Who was Azriel in the Bible?

Azriel was a leader, specifically the head of a father's house, within the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled east of the Jordan River in the region of Gilead. He is mentioned only once in the biblical record (1 Chronicles 5:24).

What is the significance of Azriel in 1 Chronicles?

Azriel's significance lies in his role as a clan leader, representing his family line during the time when the chronicler lists the genealogy and military might of the Transjordan tribes. His inclusion highlights the structure and recognized leadership within the tribe of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 5:24).

Are there any stories or key events about Azriel's life?

No specific stories or key events from Azriel's life are recorded in the Bible. The single reference to him simply identifies his position and lineage, providing a historical anchor point within the larger narrative of Israel's tribes.

Azriel

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleManasseh leader

Azriel was a head of a father's house in the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead (1 Chr 5:24).

Azriel

Biography

Azriel was a head of a patriarchal household in the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled in the Transjordanian region of Gilead (1 Chronicles 5:24). The genealogical record of the eastern Manassite clans identifies him among the "mighty men of valor, famous men" who led their families in this territory east of the Jordan River. These tribes, Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, occupied land conquered before Israel's main entry into Canaan and maintained their tribal identity across centuries. Azriel is identified specifically as a head of a father's house, indicating recognized patriarchal authority within the community. The Chronicler's notation that these were men of valor implies both military distinction and civic prominence within the Transjordanian Israelite settlements.

Significance

Azriel's inclusion in the tribal records of Manasseh-Gilead underscores the theological principle that the covenant community extends beyond its geographic center. The eastern tribes often faced unique challenges, proximity to hostile neighbors, physical separation from the tabernacle and later the temple, yet they maintained their Israelite identity and tribal leadership structures. The characterization of men like Azriel as "famous" and "mighty" suggests that faithfulness to God could be expressed and cultivated even on the margins. However, 1 Chronicles 5:25-26 also records that these same tribes eventually fell into apostasy, serving as a cautionary counterpoint: the gifts of land, valor, and leadership become liabilities when covenant fidelity is abandoned. Azriel thus stands at the intersection of privilege and responsibility.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 5:24

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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