Lexical Summary Iezri: Jezri Original Word: אִיעֶזְרִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jezerite Patronymic from Iy'ezer; an Iezrite or descendant of Iezer -- Jezerite. see HEBREW Iy'ezer NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Iezer Definition a desc. of Iezer (the same as NH0033) NASB Translation Iezerites (1). Topical Lexicon Genealogical Background אִיעֶזְרִי (Iezri) appears in Numbers 26:30 as the eponymous head of the Iezrite clan within the tribe of Manasseh. The line of descent runs: Joseph → Manasseh → Machir → Gilead → Iezri. Though mentioned only once, the clan’s inclusion in the inspired census places it firmly within the covenant community, testifying to God’s faithfulness in preserving every branch of His people. Context in the Second Wilderness Census Numbers 26 records the numbering of Israel on the plains of Moab, immediately before the entry into Canaan. Verse 30 reads, “These were the descendants of Gilead: the clan of the Iezrites through Iezer, the clan of the Helekites through Helek”. This census had several purposes: The Iezrites, therefore, stood counted among those who would claim their inheritance, underscoring the continuity of divine promise from patriarchal times to the threshold of possession. Territorial and Historical Footprint Although the Iezrites are not singled out later, the broader Manassite holdings—on both sides of the Jordan—became significant in Israel’s history (Joshua 17; Judges 1:27). By being listed for land distribution, the clan shared in the fertile regions of Bashan and Gilead, areas notable for livestock, strategic trade routes, and later prophetic activity (for example, Elijah’s origin in Gilead, 1 Kings 17:1). The very land that sustained mighty warriors such as Gideon (Judges 6:11-12) was also promised to the descendants of Iezri, linking them to Israel’s military and spiritual heritage. Covenantal Themes 1. Preservation: Every name inscribed in the census affirms God’s meticulous care; no clan is forgotten. Theological Reflection on the Name The root idea of “help” embedded in the name illustrates Scripture’s consistent witness that ultimate help comes from the LORD (Psalm 121:1-2). The clan’s identity silently proclaims dependence on divine assistance, a theme echoed later in Habakkuk 3:19, “The Lord GOD is my strength.” That their only recorded appearance is within a list reminds readers that obscurity to man is not obscurity to God; He records and rewards faithfulness unseen by others (Hebrews 6:10). Foreshadowings of Christ and the Church Genealogies in Scripture culminate in Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17). Even marginal clans like the Iezrites anticipate the Messiah’s inclusive redemption, wherein “there is neither Jew nor Greek” but all are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Just as each clan received a share in the land, every believer receives “an inheritance that is imperishable” (1 Peter 1:4). Ministry Applications • Value of Every Believer: Pastors and leaders should recognize that God values every member, including those who labor in relative anonymity. Summary Though appearing only once, אִיעֶזְרִי represents a vital thread in the tapestry of Israel’s history—testifying to God’s faithfulness, the legitimacy of every clan’s inheritance, and the abiding truth that the LORD Himself is the help of His people. Forms and Transliterations הָאִֽיעֶזְרִ֑י האיעזרי hā’î‘ezrî hā·’î·‘ez·rî haiezRiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 26:30 HEB: אִיעֶ֕זֶר מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָאִֽיעֶזְרִ֑י לְחֵ֕לֶק מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת NAS: the family of the Iezerites; of Helek, KJV: the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, INT: Iezer the family of the Iezerites of Helek the family 1 Occurrence |
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