Pedahzur 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 during the time of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. His name, Pedahzur, is understood to mean "the rock has ransomed" or "the rock has redeemed," reflecting a common practice of the time to incorporate elements of faith and divine intervention into personal names.

Biblical References:

Pedahzur 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 tribes and prepare for their journey to the Promised Land. Pedahzur's role is highlighted in the following passages:

1. Numbers 1:10 : "from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud; from Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur."

2. Numbers 2:20 : "Next will be the tribe of Manasseh. The leader of the Manassites is Gamaliel son of Pedahzur."

3. Numbers 7:54 : "On the eighth day Gamaliel son of Pedahzur, the leader of the Manassites, drew near."

4. Numbers 10:23 : "Gamaliel son of Pedahzur was over the division of the tribe of Manasseh."

In these passages, Pedahzur is identified as the father of Gamaliel, who served as the leader of the tribe of Manasseh. Gamaliel's leadership role is significant, as he was responsible for representing his tribe during the census and in the arrangement of the camp around the Tabernacle.

Tribal Significance:

The tribe of Manasseh, to which Pedahzur belonged, was one of the two tribes descended from Joseph, the son of Jacob. Manasseh, along with Ephraim, was blessed by Jacob in Genesis 48, where Jacob adopted them as his own sons, thus granting them a portion among the tribes of Israel. This adoption elevated the status of Manasseh and Ephraim, making them integral parts of the Israelite community.

Historical and Theological Context:

Pedahzur's mention in the census underscores the importance of tribal leadership and organization in the Israelite community. The census was not merely a counting of people but a divinely ordained process to establish order and prepare the Israelites for their journey and eventual settlement in Canaan. Each leader, including Pedahzur's son Gamaliel, played a crucial role in maintaining the structure and unity of the tribes.

Theologically, the inclusion of Pedahzur in the biblical narrative highlights the continuity of God's promises to the patriarchs. The tribe of Manasseh, through leaders like Pedahzur and Gamaliel, carried forward the legacy of Joseph and the blessings pronounced by Jacob. This continuity is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring that their descendants would become a great nation.

In summary, Pedahzur, though a relatively minor figure in the biblical text, represents the broader themes of leadership, divine promise, and the organizational structure of the Israelite tribes during a formative period in their history. His legacy is carried on through his son Gamaliel, who played a significant role in the community of Israel.Pedahzur

strong or powerful savior; stone of redemption

Rock of redemption, the father of Gamaliel and prince of Manasseh at the time of the Exodus (Numbers 1:10; 2:20). PEDAHZUR

pe-da'zur (pedhahtsur): Mentioned in Numbers 1:10; Numbers 2:20; Numbers 7:54, 59; 10:23 as the father of Gamaliel, head of the tribe of Manasseh, at the time of the exodus. See The Expository Times, VIII, 555;.

6301. Pedahtsur -- "the rock has ransomed," a Manassite
... Pedahtsur. 6302 . "the rock has ransomed," a Manassite. Transliteration: Pedahtsur
Phonetic Spelling: (ped-aw-tsoor') Short Definition: Pedahzur. ... Pedahzur. ...
/hebrew/6301.htm - 6kPedahzur (5 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PEDAHZUR. ... See The Expository Times, VIII,
555;. Multi-Version Concordance Pedahzur (5 Occurrences). ...
/p/pedahzur.htm - 8k

Pedah'zur (5 Occurrences)
... Pedahzur, Pedah'zur. Pedaiah . ... Numbers 1:10 Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim,
Elishama the son of Ammihud; of Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. ...
/p/pedah'zur.htm - 7k

Gama'liel (5 Occurrences)
... Gama'liel (5 Occurrences). Numbers 1:10 Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim, Elishama
the son of Ammihud; of Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. (See RSV) ...
/g/gama'liel.htm - 7k

Gamaliel (7 Occurrences)
... ga-ma'-li-el (gamli'el, "reward or recompense of God"; Gamaliel): (1) The son of
Pedahzur, and "prince of the children of Manasseh," chosen to aid in taking ...
/g/gamaliel.htm - 13k

Manas'seh (123 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Numbers 1:10 Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim, Elishama the son
of Ammihud; of Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. (See RSV). ...
/m/manas'seh.htm - 35k

Leader (183 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 2:20 "Next to him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and
the prince of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. ...
/l/leader.htm - 35k

Manasseh (140 Occurrences)
... The cloud of Yahweh rested on them until they went forth out of the camp." At Sinai
the prince of the tribe was Gamaliel, son of Pedahzur (Numbers 2:20). ...
/m/manasseh.htm - 68k

Yearling (48 Occurrences)
... This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. (DBY). Numbers 7:63 one young
bullock, one ram, one yearling lamb, for a burnt-offering; (DBY). ...
/y/yearling.htm - 19k

Zuriel (1 Occurrence)
... The word tsur, "rock," occurs also in the compound names Elizur (Numbers 1:5),
Zurishaddai (Numbers 1:6, etc.) and Pedahzur (Numbers 1:10). ...
/z/zuriel.htm - 8k

Gamalial (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gamalial (1 Occurrence). Numbers 10:23 And over the host
of the tribe of the sons of Manasseh 'is' Gamalial son of Pedahzur. (YLT). ...
/g/gamalial.htm - 6k

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