Name Meaning: The name Zuriel means "My Rock is God" or "God is my Rock," reflecting a strong foundation and reliance on the divine.

Biblical References: Zuriel is mentioned in the Book of Numbers in the Old Testament. He is identified as a leader among the Levites, specifically from the family of Merari.

Scriptural Context:

1. Numbers 3:35 : "The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail. They were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle."

In this passage, Zuriel is noted as the head of the Merarite clan, one of the three main divisions of the Levites. The Levites were set apart for the service of the Tabernacle, and each division had specific duties. The Merarites were responsible for the care and transportation of the Tabernacle's structural components, such as the frames, bars, pillars, and bases.

Tribal Affiliation: Zuriel belonged to the tribe of Levi, which was set apart for religious duties and service to the Tabernacle. The Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel; instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and they were supported by the tithes and offerings of the people.

Family Lineage: Zuriel was the son of Abihail. The mention of his father's name indicates the importance of family lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, especially among the Levites, who were entrusted with sacred responsibilities.

Role and Responsibilities: As a leader of the Merarites, Zuriel would have played a crucial role in organizing and overseeing the tasks assigned to his family group. The Merarites' duties were essential for the mobility and stability of the Tabernacle, ensuring that the dwelling place of God among His people was properly maintained and transported during the Israelites' wilderness journey.

Theological Significance: The name Zuriel, meaning "My Rock is God," underscores the theological theme of God as a steadfast and reliable foundation. This is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, where God is often depicted as a rock or fortress, providing strength and protection to His people. Zuriel's leadership role among the Levites highlights the importance of faithful service and dedication to God's work.

Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, names often carried significant meaning and were reflective of personal or familial faith. Zuriel's name would have served as a constant reminder of the centrality of God in the life of the Israelites and the Levites' special role in maintaining the spiritual life of the nation.

Legacy: While Zuriel is not a prominent figure in terms of narrative detail, his inclusion in the genealogical and organizational records of the Levites emphasizes the importance of each individual's contribution to the collective mission of Israel. His leadership among the Merarites ensured the proper function and reverence of the Tabernacle, which was the focal point of Israelite worship and the presence of God among His people.Zuriel

rock or strength of God

Zuriel

(my rock is God) son of Abihail, and chief of the Merarite Levites at the time of the exodus. (Numbers 3:35)

Rock of God, chief of the family of the Merarites (Numbers 3:35) at the time of the Exodus. ZURIEL

zu'-ri-el (tsuri'-el, "my rock is El (God)"): Prince of the house of Merari (Numbers 3:35).

The word tsur, "rock," occurs also in the compound names Elizur (Numbers 1:5), Zurishaddai (Numbers 1:6, etc.) and Pedahzur (Numbers 1:10). Gray, Numbers 6, says that a Sabean name Suri'addana is found in an inscription said to be of the 8th century B.C., or somewhat carrier (Hommel, Ancient Hebrew Tradition, 320), and bartsur, in a Zinjirli inscription of the 8th century B.C. (Panammu Inscr., 1. 1), and that possibly the Old Testament place-name "Beth-zur" should be added (Joshua 15:58 1 Chronicles 2:45 2 Chronicles 11:7 Nehemiah 3:16).

David Francis Roberts

6700. Tsuriel -- "my rock is El," a Levite
... 6699, 6700. Tsuriel. 6701 . "my rock is El," a Levite. Transliteration: Tsuriel
Phonetic Spelling: (tsoo-ree-ale') Short Definition: Zuriel. ... Zuriel. ...
/hebrew/6700.htm - 6kZuriel (1 Occurrence)
...ZURIEL. zu'-ri-el (tsuri'-el, "my rock is El (God)"): Prince of the house of Merari
(Numbers 3:35). ... Multi-Version Concordance Zuriel (1 Occurrence). ...
/z/zuriel.htm - 8k

Zu'riel (1 Occurrence)
Zu'riel. Zuriel, Zu'riel. Zurishaddai . ... Numbers 3:35 The prince of the fathers'
house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. ...
/z/zu'riel.htm - 6k

Abihail (6 Occurrences)
... is the former: "father, or cause, of strength"): Five persons in the Old Testament
are called by this name: (1) A Levite and the father of Zuriel, who in the ...
/a/abihail.htm - 10k

Merari (38 Occurrences)
... At the exodus they numbered, under their chief Zuriel, 6,200, and they were assigned
the north side of the tabernacle as a tenting-place (Numbers 3:34, 35 ...
/m/merari.htm - 23k

Zur (9 Occurrences)

/z/zur.htm - 10k

Northward (41 Occurrences)
... Numbers 3:35 And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari
was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle ...
/n/northward.htm - 21k

Encamped (115 Occurrences)
... southward. (DBY). Numbers 3:35 And the prince of the father's house of
the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They ...
/e/encamped.htm - 34k

Elizur (5 Occurrences)
... e-li'-zur ('elitsur; Septuagint Eleiour, Elisour, "My God is a rock"; compare Zuriel
"my rock is God" (Numbers 3:35)): A chief or prince of the tribe of Reuben ...
/e/elizur.htm - 8k

Merar'i (32 Occurrences)
... Numbers 3:35 the prince of the fathers' house of the families of Merari being Zuriel
the son of Abihail; they were to pitch on the side of the tabernacle ...
/m/merar'i.htm - 14k

Merarite (8 Occurrences)
... Numbers 3:35 the prince of the fathers' house of the families of Merari being Zuriel
the son of Abihail; they were to pitch on the side of the tabernacle ...
/m/merarite.htm - 8k

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