Lexical Summary Chur: Hur Original Word: חוּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hur The same as chuwr or chuwr; Chur, the name of four Israelites and one Midianite -- Hur. see HEBREW chuwr see HEBREW chuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chavar Definition four Isr., also a Midianite NASB Translation Hur (15). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. חוּר proper name, masculine (meaning dubious; compare Nabataean proper name חורו Nö in Eutp. 45) — 1 ᵐ5 Ωρ, named with Aaron as compan. of Moses Exodus 17:10,12; Exodus 24:14 (all E). 2 ᵐ5 Ωρ, a Judahite Exodus 31:2 = Exodus 35:30, compare Exodus 38:22 (all P) 1 Chronicles 2:19,20,50 (on divinity of verse see Be VB); also 1 Chronicles 4:1,4; 2Chronicles 1:5. 3 ᵐ5 Ουρ, a king of Midian Numbers 31:8; Joshua 13:21 (both P). 4 ᵐ5L Εουρ (B omitted) head of fam. of returned exiles Nehemiah 3:9. 5 בֶּןחֿוּר officer of Solomon 1 Kings 4:8, see below בֵּן p. 122. III. חוּר = חֻר see below III. חרר. Topical Lexicon Hur as Supporter of Moses Hur first appears during Israel’s battle with Amalek. “Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until sunset” (Exodus 17:12). The scene exhibits complementary leadership: Moses intercedes, Joshua fights, and Hur, a lay leader, silently sustains. Scripture thus presents Hur as a model of steadfast assistance, showing that victory often hinges on unseen faithfulness rather than public prominence. Hur Entrusted with Civil Authority When Moses ascended Mount Sinai, he said to the elders, “Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute can go to them” (Exodus 24:14). Hur therefore functioned as a provisional judge, illustrating that the covenant community required reliable men to maintain order while prophetic leadership communed with God. His paired mention with Aaron underscores his recognized wisdom and integrity among the people. Grandfather of Bezalel: Artisan Heritage The Lord declared, “See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah” (Exodus 31:2; cf. 35:30; 38:22; 2 Chronicles 1:5). Through Hur’s line God raised up the chief craftsman of the tabernacle. Spiritual gifting, craftsmanship, and administrative skill thus run in a family grounded in service. Hur’s faith evidently left a legacy that equipped Bezalel for Spirit-filled artistry at the heart of Israel’s worship. Hur in Judah’s Ancestry Hur is listed among Judah’s principal descendants (1 Chronicles 4:1). Genealogies trace him as “the firstborn of Ephrathah” and “father of Bethlehem” (1 Chronicles 2:50; 4:4). This connection links Hur to the town later celebrated as David’s city and the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The mention affirms continuity between patriarchal faithfulness and redemptive history. Caleb’s Son and Clan Leader Caleb son of Hezron married Ephrath, “who bore him Hur” (1 Chronicles 2:19–20). Caleb’s zeal at Kadesh-barnea arguably shaped Hur’s own commitment. The clan of Hur became prominent in Judah, producing leaders, artisans, and administrators across centuries. Post-Exilic Descendants During wall-building under Nehemiah, “Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section” (Nehemiah 3:9). Generations after the exile, Hur’s house still supplied civic leadership devoted to the restoration of God’s people and city, indicating enduring faithfulness. Midianite King Hur A different Hur is named among five Midianite kings slain in Moses’ final campaign (Numbers 31:8; echoed in Joshua 13:21). His fall illustrates the fate of powers opposing God’s purposes, providing a sharp contrast to the supportive Israelite Hur. Same name, opposite posture toward God. Ministry Themes and Lessons 1. Supportive Leadership: Hur’s silent ministry beside Moses teaches that upholding God’s servants is essential kingdom work. Summary Hur emerges as a trusted aide, clan founder, and ancestor of skilled and devoted leaders. His account commends steadfast service, highlights the fruit of righteous lineage, and frames a quiet yet vital contribution to Israel’s worship and welfare—a testimony that God honors those who support His work, generation after generation. Forms and Transliterations וְח֔וּר וְח֜וּר וְח֥וּר וְחוּר֙ וחור ח֔וּר ח֖וּר חֽוּר׃ חוּר֙ חור חור׃ chur ḥūr veChur wə·ḥūr wəḥūrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 17:10 HEB: וּמֹשֶׁה֙ אַהֲרֹ֣ן וְח֔וּר עָל֖וּ רֹ֥אשׁ NAS: Aaron, and Hur went KJV: Aaron, and Hur went up INT: and Moses Aaron and Hur went to the top Exodus 17:12 Exodus 24:14 Exodus 31:2 Exodus 35:30 Exodus 38:22 Numbers 31:8 Joshua 13:21 1 Chronicles 2:19 1 Chronicles 2:20 1 Chronicles 2:50 1 Chronicles 4:1 1 Chronicles 4:4 2 Chronicles 1:5 Nehemiah 3:9 15 Occurrences |