### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tsôrîy**, represented by `{{H6876}}`, is a patrial term for a **(man) of Tyre** or an inhabitant of Tsor. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. This term identifies individuals from the city of Tyre, known for their roles in commerce and masterful craftsmanship, particularly in relation to significant building projects in Israel's history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6876}}` is used to identify the people of Tyre as key suppliers and artisans. They brought much **cedar** `{{H730}}` wood `{{H6086}}` from Lebanon for David [[1 Chronicles 22:4]] and were later paid to bring cedar trees `{{H6086}}` for the rebuilding of the temple during the time of Cyrus [[Ezra 3:7]]. The term also describes the heritage of a master craftsman, whose father was a **man of Tyre** `{{H6876}}` and who was filled with **wisdom** `{{H2451}}`, **understanding** `{{H8394}}`, and **cunning** `{{H1847}}` to perform all the brass `{{H5178}}` work for King Solomon's temple [[1 Kings 7:14]]. During the time of Nehemiah, **men of Tyre** `{{H6876}}` are noted for dwelling in Jerusalem, where they brought **fish** `{{H1709}}` and all manner of **ware** `{{H4377}}` to sell, even on the sabbath [[Nehemiah 13:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the Tsorites' role as artisans and merchants:
* `{{H2796}}` **chârâsh**: a fabricator or any material; **craftsman**, **carpenter**, or **workman**. This word is directly linked to the Tsorites who were hired as **carpenters** `{{H2796}}` and masons `{{H2672}}` for the temple's reconstruction [[Ezra 3:7]].
* `{{H730}}` **'erez**: a **cedar tree**. This valuable timber is the primary commodity brought by them **of Tyre** `{{H6876}}` and the Zidonians `{{H6722}}` to both David and the returning exiles for the construction of holy structures ([[1 Chronicles 22:4]], [[Ezra 3:7]]).
* `{{H1709}}` **dâg**: a **fish**. This word highlights the commercial activities of the Tsorites. **Men of Tyre** `{{H6876}}` brought **fish** `{{H1709}}` into Jerusalem to sell, leading to a confrontation with Nehemiah over Sabbath observance [[Nehemiah 13:16]].
### Theological Significance
The role of `{{H6876}}` in scripture highlights several key themes:
* **Collaboration in Sacred Construction:** People from Tyre were instrumental in providing both the raw materials and the expert labor needed to build and furnish the temple. A man with a Tsorite father was chosen for his gift of **wisdom** `{{H2451}}`, **understanding** `{{H8394}}`, and **cunning** `{{H1847}}` to work on Solomon's temple [[1 Kings 7:14]], and they later supplied **cedar** `{{H730}}` for the second temple [[Ezra 3:7]].
* **International Commerce:** The Tsorites consistently appear as trading partners with Israel. They provided an abundance of **cedar** `{{H730}}` wood `{{H6086}}` to David [[1 Chronicles 22:4]] and sold **fish** `{{H1709}}` and various **ware** `{{H4377}}` in Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 13:16]], illustrating the economic interdependence between the nations.
* **Tension Between Commerce and Covenant:** The presence of **men of Tyre** `{{H6876}}` in Jerusalem also brings conflict. Their practice of selling goods on the sabbath day forced Nehemiah to enforce religious law, demonstrating the challenge of maintaining covenant faithfulness amidst foreign commercial influence [[Nehemiah 13:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6876}}` does more than simply identify an inhabitant of Tyre. It points to a people whose identity in the biblical record is tied to exceptional skill, valuable trade goods, and a complex relationship with Israel. The Tsorites are portrayed as both vital collaborators in the construction of God's house and as a source of conflict regarding the observance of His laws, reflecting the intricate interactions between Israel and its neighbors.
TRV