Who was Azriel in the Bible?

Azriel was the son of Jeremoth and served as the leader or ruler of the tribe of Naphtali during the reign of King David. He is mentioned in a list of David's military and tribal officials (1 Chronicles 27:19).

What was Azriel's role in King David's administration?

Azriel's role was as the tribal chief of Naphtali, responsible for the tribe's affairs and likely its military contingent for the king. His mention highlights the organized structure of David's kingdom across all twelve tribes.

Why is Azriel a significant biblical figure?

While details are sparse, Azriel is significant as a named leader who helped administer David's united kingdom, representing the tribe of Naphtali. His inclusion shows that every tribe had a designated leader under David's rule (1 Chronicles 27:16-22).

Azriel

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleFather of jerimoth

Azriel son of Jeremoth was the ruler of the tribe of Naphtali during the reign of King David (1 Chr 27:19).

Azriel

Biography

Azriel son of Jeremoth served as the appointed leader over the tribe of Naphtali during King David's administrative reorganization of Israel (1 Chronicles 27:19). David's mature governance of the kingdom included a detailed tribal roster in which each tribe was assigned a designated officer to oversee its affairs and ensure its integration into the national administration. The name Azriel means "God is my help", a name that reflects the piety common among families of this era. Little else is known about this Azriel, but his appointment to tribal leadership in Naphtali places him among the administrative pillars of the Davidic kingdom. Naphtali, a northern tribe with a complex history including significant territorial vulnerability, required capable leadership to maintain its covenant identity and civic function.

Significance

Azriel's appointment as Naphtali's tribal leader under David illustrates the breadth of David's administrative vision and Israel's aspirations toward a well-ordered covenant society. The tribal leadership structure of 1 Chronicles 27 reflects the Mosaic ideal of organized, accountable governance, each tribe represented and dignified within the national whole. Azriel's role ensures that Naphtali, though distant from Jerusalem, remained connected to the covenantal center of Israelite life. His name, "God is my help," further suggests that effective leadership in Israel was understood as a vocation exercised in dependence on divine assistance rather than personal power. He stands as a reminder that faithful administration at every level contributes to the flourishing of God's people.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 27:19

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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