Original Word: עֶזְרִי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Ezriy
Pronunciation: ez-REE
Phonetic Spelling: (ez-ree')
KJV: Ezri
NASB: Ezri
Word Origin: [from H5828 (עֵזֶר - help)]

1. helpful
2. Ezri, an Israelite

Ezri

From ezer; helpful; Ezri, an Israelite -- Ezri.

see HEBREW ezer

Word Origin
from ezer
Definition
"my help," an Isr.
NASB Translation
Ezri (1).

עֶזְרִי proper name, masculine 1 Chronicles 27:26, Εσδρει, Εζραι.

Name Meaning and Theological Implication

Ezri (עֶזְרִי) means “my help.” Throughout Scripture the confession “my help” is ultimately directed toward the Lord (Psalm 121:1–2; Hebrews 13:6). The personal name therefore bears witness to parental faith that the covenant God is a present helper. By bearing that name while serving in the royal administration, Ezri models the integration of theology with vocation.

Biblical Occurrence

1 Chronicles 27:26 records the single appearance: “Ezri son of Chelub was in charge of the workers who farmed the land”.

Historical Context

1 Chronicles 27 outlines the standing military divisions and civil officers who served King David during a united monarchy. The list gives a monthly roster of commanders (verses 1–15) and a catalog of key administrators (verses 16–34). Ezri belongs to the latter group, situated in a section that manages royal resources: vineyards (verse 27), olive and sycamore trees (verse 28), herds (verses 29–31), and treasuries (verse 25). David’s reign required a well-ordered bureaucracy to support worship, defense, and social stability, demonstrating the king’s commitment to reflect God’s own order in creation (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 72:1-17).

Ministry Role

1. Agricultural Oversight
• Ezri managed those “who farmed the land,” securing grain and produce that sustained the court, the army, and Levitical worship (1 Chronicles 23:4; 2 Chronicles 31:5).
• His work safeguarded the food supply that enabled David to extend hospitality (2 Samuel 9:7) and covenant mercy to Israel.

2. Stewardship of Creation
• By organizing cultivation, Ezri participated in the Adamic mandate to “work and keep” the ground (Genesis 2:15).
• Proper stewardship under David foreshadows the Messianic Kingdom where agriculture will flourish in peace (Amos 9:13-15).

3. Economic Justice
• Administrators like Ezri prevented exploitation by regulating royal land use, ensuring that tithes and offerings flowed to their intended recipients (1 Chronicles 26:20; Nehemiah 13:10-13).

Spiritual Application

• Faithful Service in Secular Callings: Ezri’s low-profile but essential task illustrates that “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).
• Dependence on Divine Help: Bearing the name “my help,” Ezri reminds believers that every vocation succeeds only through God’s provision (Proverbs 3:5-6).
• Community Provision: Wise management of resources supports worship and discipleship today, whether in church budgeting, missions logistics, or relief work (Acts 6:1-4).

Typological and Prophetic Implications

David’s ordered administration anticipates Christ’s perfect reign. Just as Ezri assured material abundance for Israel’s king, the Messiah guarantees spiritual and physical provision for His people (John 6:35; Revelation 7:16-17). The name “my help” points forward to Jesus, who is both Helper (Hebrews 13:6) and King (Revelation 19:16), uniting divine aid with sovereign authority.

Summary

Ezri son of Chelub, though mentioned only once, embodies covenant faith in God’s help, diligent stewardship of the land, and quiet contribution to David’s kingdom. His example encourages believers to honor the Lord through competent, faithful labor, trusting the ultimate Helper who supplies every need according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

עֶזְרִ֖י עזרי ‘ez·rî ‘ezrî ezRiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts