Zurishaddai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the wilderness journey of the Israelites. His name, of Hebrew origin, is often interpreted to mean "The Almighty is my rock" or "My rock is the Almighty," reflecting a strong theological assertion of God's strength and protection.

Biblical References:

Zurishaddai is primarily noted as the father of Shelumiel, who was a leader of the tribe of Simeon during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. The Book of Numbers provides several references to Zurishaddai:

1. Numbers 1:6 · In the census of the Israelite tribes conducted by Moses and Aaron, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai is listed as the leader of the tribe of Simeon: "from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai."

2. Numbers 2:12 · When the Israelites camped around the Tabernacle, the tribe of Simeon, under the leadership of Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, was positioned: "The tribe of Simeon will camp next to it. The leader of the Simeonites is Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai."

3. Numbers 7:36 · During the dedication of the altar, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai brought offerings on behalf of the tribe of Simeon: "On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the Simeonites, drew near."

4. Numbers 10:19 · As the Israelites set out from Sinai, the order of march is described, with Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai leading the division of the camp of Simeon: "Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai was over the division of the tribe of Simeon."

Theological Significance:

The name Zurishaddai, with its emphasis on God as a rock, underscores a recurring biblical theme of God as a steadfast protector and source of strength for His people. This imagery is consistent with other scriptural references to God as a rock, a refuge, and a fortress (e.g., Psalm 18:2).

Historical and Cultural Context:

Zurishaddai's mention in the context of the wilderness journey highlights the organizational structure of the Israelite tribes during this formative period. Each tribe had a designated leader, and these leaders played crucial roles in maintaining order and facilitating communication between Moses, Aaron, and the people. The tribal leaders, including Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, were responsible for representing their respective tribes in religious and civil matters.

Legacy:

While Zurishaddai himself is not a central figure in biblical narratives, his legacy is carried through his son Shelumiel, who actively participated in the leadership and religious life of the Israelite community. The mention of Zurishaddai serves as a reminder of the familial and tribal connections that were vital to the identity and cohesion of the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land.Zurishaddai

the Almighty is my rock and strength

Zurishaddai

(my rock is the Almighty), father of Shelumiel, the chief of the tribe of Simeon at the time of the exodus. (Numbers 1:6; 2:12; 7:36,41; 10:19)

Rock of the Almighty, the father of Shelumiel, who was chief of the tribe of Simeon when Israel was encamped at Sinai (Numbers 1:6; 2:12). ZURISHADDAI

zu-ri-shad'-a-i, zu-ri-shad'-i (tsurishadday, "my rock is Shadday"): Father of Shelumiel the head of the tribe of Simeon (Numbers 1:6; Numbers 2:12; Numbers 7:36, 41; 10:19).

See GOD, NAMES OF, II, 8; ZURIEL.

6701. Tsuwriyshadday -- "my rock is the Almighty," a Simeonite
... "my rock is the Almighty," a Simeonite. Transliteration: Tsuwriyshadday Phonetic
Spelling: (tsoo-ree-shad-dah'-ee) Short Definition: Zurishaddai. Zurishaddai ...
/hebrew/6701.htm - 5k

6701a. Tsurishadday -- "my rock is the Almighty," a Simeonite
... 6701, 6701a. Tsurishadday. 6701b . "my rock is the Almighty," a Simeonite.
Transliteration: Tsurishadday Short Definition: Zurishaddai. ...
/hebrew/6701a.htm - 5k

Zurishaddai (5 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZURISHADDAI. ... Multi-Version Concordance Zurishaddai
(5 Occurrences). Numbers 1:6 Of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. ...
/z/zurishaddai.htm - 8k

Zurishad'dai (5 Occurrences)
Zurishad'dai. Zurishaddai, Zurishad'dai. Zuzim . ... Zurishad'dai (5 Occurrences).
Numbers 1:6 Of Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. (See RSV). ...
/z/zurishad'dai.htm - 7k

Shelu'mi-el (5 Occurrences)
... Shelu'mi-el (5 Occurrences). Numbers 1:6 Of Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. ...
This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. (See RSV). ...
/s/shelu'mi-el.htm - 7k

Shelumiel (5 Occurrences)
... Numbers 1:6 Of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. ... The prince of the children
of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. ...
/s/shelumiel.htm - 8k

Simeon (48 Occurrences)
... Numbers 1:6 Of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. ... The prince of the children
of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. ...
/s/simeon.htm - 35k

Leader (183 Occurrences)
... Numbers 2:12 "Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Simeon. The prince
of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. ...
/l/leader.htm - 35k

Yearling (48 Occurrences)
... This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. (DBY). Numbers 7:45 one
young bullock, one ram, one yearling lamb, for a burnt-offering; (DBY). ...
/y/yearling.htm - 19k

Zu'riel (1 Occurrence)
Zu'riel. Zuriel, Zu'riel. Zurishaddai . Multi-Version Concordance Zu'riel
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Zuriel, Zu'riel. Zurishaddai . Reference Bible.
/z/zu'riel.htm - 6k

Zuriel (1 Occurrence)
... The word tsur, "rock," occurs also in the compound names Elizur (Numbers 1:5),
Zurishaddai (Numbers 1:6, etc.) and Pedahzur (Numbers 1:10). ...
/z/zuriel.htm - 8k

Nearest (22 Occurrences)
... chief. (BBE). Numbers 2:12 And nearest to him, the tribe of Simeon, with
Shelumiel, the son of Zurishaddai, as their chief. (BBE). ...
/n/nearest.htm - 13k

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