Who was Uzziel in the Bible?

Uzziel was a grandson of the patriarch Benjamin and one of the sons of Bela, making him a member of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:7). He is listed in the genealogical records, establishing his place within the lineage of God's chosen people.

What is the significance of Uzziel in the Bible?

Uzziel's significance lies primarily in his genealogical role, helping to document the family lines of the tribe of Benjamin. This preserved the tribal heritage and identity, which was crucial for land inheritance and understanding Israel's history.

Are there any key events in Uzziel's life?

The Bible does not record any specific events in Uzziel's life beyond his mention in the genealogy. His inclusion confirms his existence and lineage, which was the primary purpose of such lists in the historical books of the Old Testament.

Uzziel

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessMaleSon

Uzziel, a grandson of Benjamin, was one of the sons of Bela.

Uzziel

Biography

Uzziel was a grandson of Benjamin, listed among the sons of Bela in the Benjamite genealogy of 1 Chronicles 7:7. Bela was the firstborn son of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21), and his descendants constituted one of the leading clans of the tribe. Uzziel's generation belongs to the patriarchal period of Israel's sojourn in Egypt, when Jacob's extended family settled in Goshen. The Chronicler compiled these genealogies to establish the full tribal lineage of Benjamin, noting that Bela's sons were mighty warriors and heads of their families. Uzziel, as a member of this warrior clan, contributed to the numerical and military strength that Benjamin would eventually bring to Israel's confederacy in Canaan.

Significance

Uzziel's place in the Benjamite genealogy of 1 Chronicles 7 reflects the theological importance the Chronicler placed on tribal integrity and continuity. Benjamin, the tribe of King Saul, of Esther and Mordecai, and of the apostle Paul, required a complete and credible ancestral record. Uzziel, though individually obscure, represents one genealogical link in a chain whose ultimate significance extended far beyond his own generation. The preservation of such names affirms the biblical conviction that every member of God's covenant community matters to the divine economy, and that the promises given to Jacob's sons were carried forward through the faithful obscurity of ordinary individuals across many generations.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 7:7

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]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources