Hezir
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Topical Encyclopedia
Hezir is a name found in the Old Testament, associated with both a priestly family and an individual who played a role in the governance of Jerusalem. The name Hezir is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "swine" or "boar," which is somewhat unusual given the animal's unclean status in Jewish dietary laws.

1. Hezir the Priest: Hezir is first mentioned in the context of the priestly divisions established by King David. In 1 Chronicles 24:15, Hezir is listed as the head of the seventeenth division of priests. This division was part of a larger organizational system set up by David to ensure the orderly conduct of temple services. The division of Hezir, like the others, would have been responsible for ministering in the temple at specific times throughout the year. This system of priestly divisions continued to be influential in the religious life of Israel, even into the New Testament period.

1 Chronicles 24:15 : "the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez,"

2. Hezir the Leader: Another mention of Hezir is found in the book of Nehemiah, where he is listed among the leaders who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah. This covenant was a renewal of the people's commitment to follow the Law of Moses after the return from Babylonian exile. Hezir's inclusion in this list indicates his prominence and leadership role within the community during this period of restoration and reform.

Nehemiah 10:20 : "Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,"

3. Historical and Religious Context: The mention of Hezir in these contexts highlights the importance of both religious and civic leadership in post-exilic Jerusalem. The priests, including those from the house of Hezir, were not only responsible for religious duties but also played significant roles in the governance and social structure of the community. The sealing of the covenant in Nehemiah's time was a pivotal moment in re-establishing Jewish identity and religious practice after the exile.

4. Legacy and Significance: The legacy of Hezir, particularly as a priestly family, underscores the continuity of religious traditions and the importance of maintaining a structured approach to worship and community leadership. The division of Hezir, as part of the broader priestly system, contributed to the spiritual life of Israel and the preservation of its religious heritage.

In summary, Hezir represents both a specific priestly lineage and a broader commitment to religious and communal leadership in ancient Israel. His mention in the biblical texts serves as a testament to the enduring significance of the priestly role in maintaining the covenantal relationship between God and His people.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Hezir

(Swine).

  1. A priest in the time of David, leader of the seventeenth monthly course in the service. (1 Chronicles 24:15) (B.C. 1014.)
  2. One of the heads of the people (lay-men) who sealed the solemn covenant with Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:20) (B.C. 410.)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Swine or strong.

(1.) The head of the seventeenth course of the priests (1 Chronicles 24:15).

(2.) Nehemiah 10:20, one who sealed Nehemiah's covenant.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HEZIR

he'-zer:

(1) (chezir; the Septuagint's Codex Vaticanus, Chezein; Codex Alexandrinus, Iezeir): A Levite in the time of David (1 Chronicles 24:15).

(2) Septuagint Hezeir): A chief of the people in the time of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:20).

Strong's Hebrew
2387. Chezir -- two Israelites
... 2386, 2387. Chezir. 2388 . two Israelites. Transliteration: Chezir Phonetic
Spelling: (khay-zeer') Short Definition: Hezir. ... NASB Word Usage Hezir (2). Hezir ...
/hebrew/2387.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Hezir (2 Occurrences)
... (2.) Nehemiah 10:20, one who sealed Nehemiah's covenant. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. HEZIR. ... Multi-Version Concordance Hezir (2 Occurrences). ...
/h/hezir.htm - 7k

Eighteenth (11 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 24:15 the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles ...
/e/eighteenth.htm - 10k

Mag'piash (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mag'piash (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 10:20 Magpiash, Meshullam,
Hezir; (See RSV). Magpiash, Mag'piash. Magus . Reference Bible.
/m/mag'piash.htm - 6k

Meshul'lam (23 Occurrences)
... Meshullam. (See RSV). Nehemiah 10:7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin; (See RSV). Nehemiah
10:20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir; (See RSV). Nehemiah ...
/m/meshul'lam.htm - 12k

Magpiash (1 Occurrence)
... See MAGBISH. Multi-Version Concordance Magpiash (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 10:20 Magpiash,
Meshullam, Hezir, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/m/magpiash.htm - 6k

Aphses (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aphses (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 24:15 The
seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Aphses, (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/a/aphses.htm - 6k

Seventeenth (6 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 24:15 the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles ...
/s/seventeenth.htm - 8k

He'zi-on (1 Occurrence)
He'zi-on. Hezion, He'zi-on. Hezir . Multi-Version Concordance He'zi-on
(1 Occurrence). ... Hezion, He'zi-on. Hezir . Reference Bible.
/h/he'zi-on.htm - 6k

Hezor (1 Occurrence)

/h/hezor.htm - 6k

Happizez (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Happizez (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 24:15 the
seventeenth for Hezir, the eighteenth for Happizez, (DBY). ...
/h/happizez.htm - 6k

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