Zuriel צוּרִיאֵל
Leader of the Merarite Levites
Who is Zuriel in the Bible?
Zuriel was the son of Abihail and leader of the Merarite clan of Levites during Moses' time (Numbers 3:35). The Merarites were one of three main divisions of the Levites, and under Zuriel's leadership they held the crucial responsibility of transporting and assembling the tabernacle's structural components, including its framework, pillars, and bases, throughout the Israelites' wilderness journey. Though Zuriel appears only briefly in scripture, his role was essential to the functioning of Israel's worship, as the Merarites' work enabled the tabernacle to be properly constructed at each encampment.
Biography
Zuriel Zuriel was the son of Abihail and the leader of the Merarite clan of Levites during the time of Moses (Num.3.35). The Merarites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, responsible for transporting and setting up the framework, pillars, and bases of the tabernacle during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical bookNumbers 1 verse
- Numbers 3:35
"The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | צוּרִיאֵל |
Zuriel
tsur, "rock," occurs also in the compound names Elizur (Nu 1:5), Zurishaddai (Nu 1:6, etc.) and Pedahzur (Nu 1:10). Gray, Numbers 6, says that a Sabean name Suri'addana is found in an inscription said to be of the 8th century BC, or somewhat carrier (Hommel, Ancient Hebrew Tradition, 320), and bartsur, in a Zinjirli inscription of the 8th century BC (Panammu Inscr., 1. 1), and that possibly the Old Testament place-name "Beth-zur" should be added (Jos 15:58; 1Ch 2:45; 2Ch 11:7; Ne 3:16).
David Francis Roberts
zu-ri-shad'-a-i, zu-ri-shad'-i (tsurishadday, "my rock is Shadday"): Father of Shelumiel the head of the tribe of Simeon (<ref osisRe