Bible Dictionary

Hur

People & Groups • Old Testament

Hur is the name of several men, including Moses’ associate who helped Aaron support Israel during the battle with Amalek, a forefather of Bezalel, a Midianite prince, and others mentioned in later genealogies.

Definition

Hur is the name of several men. The best-known was an Israelite official who assisted Aaron in supporting Moses during the battle with Amalek and helped administer the people while Moses was on the mountain. Other men named Hur included a grandfather of Bezalel, a Midianite prince, an officer’s father, and the father of Rephaiah.

Biblical Usage

Hur shared leadership with Aaron during Moses’ absence and was connected with Bezalel, the chief craftsman of the tabernacle. A different Hur was among the Midianite kings slain by Israel. Other references occur in royal administration and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall.

Historical Background

The prominent Hur was connected with Judah through Caleb and was identified in tradition as Miriam’s husband. The name also occurs in records concerning Midian, Solomon’s officers, and Nehemiah’s builders.

Scripture References

1 Chronicles 2:19 1 Chronicles 2:50 1 Chronicles 4:1 1 Chronicles 4:4 2 Chronicles 1:5 Exodus 17:10-12 Exodus 24:14 Exodus 31:2 Exodus 35:30 Numbers 31:8

Related Figures

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

A hole, as of a viper, etc. (1.) A son of Caleb (1 Chr. 2:19, 50; 4:1, 4; comp. 2 Chr. 1:5). (2.) The husband of Miriam, Moses’ sister (Ex. 17:10-12). He was associated with Aaron in charge of the people when Moses was absent on Sinai (Ex. 24:14). He was probably of the tribe of Judah, and grandfather of Bezaleel (Ex. 31:2; 35:30; 1 Chr. 2:19). (3.) One of the five princes of Midian who were defeated and slain by the Israelites under the command of Phinehas (Num. 31:8).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)

hur (chur):(1) A prominent official in Israel. With Aaron he held up Moses' hands during the battle against the Amalekites (Ex 17:10,12) and assisted him as judicial head of the people during Moses' stay in the mount (Ex 24:14).(2) Grandfather of Bezalel, the head artificer in the construction of the Tabernacle (Ex 31:2; 35:30; 38:22; 2Ch 1:5). He is here assigned to the tribe of Judah, and in 1Ch is connected with the same by descent through Caleb (2:19,20,50; 4:1,4). Josephus (Ant., III, ii, 4; vi, 1) makes him identical with (1) and the husband of Miriam.(3) One of the five kings of Midian slain along with Balaam when Israel avenged the "matter of Peor" upon this people (Nu 31:8; compare Nu 31:1,2,16). In Jos 13:21 these kings are spoken of as "chiefs (nesi'im) of Midian" and "princes (necikhim) of Sihon," king of the Amorites.(4) According to 1Ki 4:8 the King James Version, the father of one of Solomon's twelve officers who provided food for the king's household, and whose district was the hill country of Ephraim. Here the Revised Version (British and American) has "Ben-hur," taking the Hebrew ben, "son of," as part of the proper name; and the same is true in reference to the names of four others of these officers (compare 1Ki 4:9,10,11,13).(5) Father of Rephaiah, who was one of the builders of the wall under Nehemiah, and ruler of half the district of Jerusalem (Ne 3:9).Benjamin Reno Downer

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