The Oznites are a group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. They are identified as descendants of the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The reference to the Oznites is found in the Book of Numbers, which provides a census of the Israelites during their wilderness journey.

Biblical Reference:

The primary mention of the Oznites is found in Numbers 26:44-47 :

"These were the descendants of Asher by their clans: The Imnite clan from Imnah, the Ishvite clan from Ishvi, the Beriite clan from Beriah. From the sons of Beriah: the Heberite clan from Heber, the Malchielite clan from Malchiel. These were the descendants of Asher, according to their clans. They numbered 53,400."

The Oznites are not explicitly named in this passage, but they are understood to be part of the broader genealogical context of the tribe of Asher. The tribe of Asher is one of the northern tribes of Israel, known for its rich agricultural land and abundance of olive oil, as indicated in other biblical passages.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The tribe of Asher, to which the Oznites belong, was allotted territory in the northern part of the Promised Land, as described in the Book of Joshua. This region was known for its fertility and prosperity, fulfilling the blessing given by Jacob to Asher in Genesis 49:20 : "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide royal delicacies."

The Oznites, as part of the Asherite lineage, would have shared in the cultural and religious practices of the Israelites. This included adherence to the Mosaic Law, participation in the annual feasts, and the worship of Yahweh at the central sanctuary.

Significance in Israelite Society:

While the Oznites are not individually highlighted in biblical narratives, their inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. Each clan and family within a tribe contributed to the overall strength and cohesion of the Israelite community.

The genealogies served not only as a record of ancestry but also as a means of organizing the people for military, religious, and social purposes. The Oznites, like other clans, would have had specific roles and responsibilities within the tribe of Asher and the larger Israelite nation.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of the Oznites, along with other clans, reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The multiplication and settlement of the tribes in the Promised Land demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.

The genealogical records, including the mention of the Oznites, also highlight the continuity of God's plan through successive generations. Each clan and family played a part in the unfolding of redemptive history, leading ultimately to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is traced through the lineage of Israel.

In summary, while the Oznites are a minor mention in the biblical text, their inclusion in the genealogical records of the tribe of Asher serves as a testament to the intricate tapestry of Israel's history and God's enduring covenant with His people.OZNITES

oz'-nits (with the article ha'ozni (collective), "the Oznites"): Of the clan of Ozni (Numbers 26:16).

See OZNI.

244. Ozniy -- "my hearing," a son of Gad
... Ozni, Oznites From 'ozen; having (quick) ears; Ozni, an Israelite; also an Oznite
(collectively), his descendant -- Ozni, Oznites. see HEBREW 'ozen. 243, 244 ...
/hebrew/244.htm - 5k

244b. Ozni -- a descendant of Ozni
... a descendant of Ozni. Transliteration: Ozni Short Definition: Oznites. Word Origin
from Ozni Definition a desc. of Ozni NASB Word Usage Oznites (1). ...
/hebrew/244b.htm - 5k

Oznites (1 Occurrence)
...OZNITES. oz'-nits (with the article ha'ozni (collective), "the Oznites"): Of the
clan of Ozni (Numbers 26:16). See OZNI. ...Oznites (1 Occurrence). ...
/o/oznites.htm - 6k

Oznite (1 Occurrence)
... Oznite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri,
the family of the Erites; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV) ...
/o/oznite.htm - 6k

Ozni (1 Occurrence)
... Ozni (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the
family of the Erites; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/o/ozni.htm - 7k

Ozora
Ozora. Oznites, Ozora. Paarai . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia OZORA.
o-zo'-ra. See EZORA. Oznites, Ozora. Paarai . Reference Bible.
/o/ozora.htm - 6k

Erite (1 Occurrence)
... Erite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri,
the family of the Erites; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/erite.htm - 6k

Eri (2 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of
the Erites; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/eri.htm - 7k

Erites (1 Occurrence)
... Erites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri,
the family of the Erites; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV). ...
/e/erites.htm - 7k

Clan (96 Occurrences)
... Shunites; (See NIV). Numbers 26:16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites;
of Eri, the family of the Erites; (See NIV). Numbers 26:17 ...
/c/clan.htm - 32k

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