Lexical Summary Zeker: Zecher Original Word: זֶכֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zeker The same as zeker; Zeker, an Israelite -- Zeker. see HEBREW zeker NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zakar Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Zecher (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. [זֶ֫כֶר] proper name, masculine only זָ֑כֶר 1 Chronicles 8:31 (ᵐ5 Ζαχουρ) = זְכַרְיָה 1 Chronicles 9:37 q. v. (compare Phoenician proper name זכר). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Significance of the NameZeker (זֶכֶר) is a personal name that carries the idea of “remembrance” or “memorial.” In Scripture, names are often theological sign-posts; this one points to the covenant practice of remembering—whether it be God remembering His people or His people remembering His works (Deuteronomy 8:2; Psalm 77:11). By bearing such a name, the individual is implicitly connected to Israel’s call to keep God’s mighty acts in continual memory. Occurrence and Immediate Context The name occurs once, in 1 Chronicles 8:31: “Gedor, Ahio, and Zecher”. This short notation appears in a long genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. The Chronicler, writing after the exile, catalogues families with painstaking care, underscoring that those returning to the land stand in unbroken continuity with pre-exilic Israel. Place within the Benjamite Genealogy 1 Chronicles 8 traces the descendants of King Saul, Israel’s first monarch. Zecher is listed among the sons of Micah, a branch that stretches back to Saul through Jonathan and Merib-baal (Mephibosheth). Thus: Saul → Jonathan → Merib-baal → Micah → Zecher (1 Chronicles 8:33–34, 8:31) This placement is theologically important for at least three reasons: 1. Preservation of Saul’s line: Although Saul’s kingship was set aside in favor of David, God did not erase the tribe of Benjamin or Saul’s household. By recording Zecher’s name, the Chronicler highlights divine faithfulness to every tribe. 2. Apostolic connection: The Apostle Paul identifies himself as “of the tribe of Benjamin” (Philippians 3:5). Genealogies like this one give historical grounding for such claims. 3. Restoration motif: Post-exilic Israel needed assurance that God still knew each family by name. Zecher’s inclusion affirms that no covenant family is forgotten. The Broader Biblical Theme of Remembrance While Zecher appears only once, the concept behind his name saturates Scripture: • God remembers His covenant (Genesis 9:16; Exodus 2:24). The Chronicler’s use of a name meaning “remembrance” in a genealogy devoted to rekindling Israel’s identity is therefore deliberate. It signals that the returned community must anchor itself in the memory of God’s past faithfulness as it looks forward to future hope. Historical and Redemptive Significance 1. Post-exilic encouragement: The genealogy, with Zecher embedded in it, reminds repatriated Israelites that they are heirs of an unbroken history. Their national memory had not been erased in Babylon. 2. Continuity toward Messiah: Although Messiah comes from Judah, the Chronicler’s equal treatment of Benjamin underscores that every tribe has a role in redemptive history. Simeon, Levi, Benjamin—all are remembered, foreshadowing the New Testament church in which every member counts (1 Corinthians 12:14–27). 3. Literary theology: By clustering names like “Gedor” (“wall”), “Ahio” (“brotherly”), and “Zecher” (“remembrance”), the text weaves a subtle sermon: God walls in His people, binds them in brotherhood, and keeps them in remembrance. Ministry Applications • Tracing spiritual heritage: Just as Zecher’s single mention secures his place in God’s story, every believer—however obscure—has a name written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 3:5). • Practicing memorial: Churches can cultivate rhythms of remembrance—Lord’s Supper, testimonies, historical catechesis—to keep God’s deeds vivid. • Encouraging the overlooked: Zecher never reappears, yet Scripture preserves his name. Likewise, unseen faithfulness in local congregations is eternally recorded (Hebrews 6:10). Summary Zeker’s lone appearance in 1 Chronicles 8:31 is more than a genealogical footnote. It reinforces the Chronicler’s overarching message: the God who remembers His covenant also remembers individual covenant members. Zecher stands as a quiet witness that every generation and every name is significant in the unfolding drama of redemption. Forms and Transliterations וָזָֽכֶר׃ וזכר׃ vaZacher wā·zā·ḵer wāzāḵerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 8:31 HEB: וּגְד֥וֹר וְאַחְי֖וֹ וָזָֽכֶר׃ NAS: Gedor, Ahio and Zecher. KJV: And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher. INT: Gedor Ahio and Zecher 1 Occurrence |
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