Lexical Summary Azgad: Azgad Original Word: עַזְגָּד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Azgad From az and gad; stern troop; Azgad, an Israelite -- Azgad. see HEBREW az see HEBREW gad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom az and gad Definition "Gad is mighty," an Isr. name NASB Translation Azgad (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַזְגָּד proper name, masculine Ασγαδ, Αζγαδ (Gad is mighty; GrayProp. N. 145); — 1. a. head of family returning with Zerubbabel Ezra 2:12 = Nehemiah 7:17. b. returning with Ezra Ezra 8:12. 2 one of those sealed Nehemiah 10:16. Topical Lexicon Clan Identity Azgad designates a Judean family group whose members are traced through several post-exilic records. Rather than pointing to a single individual, the name functions as the heading of a household that maintained its lineage through the Babylonian captivity and into the restoration era. Role in the Return from Exile In the first census under Zerubbabel, the descendants of Azgad are numbered among those who returned to Jerusalem: “the descendants of Azgad, 1,222” (Ezra 2:12). Their presence highlights the breadth of support for rebuilding the Temple and reinstating worship according to the Law of Moses. The sizable delegation demonstrates both resolve and resources—factors essential for the arduous journey of roughly nine hundred miles from Babylon to Judah. Growth between the First and Second Census Decades later Nehemiah’s register records a marked increase: “the descendants of Azgad, 2,322” (Nehemiah 7:17). The larger figure may reflect births during the intervening years or the arrival of additional family members who joined the restoration effort at a later stage. Either way, the growth testifies to divine blessing upon the clan and to the expanding strength of the restored community. Participation in the Second Temple Mission A further glimpse appears in Ezra’s account of the second wave of returnees: “of the descendants of Azgad, Johanan son of Hakkatan, and with him 110 men” (Ezra 8:12). This contingent accompanied Ezra in 458 BC, bringing additional manpower and commitment to the revitalization of Temple service and the teaching of the Scriptures. Their willingness to uproot once again underscores a zeal for the purity of worship and obedience to the covenant. Commitment to Covenant Renewal When Nehemiah led the people in a solemn pledge to keep the commandments, a representative of Azgad sealed the document (Nehemiah 10:15). By placing a signature alongside priests, Levites, and other leaders, the family publicly aligned itself with wholehearted repentance and reformation. Their inclusion in this covenant act reveals a lineage marked not only by physical return but by spiritual allegiance. Spiritual Legacy 1. Faithfulness across generations: From the initial return to the later covenant signing, Azgad’s lineage models perseverance in the face of displacement and opposition. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry • God preserves faithful families through seasons of judgment and restoration. Azgad’s story, though told largely through genealogical notices, therefore invites reflection on steadfast devotion to God’s redemptive purposes, confirming that even brief biblical mentions contribute to the unfolding narrative of covenant faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations עַזְגָּ֔ד עַזְגָּ֖ד עזגד ‘az·gāḏ ‘azgāḏ azGadLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:12 HEB: בְּנֵ֣י עַזְגָּ֔ד אֶ֕לֶף מָאתַ֖יִם NAS: the sons of Azgad, 1,222; KJV: The children of Azgad, a thousand two INT: the children of Azgad A thousand hundred Ezra 8:12 Nehemiah 7:17 Nehemiah 10:15 4 Occurrences |
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