Original Word: חֶצְרוֹ
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Chetsrow
Pronunciation: khets-ro'
Phonetic Spelling: (khets-ro')
KJV: Hezro, Hezrai
NASB: Hezro
Word Origin: [by an orthographical variation for H2696 (חֶצרוֹן - Hezron)]

1. enclosure
2. Chetsro, an Israelite

Hezro, Hezrai

By an orthographical variation for Chetsrown; enclosure; Chetsro, an Israelite -- Hezro, Hezrai.

see HEBREW Chetsrown

Word Origin
from the same as chatser
Definition
one of David's heroes
NASB Translation
Hezro (2).

חֶצְרוֺ, חֶצְרַי ( proper name, masculine compare Sabean proper name, masculine חצֿר DHM^{Epigr. Denkm. 56}) — one of David's heroes, called the Carmelite, חצרו 2 Samuel 23:35 Kt (חֶצְרַי Qr; ᵐ5 Ασαραι) = חֶצְרוֺ 1 Chronicles 11:37 ᵐ5 Ησεραι, Ασαραι, Εσρει.

Name and Meaning

The name חֶצְרוֹ (Hezro/Hezrai) is linked to the idea of being surrounded or enclosed, conveying security and protection. Within redemptive history, the name itself becomes a subtle reminder of the Lord’s covenant care that encircles His people.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. 2 Samuel 23:35 – “Hezrai the Carmelite…”
2. 1 Chronicles 11:37 – “Hezro the Carmelite…”

These two parallel lists enumerate the “mighty men” who served King David during his rise and reign.

Historical Setting

The rosters in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11 preserve the memory of a select corps whose exploits secured Israel’s borders and David’s throne in the tenth century B.C. Their inclusion follows major military campaigns against the Philistines, Ammonites, and other neighboring enemies. Hezro of Carmel lived during a formative era when tribal confederation was giving way to a centralized monarchy in Jerusalem.

Role among David’s Mighty Men

Though no specific exploit of Hezro is narrated, his placement in the elite lists situates him among warriors such as Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Benaiah. Admission to this brotherhood required exceptional valor, unwavering loyalty, and proven faith during years of conflict. The Chronicler’s decision to preserve every individual name reflects divine appreciation for faithful service, even when human records are sparse.

Geographical Connection: Carmel of Judah

Carmel (distinct from Mount Carmel in the north) lay in the Judean hill country south-southwest of Hebron. The region is first noted in the life of Nabal and Abigail (1 Samuel 25). From this fertile yet contested territory came Hezro, suggesting that David’s support base extended deep into southern Judah. His Carmel origin aligns with David’s own early movements around Hebron and the Negev.

Textual Harmony

The variation “Hezrai” (Samuel) versus “Hezro” (Chronicles) illustrates typical orthographic shifts between books without signaling contradiction. Both forms reflect the same consonantal root, and both texts affirm one historical individual. Such minor differences underscore the independence of the witnesses while, together, providing a fuller picture.

Theological Significance

1. Covenant Loyalty: By attaching his strength to the Lord’s anointed, Hezro embodies 1 Chronicles 12:38, where wholehearted devotion unifies the nation.
2. Divine Remembrance: Scripture’s deliberate preservation of seemingly obscure names shows that God “is not unjust to forget your work and the love you have shown” (Hebrews 6:10).
3. Communal Victory: The lists demonstrate that David’s triumphs were not solitary; they were achieved through a community of Spirit-empowered servants, foreshadowing the cooperative ministry of the body of Christ.

Ministry Lessons and Application

• Faithfulness Over Fame – Hezro teaches modern believers that many critical contributions to God’s kingdom will never receive public acclaim yet remain eternally recorded.
• Local Roots, Kingdom Impact – Originating from a small Judean town did not limit Hezro’s usefulness; God uses believers from every locale to advance His purposes.
• Valor Anchored in Worship – David’s men fought not merely for political aims but for the honor of the Lord who had called and anointed their king. Courage was therefore an act of worship.

Relationship to Other Biblical Characters

Carmel’s prior connection with Abigail, who became David’s wife, may hint that figures from that district were especially receptive to David’s leadership. While speculative, such ties suggest networks of kinship and loyalty instrumental in unifying Judah around David.

Enduring Relevance

Hezro’s brief cameo stands as a witness that every servant matters in the unfolding plan of redemption. Whether protecting a field, standing guard, or charging an enemy line, the simple act of steadfast service finds eternal significance when rendered unto the Lord.

חֶצְרַי֙ חֶצְרוֹ֙ חצרו חצרי chetzRai chetzRo ḥeṣ·ray ḥeṣ·rōw ḥeṣray ḥeṣrōwInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts