Topical Encyclopedia Azor is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. He is listed as an ancestor of Joseph, the husband of Mary, through whom Jesus was legally descended. The specific reference to Azor is found in Matthew 1:13-14: "Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok" .The name Azor is of Hebrew origin, and while the exact meaning is not definitively known, it is often associated with the idea of being a "helper" or "assistant." This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God’s providence and the role of individuals in the unfolding of His divine plan. There is a scholarly suggestion that Azor may be identical with Azrikam, a name that appears in the Old Testament. Azrikam is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:23-24 as a descendant of Zerubbabel, which could potentially align with the genealogy presented in Matthew. However, the identification is not universally accepted, and the connection remains speculative. Azrikam, meaning "my help has risen," is noted in the context of the post-exilic community, which fits the historical period of the genealogy. The genealogical record in Matthew serves a theological purpose, emphasizing Jesus' rightful place in the line of David and Abraham, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Azor, as part of this lineage, contributes to the legitimacy and continuity of the Davidic line, underscoring the fulfillment of God's promises through history. The mention of Azor, though brief, is significant within the context of biblical genealogies, which were meticulously preserved to establish legal and familial rights. In the Jewish tradition, genealogies were crucial for maintaining tribal identities and inheritance rights, and Matthew's genealogy underscores Jesus' legal right to the throne of David. In summary, while Azor's life and deeds are not detailed in Scripture, his inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus highlights the importance of every link in the chain of God's redemptive history. The possible identification with Azrikam adds an intriguing layer to the study of biblical genealogies, reflecting the complexity and depth of biblical history and its fulfillment in the New Testament. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 3:23And the sons of Neariah; Elioenai, and Hezekiah, and Azrikam, three. Nave's Topical Index Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |