Lexical Summary Azaz: Azaz Original Word: עָזָז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Azaz From azaz; strong; Azaz, an Israelite -- Azaz. see HEBREW azaz NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom azaz Definition "strong," a Reubenite NASB Translation Azaz (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עָזָז proper name, masculine Reubenite name 1 Chronicles 5:8, Οζουζ, ᵐ5L Ιωαζαζ. (Ginsbmargin עָזֵז, עָזָן, עַזָּן, compare Baer100). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Azaz is mentioned once in Scripture, in a Reubenite genealogy (1 Chronicles 5:8). He is the father of Bela, a leader whose clan settled the eastern borderlands of Israel from Aroer toward Nebo and Baal-meon. Historical Setting The Chronicler recounts the pre-exilic history of the tribes east of the Jordan. Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had obtained this territory during the conquest (Numbers 32:33). Generations later, the tribe faced Assyrian pressure and eventual deportation (1 Chronicles 5:6, 26). By inserting Azaz into the lineage, the writer secures a clear chain of descent from the original settlement to the time of national upheaval. Genealogical Importance 1 Chronicles 5:8 sits between a list of ancestral rulers (verses 6–7) and a military narrative (verses 9–22). The placement shows that heritage and land rights are inseparable: the clan of Bela son of Azaz possessed lawful title to the region where they later fought the Hagrites. This reinforces legal continuity amid political instability and testifies that, despite exile, Israel’s tribal structure remained traceable. Thematic Emphasis on Strength The name itself conveys the idea of strength. Immediately after Azaz is named, the Chronicler records that Bela’s descendants expanded “to the entrance of the wilderness from the Euphrates River, for their livestock had increased in the land of Gilead” (1 Chronicles 5:9). The clan’s growth and military success (verses 18–20) illustrate that true strength flows from covenant faithfulness: “They cried out to God in battle, and He answered their prayers, because they trusted in Him” (verse 20). Theological Significance 1. God’s Omniscient Care: Even an obscure patriarch appears in the inspired record, reminding believers that every saint, however hidden, is known to God (cf. Luke 12:7). Ministry Applications • Value of Heritage: Churches and families can trace and honor their spiritual lineage, understanding that faithfulness in one generation strengthens the next. Summary Though Azaz stands in Scripture as a single, passing reference, his inclusion anchors the historical reliability of 1 Chronicles, illustrates the theme of God-given strength, and offers enduring lessons on covenant identity, divine remembrance, and generational faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations עָזָ֔ז עזז ‘ā·zāz ‘āzāz aZazLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 5:8 HEB: וּבֶ֙לַע֙ בֶּן־ עָזָ֔ז בֶּן־ שֶׁ֖מַע NAS: the son of Azaz, the son KJV: the son of Azaz, the son INT: and Bela the son of Azaz the son of Shema |