Who was Uzzi in the Bible?

Uzzi was a Benjamite, meaning he was from the tribe of Benjamin, and he is listed as one of the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the exile. His mention is brief, found in a genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 9:8).

What is the significance of Uzzi in the Bible?

Uzzi's significance lies in his inclusion in the post-exilic census, which highlights the continuity of the tribe of Benjamin and the repopulation of Jerusalem. His record helps establish the historical and genealogical lineage of God's people returning to the Promised Land.

What key events was Uzzi involved in?

The Bible does not record specific events in Uzzi's life. His sole mention is as a named resident in the list of those who returned from exile and dwelt in Jerusalem, as documented in 1 Chronicles 9:8.

Uzzi

Old TestamentExile & ReturnMaleSon of michri

Uzzi, a Benjamite, was one of the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Uzzi

Biography

Uzzi son of Michri was a Benjamite who settled in Jerusalem following the return from Babylonian exile, as recorded in Nehemiah 11:22. He is identified as the father of Elah, and his family was among those who chose, or were appointed, to repopulate the holy city after the return under Zerubbabel and Ezra. The resettlement of Jerusalem was a matter of great national importance; Nehemiah 11:1-2 notes that leaders dwelt in Jerusalem by obligation while the people cast lots to determine who else would join them, with those who willingly offered themselves to live there being specially commended. Uzzi's Benjamite family thus played a part in restoring Jerusalem's population and civic life.

Significance

Uzzi's presence among the Benjamite returnees who settled Jerusalem underscores the breadth of Israel's restoration following exile. Jerusalem's repopulation required the cooperation of all twelve tribes, and Benjamin's contribution, the tribe from whose territory much of Jerusalem itself lay, was especially significant. Uzzi and his family exemplify the quiet courage required to abandon comfort in the diaspora and commit to rebuilding God's city. This act of faithful return mirrors the theological pattern of Nehemiah as a whole: a God who gathers his scattered people and restores them to their inheritance, previewing the eschatological ingathering prophesied throughout Scripture.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 9:8

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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