Lexical Summary Zizah: Zizah Original Word: זִיזָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zizah Another form for Ziyza'; Zizah, an Israelite -- Zizah. see HEBREW Ziyza' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as ziz Definition a Levite NASB Translation Zizah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs זִיזָה proper name, masculine a Levite 1 Chronicles 23:11, = זִינָא 1 Chronicles 23:10 (read probably זִיזָא, ᵐ5 Ζιζα in both). Topical Lexicon Name and LineageZizah (Strong’s Hebrew 2125, זִיזָה) is listed among the descendants of Levi through the line of Gershon. His place in the genealogy is traced as follows: Levi → Gershon → Shimei → Zizah (1 Chronicles 23:10-11). Within Shimei’s household Zizah is identified as the second son, preceded by Jahath and followed by Jeush and Beriah. Scriptural Occurrence 1 Chronicles 23:11: “Jahath was the first and Zizah the second, but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons; so they were counted as one family and received a single assignment.” This single reference situates Zizah at the heart of King David’s reorganization of the Levites for the coming temple ministry. Historical Setting 1 Chronicles 23 records David’s final administrative acts before his death. Anticipating the reign of Solomon and the construction of the temple, David conducted a census of the Levites aged thirty and upward, assigning them to duties that would support the worship life of Israel. The Gershonites, to whom Zizah belonged, were charged historically with the care and transport of the tabernacle’s fabrics (Numbers 4:24-26). In the permanent temple setting they continued in roles related to sacred furnishings, music, and gatekeeping. Zizah’s significance lies in the census-driven shift from mobile tabernacle service to permanent temple worship. His family’s reduced numbers (Jeush and Beriah “did not have many sons”) meant consolidated responsibilities, illustrating how divine service can transcend human limitations. Though briefly mentioned, Zizah represents faithful availability amid demographic challenges. Levitical Service and Ministry Significance 1. Consolidated Duty: Because two branches of Shimei’s line were numerically small, Zizah shared a combined service allotment. This underscores the principle that ministry assignments are determined by covenant calling, not by family size or social prominence. 2. Continuity of Worship: Gershonite duties were essential for maintaining the daily rhythms of praise (1 Chronicles 23:30). Zizah’s line contributes to that continuity, showing the multi-generational nature of worship leadership in Israel. 3. Foreshadowing Temple Order: The transition from tabernacle to temple prefigures the transition from earthly shadows to heavenly realities (Hebrews 9:23-24). Zizah’s role within David’s reforms illustrates the ordered preparation for a fuller revelation of God’s dwelling with His people. Spiritual and Theological Insights • Covenant Faithfulness: Even obscure servants are recorded by name, demonstrating the LORD’s remembrance of every laborer in His house (Malachi 3:16). • Shared Stewardship: Consolidated assignments teach the body-life principle later echoed in 1 Corinthians 12: “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’” • Divine Sufficiency: Limited human resources did not hinder orderly worship. God equips what He calls, a truth evident throughout redemptive history. Christological Connections The Levitical genealogies culminate in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. Zizah’s inclusion in sacred record anticipates the New Covenant reality in which every believer, regardless of prominence, is built into “a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5). Practical Application for the Church 1. Value Hidden Service: Many believers serve in unnoticed roles, yet their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Zizah encourages faithfulness where recognition is minimal. 2. Embrace Cooperative Ministry: Small groups or understaffed ministries may combine efforts, mirroring the merged assignment of Zizah’s family. Cooperation strengthens worship and witness. 3. Record God’s Works: Chronicling God’s servants fosters gratitude and remembrance, motivating future generations to continue steadfastly in the ministry. Related References Numbers 4:24-26 – original Gershonite duties 1 Chronicles 23 – David’s Levite census and assignments Hebrews 9:23-24 – earthly sanctuary as a copy of heavenly realities 1 Peter 2:5 – believers as a holy priesthood Forms and Transliterations וְזִיזָ֖ה וזיזה veziZah wə·zî·zāh wəzîzāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 23:11 HEB: יַ֣חַת הָרֹ֔אשׁ וְזִיזָ֖ה הַשֵּׁנִ֑י וִיע֤וּשׁ NAS: was the first and Zizah the second; KJV: was the chief, and Zizah the second: INT: Jahath was the first and Zizah the second Jeush 1 Occurrence |
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