The Hebrew word Tsᵉrîy, represented by H6874, is the proper name of an Israelite, Zeri. It appears only 1 time in the entire Bible, marking it as a highly specific reference to a single individual.
The sole appearance of H6874 is in a genealogical list of musicians appointed for temple service. In 1 Chronicles 25:3, Zeri is named as one of the six sons H1121 of Jeduthun, a leader of the Levitical singers. This family was set apart for a specific ministry: they were to prophesy H5012 with a harp H3658 in order to give thanks H3034 and praise H1984 to the LORD H3068. The passage notes that these sons served "under the hands of their father," indicating a structured, family-based role in the formal worship of Israel.
Several related words from its only context illuminate the role of Zeri:
- H3038 Yᵉdûwthûwn (Jeduthun): Defined as "laudatory," this is the name of Zeri's father, who was a chief musician appointed by David to lead praise 1 Chronicles 25:1. His name itself reflects the ministry of praise he and his sons performed.
- H1121 bên (son): This word, defined as "a son (as a builder of the family name)," establishes Zeri's identity and his inherited role within the sacred musical tradition of his father's house 1 Chronicles 25:3.
- H5012 nâbâʼ (prophesy): This term describes the nature of their musical service as not merely performance but inspired communication, as they were to "speak (or sing) by inspiration" 1 Chronicles 25:3.
- H1984 hâlal (praise): This word captures the ultimate purpose of Zeri's ministry, which was to "celebrate" and magnify the LORD through music 1 Chronicles 25:3.
While Zeri is only mentioned once, his inclusion in this passage carries theological weight regarding the nature of worship.
- Ordered Worship: Zeri's place in a designated family of musicians shows that worship was an organized and intentional practice in Israel, with specific individuals set apart for sacred duties.
- Prophetic Ministry of Music: The service performed by Zeri and his family was a form of prophecy. Their music was a divinely inspired act intended to communicate truth and give praise H1984 to God 1 Chronicles 25:3.
- Familial Consecration: The service was a family affair, passed from a father H1 to his sons H1121. This underscores the importance of lineage and household dedication in serving the LORD H3068.
In summary, H6874 Tsᵉrîy is the name of an individual whose identity is tied directly to the sacred worship of Israel. Though mentioned only in a single verse, his inclusion in the list of Jeduthun's sons provides a valuable insight into the structured, prophetic, and family-oriented nature of the musical ministry established for the service of the LORD.
TRV