Azgad is a name found in the Old Testament, associated with a family or clan that returned from the Babylonian exile. The name Azgad means "Gad is strong" or "Gad has strengthened," with Gad being one of the tribes of Israel. The references to Azgad primarily appear in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple and the city walls.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:12 · In the list of those who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel, the descendants of Azgad are mentioned: "the descendants of Azgad, 1,222." This indicates that the family of Azgad was significant in number and played a role in the restoration of Jerusalem.

2. Nehemiah 7:17 · This verse mirrors the account in Ezra, listing the descendants of Azgad as part of the group that returned to Jerusalem: "the descendants of Azgad, 2,322." The discrepancy in numbers between Ezra and Nehemiah may be attributed to different stages of the return or variations in record-keeping.

3. Ezra 8:12 · During a later return led by Ezra, the text notes, "From the descendants of Azgad, Johanan son of Hakkatan, and with him 110 men." This suggests that the family of Azgad continued to be active and involved in the community's efforts to reestablish themselves in the land of Israel.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The family of Azgad is emblematic of the faithfulness and resilience of the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. Their willingness to leave Babylon and return to a desolate Jerusalem reflects a commitment to their heritage and the covenant promises of God. The participation of Azgad's descendants in the rebuilding efforts underscores the collective responsibility and unity required to restore the nation both physically and spiritually.

Theologically, the return of the exiles, including the family of Azgad, is seen as a fulfillment of prophetic promises. The prophets had foretold that God would bring His people back to their land after a period of judgment and exile (e.g., Jeremiah 29:10-14). The inclusion of Azgad in the genealogical records serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people and His plan for redemption.

Cultural Context:

The return from exile was a pivotal moment in Jewish history, marking the transition from a period of punishment and separation to one of restoration and hope. Families like Azgad played a crucial role in reestablishing the religious and social structures necessary for the community's survival. The rebuilding of the temple and the city walls, in which the descendants of Azgad participated, was not only a physical endeavor but also a spiritual renewal, reaffirming the identity and faith of the Jewish people.

In summary, Azgad represents a family that contributed significantly to the post-exilic restoration of Israel. Their presence in the biblical narrative highlights themes of faithfulness, restoration, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.Azgad

a strong army; a gang of robbers

Azgad

(strength of fortune). The children of Azgad, to the number of 1222 (2322 according to) (Nehemiah 7:17) were among the laymen who returned with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:12; 8:12) With the other heads of the People they joined in the covenant with Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:15) (B.C. 536.)

AZGAD

az'-gad (`azgadh, "strong is Gad"): In the list of those who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel are mentioned "the children of Azgad" (1,222, Ezra 2:12; 2,322, Nehemiah 7:17). 110 males with their chief returned with Ezra (Ezra 8:12). Azgad was among the leaders who signed the Covenant after Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:15).

5803. Azgad -- "Gad is mighty," an Israelite name
... Azgad. 5804 . "Gad is mighty," an Israelite name. Transliteration: Azgad Phonetic
Spelling: (az-gawd') Short Definition: Azgad. ... name NASB Word Usage Azgad (4). ...
/hebrew/5803.htm - 6kAzgad (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AZGAD. ...Azgad was among the leaders who signed the
Covenant after Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:15). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/a/azgad.htm - 7k

Twenty-two (26 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:12 The children of Azgad, one thousand two hundred twenty-two. ... Nehemiah
7:17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty-two. ...
/t/twenty-two.htm - 14k

Astath
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASTATH. as'-tath (Astath):The form given in 1 Esdras
8:38 to the name which in Ezra 8:12 appears as Azgad. See AZGAD. ...
/a/astath.htm - 6k

Astad
... ASTAD. as'-tad: The reading of the English versions of 1 Esdras 5:13 for the name
which appears as Azgad in Ezra 2:12 and Nehemiah 7:17. ... See AZGAD; ASTATH. ...
/a/astad.htm - 6k

1222 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 1222 (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:12 The children of
Azgad, one thousand two hundred twenty-two. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/1222.htm - 6k

2322 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 2322 (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:17 The children of
Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty-two. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/2322.htm - 6k

Joha'nan (25 Occurrences)
... See RSV). Ezra 8:12 And of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan;
and with him a hundred and ten males. (See RSV). Nehemiah ...
/j/joha'nan.htm - 13k

Bebai (3 Occurrences)
... Athlai. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah 10:15 Bunni,
Azgad, Bebai, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/b/bebai.htm - 8k

Bunni (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Nehemiah 10:15 Bunni, Azgad,
Bebai, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/bunni.htm - 8k

Be'bai (5 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Nehemiah 7:16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-eight. (See RSV).
Nehemiah 10:15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, (See RSV). Bebai, Be'bai. Became . ...
/b/be'bai.htm - 7k

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