Topical Encyclopedia Pedah'zur is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. He is recognized as a leader within the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His name, Pedah'zur, is of Hebrew origin and is often interpreted to mean "the rock has ransomed" or "the rock has redeemed," reflecting a theophoric element that attributes deliverance or redemption to God, often symbolized as a rock.Biblical References: Pedah'zur is primarily mentioned in the context of the census of the Israelites, which was conducted in the wilderness of Sinai. This census was commanded by God to Moses and Aaron to organize the people for their journey and eventual conquest of the Promised Land. In this context, Pedah'zur is identified as the father of Gamaliel, who was chosen as the leader of the tribe of Manasseh. · Numbers 1:10 : "from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud; from Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur." · Numbers 2:20 : "Next will be the tribe of Manasseh. The leader of the Manassites is Gamaliel son of Pedahzur." · Numbers 7:54 : "On the eighth day Gamaliel son of Pedahzur, the leader of the Manassites, drew near." · Numbers 10:23 : "Gamaliel son of Pedahzur was over the division of the tribe of Manasseh." Role and Significance: Pedah'zur's significance in the biblical narrative is primarily through his son, Gamaliel, who played a prominent role as a leader during the Israelites' wilderness journey. Gamaliel's leadership underlines the importance of Pedah'zur's lineage within the tribe of Manasseh. The tribe of Manasseh, being one of the two half-tribes descended from Joseph, held a significant position among the tribes of Israel, and Pedah'zur's family contributed to its leadership and representation. The mention of Pedah'zur in the context of the census and the organization of the tribes underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal leadership in the structure of ancient Israelite society. Each tribe had a designated leader who was responsible for representing the tribe before Moses and Aaron, and for leading the tribe in various capacities, including military and religious duties. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Pedah'zur in the biblical record, though brief, highlights the continuity of God's covenantal promises through the generations of Israel. The leadership roles assigned to individuals like Gamaliel, son of Pedah'zur, demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, regarding the multiplication and establishment of their descendants. Pedah'zur's name itself, with its meaning related to redemption, can be seen as a reflection of the broader biblical theme of God's redemptive work among His people. The rock, often a symbol of God's strength and faithfulness, serves as a reminder of the divine protection and deliverance experienced by the Israelites throughout their history. In summary, while Pedah'zur is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his mention serves as a testament to the importance of family and tribal leadership in the unfolding account of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. His legacy is carried forward through his son, Gamaliel, and the tribe of Manasseh, contributing to the larger narrative of God's covenantal relationship with His people. Concordance Pedah'zur (5 Occurrences)Numbers 1:10 Numbers 2:20 Numbers 7:54 Numbers 7:59 Numbers 10:23 Thesaurus Pedah'zur (5 Occurrences)Pedah'zur. Pedahzur, Pedah'zur. Pedaiah . Multi-Version Concordance Pedah'zur (5 Occurrences). Numbers 1:10 Of the children of Joseph ... /p/pedah'zur.htm - 7k Pedahzur (5 Occurrences) Pedaiah (8 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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