Azarel, also called Azareel or Azarael, is the name of several Old Testament men, including a soldier of David, a temple musician, priests, and other Israelites mentioned in genealogical and postexilic records.
Definition
Azarel, also called Azareel or Azarael in some versions, is the name of several Old Testament men. They include a Korahite who joined David at Ziklag, a temple musician descended from Heman, a captain serving David, a son of Bani, the father of a postexilic priest, and a priest’s son who played the trumpet at Jerusalem’s wall dedication.
Biblical Usage
The name appears in military, musical, priestly, genealogical, and postexilic settings. Azarel is associated with David’s forces, temple music, priestly service, the community returned from exile, and the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall.
Historical Background
The individuals bearing this name belonged to different Israelite families and periods, including David’s reign and the postexilic community. The name is represented differently in English versions, including Azareel and Azarael.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>az'-a-rel `azarel, ("God is helper"; the King James Version reads Azareel in numbers 1-5, Azarael in numbers 6):</p><p>(1) A Korahite who entered the army of David at Ziklag (1Ch 12:6).</p><p>(2) A musician in the temple appointed by lot; son of Heman (1Ch 25:18; compare Uzziel, 1Ch 25:4).</p><p>(3) A captain of the tribe of Da in the service of David (1Ch 27:22).</p><p>(4) One of those who had "strange wives," a son of Bani (Ezr 10:41).</p><p>(5) The father of Amashai, a priest who dwelt in Jerusalem after the Exile (Ne 11:13).</p><p>(6) A priest's son who played the trumpet in the procession when the wall was dedicated (Ne 12:36).</p><p>A. L. Breslich</p>
