Lexical Summary Yitsri: Izri Original Word: יִצְרִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jitsri, an Israelite From yatsar; formative; Jitsri, an Israelite: see HEBREW yatsar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yatsar Definition a Levite NASB Translation Izri (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs יִצְרִי proper name, masculine a. chief of one of the Levitical choirs of singers 1 Chronicles 25:11. b. adjective, of a people of II. יֵצֶר, with article = substantive collective Numbers 26:49 (P). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 3339 designates a personal and clan name that surfaces twice in the Old Testament record, once in the census of Israel in the wilderness and once among the temple musicians appointed by King David. Though separated by centuries and by differing tribal settings, both occurrences underscore God’s faithful preservation of individual families within the covenant community and His use of those families in worship and service. Occurrences and Context 1. Numbers 26:49 presents the name in its clan form during the second wilderness census: “These were the clans of Naphtali: the Jahzeelite clan from Jahzeel, the Gunite clan from Guni, the Jezerite clan from Jezer, and the Shillemite clan from Shillem”. Tribal Identity in Numbers Within the census list the term is attached to the Jezerite clan of Naphtali. That census was conducted as Israel stood on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the land of promise. The enumeration confirmed that every family which had come out of Egypt still possessed a recognized place in the covenant. The Jezerites are represented as a full clan lineage, contributing to Naphtali’s fighting strength (45,400 men, Numbers 26:50). The presence of the Jezerites therefore highlights: Role in Davidic Worship By the monarchy era the name reappears attached to a leading temple singer. 1 Chronicles 25 details how David, with prophetic guidance, arranged musicians under Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to “prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals” (1 Chronicles 25:1). Izri draws the fourth lot, indicating a scheduled order for service. Several observations deserve notice: Intertextual Observations The two appearances bookend Israel’s national story: from a mobile people in camp to an established kingdom with ordered worship. The continuity in the name points to God’s meticulous remembrance of families, whether their arena is military readiness or musical ministry. It also illustrates a broader biblical pattern in which God often redirects tribal lines—Levites settle in every tribe’s territory (Numbers 35:1-8) and men from all tribes later serve in the temple (e.g., the gatekeepers of Korahite origin, 1 Chronicles 26:1). Thus a Naphtalite-sounding name borne by a Levite musician is not accidental but a witness to the interwoven unity of Israel’s covenant life. Theological Implications 1. Covenant Preservation: The Lord knows and records His people by name (Malachi 3:16; Luke 10:20). Even lesser-known clans and servants are remembered. Practical Applications • Small Names, Great Significance: The fleeting mention of the Jezerites and of Izri encourages believers who serve without public prominence; God’s record is precise. Summary Whether designating a Naphtalite clan counted for conquest or a Levitical singer appointed for prophetic praise, Strong’s Hebrew 3339 testifies to God’s sovereign oversight of every name inscribed in His Word. Military muster and musical ministry alike advance the same redemptive story, revealing that the God who numbers the stars also numbers and deploys His people for worship, witness, and warfare according to His perfect plan. Forms and Transliterations הַיִּצְרִ֑י היצרי לַיִּצְרִ֔י ליצרי haiyitzRi hay·yiṣ·rî hayyiṣrî laiyitzRi lay·yiṣ·rî layyiṣrîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 26:49 HEB: לְיֵ֕צֶר מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַיִּצְרִ֑י לְשִׁלֵּ֕ם מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת INT: of Jezer the family Jitsri of Shillem the family 1 Chronicles 25:11 2 Occurrences |
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