Original Word: אֲחִיעֶזֶר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Achiy`ezer
Pronunciation: ah-khee-EH-zer
Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ee-eh'-zer)
KJV: Ahiezer
NASB: Ahiezer
Word Origin: [from H251 (אָח - brother) and H5828 (עֵזֶר - help)]

1. brother of help
2. Achiezer, the name of two Israelites

Ahiezer

From 'ach and ezer; brother of help; Achiezer, the name of two Israelites -- Ahiezer.

see HEBREW 'ach

see HEBREW ezer

Word Origin
from ach and ezer
Definition
"my brother is help," two Isr.
NASB Translation
Ahiezer (6).

אֲחִיעֶ֫זֶר proper name, masculine (my brother is help, compare Assyrian A—ulê°te, my brother is strength, Dl^{Pr 202})

1 a chief of Dan Numbers 1:12; Numbers 2:25; Numbers 7:66,71; Numbers 10:25.

2 one of David's heroes 1 Chronicles 12:3.

Identity and Name Significance

Ahiezer means “brother of help.” In every appearance the men who bear the name are portrayed as channels through whom God’s help reaches His people—either by governing, by guarding, or by girding a future king.

Occurrences

Numbers 1:12; Numbers 2:25; Numbers 7:66; Numbers 7:71; Numbers 10:25; 1 Chronicles 12:3.

Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai: Leader of Dan during the Exodus

1. Representative in the Census

“From Dan: Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai” (Numbers 1:12). As tribal chief he authenticated the first national census, a foundational act that transformed a slave multitude into a numbered army of the LORD. His signature on the roll declared Dan ready to stand with the other tribes under Yahweh’s banner.

2. Camp and March Order

“The division of the camp of Dan shall set out last under their standard. The leader of Dan shall be Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai” (Numbers 10:25). Dan’s standard closed the procession on the wilderness march, functioning as Israel’s rearguard. Ahiezer thus commanded the troops who protected the covenant people from surprise attack—an apt role for a man whose name evokes help and brotherhood. The position also ensured that no straggler was left behind, illustrating the shepherd-like care God expects of His leaders.

3. Dedication Offerings

On the tenth day of Tabernacle dedication, “the leader of the Danites, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai,” presented his tribe’s offerings (Numbers 7:66–71). His gifts matched those of the other chiefs, underscoring the unity and equality of the tribes before the LORD. The narrative highlights meticulous obedience; every item is enumerated, showing that wholehearted giving is never wasted detail in God’s record.

4. Spiritual Lessons
• Leadership under divine authority: Ahiezer acted only at Moses’ command, modeling submission to God-appointed oversight.
• Protection of the vulnerable: Serving at the rear, he guarded the weakest—a foreshadowing of the Good Shepherd who gathers the lambs (John 10:11).
• Perseverance: Dan would later wander into idolatry (Judges 18), yet its earliest chief appears faithful. A good beginning does not guarantee a good finish for a tribe, but it sets a righteous standard.

Ahiezer the Benjamite: Early Supporter of David

1. Chief among Ambidextrous Archers

“Ahiezer the chief and Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite” were among the Benjamites who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:3). These warriors could “shoot arrows or sling stones with either the right or left hand,” mirroring Benjamin’s historic prowess (Judges 20:16). As “chief,” Ahiezer led his kinsmen in a costly break with Saul, risking reprisal to align with the anointed one.

2. Ministry Significance
• Discernment: He recognized God’s future king before David’s throne was visible, reflecting faith over sight.
• Reconciliation: A Benjamite aiding a Judean king prefigures the eventual healing of tribal fractures in the united monarchy.
• Courageous loyalty: His choice at Ziklag echoes the call of every believer to leave former allegiances and cling to Christ, the true Son of David (Luke 14:26–27).

Theological and Ministry Reflections

Integrity in obscurity: Neither Ahiezer gained personal renown beyond brief notices, yet Scripture forever anchors their names to God’s unfolding plan.

Helping brethren: Whether guarding Israel’s rear or strengthening David’s front, both men lived up to the meaning of their name, reminding the church that “through love, serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

God’s remembrance: Six brief references are enough for the Holy Spirit to preserve their deeds, assuring modern servants that no act of faithful help is overlooked (Hebrews 6:10).

Typological Connections

• Rearguard of Dan → Christ as “the First and the Last” (Revelation 1:17), protecting the pilgrim host from front to rear.
• Benjamite archer → the gospel’s penetration of hearts, for “Your arrows have pierced me” (Psalm 38:2).
• Tribal offerings → the once-for-all offering of Christ, uniting diverse peoples into one household (Ephesians 2:14–16).

Summary

Ahiezer stands as a double witness: in the wilderness he safeguards a nascent nation; at Ziklag he strengthens a fugitive king. Both roles pivot on the same truth—God raises helpers who, though briefly mentioned, leave an enduring testimony that “salvation belongs to the LORD” (Psalm 3:8).

אֲחִיעֶ֖זֶר אֲחִיעֶ֜זֶר אחיעזר ’ă·ḥî·‘e·zer ’ăḥî‘ezer achiEzerInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts