The Hebrew name Tsûwrîyshadday, represented by H6701, means rock of (the) Almighty. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. This compound name identifies a specific Israelite, Zurishaddai, whose significance is established through his son's role in the early history of the nation.
In the biblical narrative, all mentions of H6701 occur in the book of Numbers and serve to identify the lineage of a tribal leader. Zurishaddai is consistently named as the father of Shelumiel, the leader of the tribe of Simeon Numbers 1:6. Shelumiel is appointed as the captain H5387 of the children of Simeon, responsible for his tribe's encampment Numbers 2:12 and for leading its host H6635 Numbers 10:19. As a prince H5387 of his tribe, his father's name is recorded when he presents a sacrificial offering H7133 for the dedication of the altar (Numbers 7:36, Numbers 7:41).
Several related words clarify the context surrounding Zurishaddai and his family's role:
- H8017 Shᵉlumîyʼêl: Defined as "peace of God," this is the name of Zurishaddai's son, the prominent leader of the Simeonites Numbers 1:6.
- H8095 Shimʻôwn: Meaning "hearing," this is the tribe descended from one of Jacob's sons, which Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai represented Numbers 2:12.
- H5387 nâsîyʼ: This title, meaning "an exalted one, i.e. a king or sheik," is used to describe Shelumiel's position as a captain and prince of his people Numbers 7:36.
- H4294 maṭṭeh: This word, meaning a "branch" or figuratively a tribe, defines the division of Israel that Zurishaddai's family belonged to and his son led Numbers 10:19.
The theological weight of H6701 is primarily derived from its literal meaning and its context within Israel's formation.
- Divine Foundation in Lineage: The name "rock of (the) Almighty" directly connects the paternal line of a tribal leader to God's strength and eternal nature. It suggests that Israel's leadership is founded upon divine power.
- God-Ordained Authority: Zurishaddai is the father of a prince H5387 who leads the tribal host H6635 Numbers 10:19. This association implies that the civil and military structure of the tribes in the wilderness was established under God's provision, a truth embedded in the patriarch's name.
- Worship and Order: The name is recorded in the context of both organizing the camp Numbers 2:12 and presenting a sacrifice H2077 of peace offerings H8002 Numbers 7:41. This situates the family whose name honors the "rock of the Almighty" at the center of Israel's civic and religious life, underscoring that both are sustained by God.
In summary, H6701 is more than just a personal name; it is a theological statement. Found exclusively in the book of Numbers, it identifies Zurishaddai, the father of the Simeonite leader Shelumiel. The name's meaning, "rock of (the) Almighty," provides a powerful commentary on the events described, suggesting that the leadership, military organization, and sacrificial worship of Israel are all founded upon the unshakable strength of God himself.
TRV