Azor: Ancestor of Jesus
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Azor is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. His name appears in the lineage that traces the legal ancestry of Jesus through Joseph, His earthly father. Azor is a part of the post-exilic generation, a period following the Babylonian exile, which is significant in the restoration of the Jewish people and their heritage.

Biblical Reference:

Azor is mentioned in the New Testament in the Gospel of Matthew. The genealogy provided by Matthew traces the lineage from Abraham to Jesus, emphasizing Jesus' legal right to the throne of David. Azor is listed as one of the ancestors in this line:

"and Eliud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." (Matthew 1:15-16)

In this passage, Azor is identified as the father of Eliakim and the grandfather of Abiud, continuing the line that leads to Joseph.

Historical and Theological Context:

The genealogy in Matthew is structured to highlight the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. By including Azor in this lineage, Matthew underscores the continuity of God's covenant promises through the generations. Azor's place in the genealogy signifies the faithfulness of God in preserving the line of David, despite the challenges faced by the Jewish people, including the Babylonian exile.

The post-exilic period, during which Azor lived, was a time of rebuilding and restoration for the Jewish nation. The return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem were pivotal events that shaped the identity and faith of the Jewish people. Azor's inclusion in the genealogy serves as a reminder of God's providence and the hope of redemption that culminates in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Name Meaning and Significance:

The name Azor is of Hebrew origin and is thought to mean "helper" or "one who assists." This meaning can be seen as symbolic of the role that each ancestor played in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Although little is known about Azor's life and deeds, his mention in the genealogy of Jesus highlights the importance of every link in the chain of God's salvific history.

Conclusion:

While Azor is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ is significant. It reflects the divine orchestration of history and the fulfillment of God's promises through the lineage of David. Azor's presence in the genealogy serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God and the hope of salvation brought to fruition in Jesus Christ.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 1:13,14
And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
107. Azor -- Azor, an Israelite
... Transliteration: Azor Phonetic Spelling: (ad-zore') Short Definition: Azor Definition:
Azor, son of Eliakim and father of Zadok, an ancestor of Jesus. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/107.htm - 6k
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