help) and אֵל (God). It appears in the Old Testament referring to five distinct individuals: a mighty man of David, a temple musician, a tribal prince, a man who put away his foreign wife in Ezra's time, and a priest musician during the dedication of Jerusalem's wall. Each occurrence, though brief, places the individual in a context where divine assistance would be paramount. The name serves as a profound theological statement, underscoring the biblical truth that God is the ultimate source of help, strength, and deliverance for His people, reflecting a deep-seated conviction in divine providence and active intervention.
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