### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shᵉdêyʼûwr**, represented by `{{H7707}}`, means **spreader of light**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. This name belongs to an Israelite, Shedeur, and is used exclusively to identify his son, a leader in the tribe of Reuben.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7707}}` is consistently used to establish the identity of Elizur, the son of Shedeur. Elizur is appointed as one of the **men** `{{H582}}` from the tribe of **Reuben** `{{H7205}}` who shall **stand** `{{H5975}}` with Moses [[Numbers 1:5]]. He is designated as the **captain** `{{H5387}}` of the children of Reuben, whose **standard** `{{H1714}}` and **camp** `{{H4264}}` were positioned on the **south side** `{{H8486}}` [[Numbers 2:10]]. When the tribes of Israel **set forward** `{{H5265}}`, Elizur was over the **host** `{{H6635}}` of Reuben [[Numbers 10:18]]. He also participated in the dedication of the altar, presenting an **offering** `{{H7133}}` on the **fourth** `{{H7243}}` **day** `{{H3117}}` as the **prince** `{{H5387}}` of the Reubenites [[Numbers 7:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role of Shedeur's lineage:
* `{{H468}}` **ʼĔlîytsûwr** (Elizur): from אֵל and צוּר; God of (the) rock; Elitsur, an Israelite; Elizur. He is the son of Shedeur and is named as the **captain** `{{H5387}}` of the children of Reuben [[Numbers 2:10]].
* `{{H7205}}` **Rᵉʼûwbên** (Reuben): from the imperative of רָאָה and בֵּן; see ye a son; Reuben, a son of Jacob; Reuben. Shedeur and his son Elizur belonged to this tribe, whose **standard** `{{H1714}}` was part of the **camp** `{{H4264}}` of Israel [[Numbers 10:18]].
* `{{H5387}}` **nâsîyʼ** (prince): properly, an exalted one, i.e. a king or sheik; also a rising mist; captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. This title of leadership is given to Elizur, son of Shedeur [[Numbers 7:30]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense. Shedeur is always identified through his relationship to his **son** `{{H1121}}`, Elizur [[Numbers 1:5]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7707}}` is understood through its context in the establishment of Israel as a nation.
* **Patriarchal Lineage:** The name `{{H7707}}` serves to anchor the identity of a key tribal leader, Elizur, within his family line. This reflects the foundational importance of patriarchal lineage in establishing authority and order among the tribes of Israel [[Numbers 1:5]].
* **Tribal Organization:** Shedeur's identity is tied to the organization of Israel in the wilderness. His son, Elizur, is the appointed leader over the **host** `{{H6635}}` of the **camp** `{{H4264}}` of **Reuben** `{{H7205}}`, demonstrating a divinely commanded structure for the nation as it journeyed [[Numbers 10:18]].
* **Leadership in Worship:** The family line is shown participating in the nation's worship. As **prince** `{{H5387}}` of Reuben, Elizur, son of Shedeur, brings a dedicatory **sacrifice** `{{H2077}}` of **peace offerings** `{{H8002}}`, including **oxen** `{{H1241}}`, **rams** `{{H352}}`, **he goats** `{{H6260}}`, and **lambs** `{{H3532}}` [[Numbers 7:35]].
### Summary
In summary, **Shᵉdêyʼûwr** `{{H7707}}` functions as an important ancestral identifier within the Old Testament. While Shedeur himself is not a central character, his **name** `{{H8034}}` is essential for establishing the lineage of his **son** `{{H1121}}`, Elizur, the appointed **prince** `{{H5387}}` of Reuben. The name is intrinsically linked to the themes of leadership, tribal order in the Israelite **camp** `{{H4264}}`, and the sacrificial duties required of the nation's leaders.
TRV