Azri'kam is a biblical figure mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament. The name Azri'kam means "help against the enemy" or "my help has risen," reflecting a common theme in Hebrew names that invoke divine assistance or protection.

1. Azri'kam, the Son of Azel: In 1 Chronicles 8:38 and 9:44, Azri'kam is listed as one of the sons of Azel, a descendant of King Saul through Jonathan. The genealogies in these chapters emphasize the continuity of Saul's lineage, despite his rejection as king. The mention of Azri'kam in these genealogies underscores the importance of family heritage and the preservation of tribal identities in Israel.

· 1 Chronicles 8:38 : "Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azri'kam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel."

2. Azri'kam, the Officer of the King of Judah: In 2 Chronicles 28:7, Azri'kam is identified as an officer in the service of King Ahaz of Judah. During the reign of Ahaz, Judah faced significant military challenges, including an invasion by the Edomites and the Philistines. Azri'kam, described as the "officer over the palace," was killed by Zichri, a mighty Ephraimite warrior, during a conflict with the northern kingdom of Israel.

· 2 Chronicles 28:7 : "Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, killed Maaseiah the king’s son, Azri'kam the officer over the palace, and Elkanah, the second to the king."

This event highlights the turbulent period of Ahaz's reign, marked by idolatry and political instability. The death of Azri'kam, a high-ranking official, signifies the vulnerability and decline of Judah during this time.

3. Azri'kam, a Descendant of Zerubbabel: In 1 Chronicles 3:23, Azri'kam is mentioned as a descendant of Zerubbabel, a leader of the Jewish community during the return from the Babylonian exile. This genealogy connects Azri'kam to the Davidic line, emphasizing the restoration of the royal lineage and the hope for future leadership in Israel.

· 1 Chronicles 3:23 : "The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azri'kam—three in all."

The various mentions of Azri'kam across different contexts in the Old Testament reflect the diverse roles individuals played in the history of Israel and Judah. Whether as a member of a royal lineage, a palace official, or a descendant of exilic leaders, Azri'kam's presence in the biblical narrative underscores themes of heritage, leadership, and the challenges faced by God's people throughout their history.

Concordance

Azri'kam (4 Occurrences)

1 Chronicles 3:23
And the sons of Neariah: Elioenai, and Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 9:14
And of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 28:7
And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the ruler of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 11:15
And of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;
(See RSV)

Thesaurus

Azri'kam (4 Occurrences)
Azri'kam. Azrikam, Azri'kam. Azubah . Multi-Version Concordance Azri'kam
(4 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 3:23 And the sons of Neariah ...
/a/azri'kam.htm - 7k

Azrikam (6 Occurrences)

/a/azrikam.htm - 9k

Azubah (4 Occurrences)

/a/azubah.htm - 8k

Resources

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