The Hebrew word ʼAççîyr, represented by H617, is the proper name Assir. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. The name is used to identify two different Israelites, primarily within genealogical records, establishing their place in significant lineages.
In the biblical narrative, the name Assir is found in two distinct family lines. First, he is identified as one of the sons of Korah in the Levitical priesthood Exodus 6:24. This lineage is repeated in the books of Chronicles, where Assir is listed as a son of Korah 1 Chronicles 6:22 and an ancestor in the line of the Korahites 1 Chronicles 6:37. The second individual named Assir appears in the royal line of Judah as a son of King Jeconiah, who was taken into captivity 1 Chronicles 3:17.
Several related words help establish the context of Assir's identity:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is essential for understanding Assir's place, as it is used in every verse where he is mentioned to define his relationship within a genealogy, such as "the sons of Korah; Assir..." Exodus 6:24 or "the sons of Jeconiah; Assir..." 1 Chronicles 3:17.
- H7141 Qôrach (Korah): This is the name of Assir's father in the Levitical line. The descendants of Korah became an important family of Levites Exodus 6:24.
- H3204 Yᵉkonyâh (Jeconiah): This is the name of the king of Judah who was the father of the second Assir. His captivity in Babylon is a significant historical event noted in scripture 1 Chronicles 3:17.
- H7145 Qorchîy (Korahite): This patronymic term describes the family line to which the first Assir belonged. These are the families of the Korhites, a prominent Levitical group Exodus 6:24.
The significance of H617 is tied to the importance of genealogy in scripture.
- Priestly Lineage: As a son of Korah, Assir is part of a key Levitical family. This lineage establishes a connection to the priestly duties and the musical traditions associated with the "sons of Korah," who are credited with several Psalms Exodus 6:24.
- Royal Succession: The mention of Assir as a son of King Jeconiah places him in the royal line of David during the critical period of the Babylonian exile. This highlights the biblical focus on preserving the record of the line of Judah, even in captivity 1 Chronicles 3:17.
- Genealogical Anchor: In both cases, the name Assir serves as a vital link in the chain of ancestry. These records were crucial for affirming identity, inheritance rights, and the continuity of God's covenants with both the Levitical priesthood and the Davidic monarchy.
In summary, H617 is the proper name Assir, used to identify two individuals in the Old Testament. While mentioned only a few times, his name appears in two of the most significant lineages in Israel: the priestly line of Korah and the royal line of King Jeconiah. His presence in these genealogies underscores the meticulous preservation of heritage within the biblical text, anchoring the history of both the priesthood and the monarchy.
TRV