Zizah
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Zizah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical records of the tribe of Levi. The name Zizah appears in the context of the Levitical families, which were set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical Reference:

Zizah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:11. The passage is part of a larger section that details the organization of the Levites during the reign of King David. This organization was crucial for the proper functioning of the religious services and the maintenance of the sacred spaces.

1 Chronicles 23:11 : "Jahath was the first, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were counted as a single family with a single assignment."

Context and Significance:

The mention of Zizah occurs in the genealogical listing of the descendants of Levi, specifically within the family of Shimei. The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, set apart for the service of the Lord. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and they were given cities to dwell in among the other tribes (Numbers 18:20-24).

Zizah's placement in the genealogy highlights the importance of family lineage and the organization of the Levites for their roles in worship and service. The Levites were divided into different families, each with specific duties related to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. These duties included roles such as musicians, gatekeepers, and those responsible for the care and transport of the sacred furnishings.

Theological Implications:

The mention of Zizah, though brief, underscores the biblical theme of order and structure within the community of God's people. The detailed genealogies and assignments reflect the importance of each individual's role in the collective worship and service to God. This organization ensured that the worship of Yahweh was conducted with reverence and according to His commandments.

Furthermore, the inclusion of Zizah and others in the genealogical records serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Each name represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive history, pointing to His ongoing work through the generations.

Cultural and Historical Insights:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies were vital for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and social status. For the Israelites, these records were also a testament to their unique relationship with God and their role as His chosen people. The Levites, in particular, held a special place as mediators between God and the people, tasked with maintaining the sanctity of worship.

Zizah's mention, though limited to a genealogical context, contributes to the broader understanding of the Levitical priesthood and its foundational role in Israelite society. The careful recording of these genealogies in the Scriptures highlights the value placed on heritage, duty, and the continuity of God's promises through His people.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Zizah

a Gershonite Levite, second son of Shimei, (1 Chronicles 23:11) called ZINA in ver. (1 Chronicles 23:10)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
A Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 23:11).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ZIZAH

zi'-za (zizah; see ZIZA): A Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 23:11); in verse 10 the name is "Zina" (zina'), while the Septuagint and Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) have "Ziza" (Ziza) in both verses, and one Hebrew manuscript has ziza' in 1 Chronicles 23:10. We should then probably read ziza' in both verses, i.e. "Ziza."

Strong's Hebrew
2125. Zizah -- a Levite
... 2124, 2125. Zizah. 2126 . a Levite. Transliteration: Zizah Phonetic Spelling:
(zee-zaw') Short Definition: Zizah. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/2125.htm - 6k

2126. Zina -- a Levite
... Short Definition: Zina. Word Origin of uncertain derivation, see Zizah
Definition a Levite NASB Word Usage Zina (1). Zina. From zuwn ...
/hebrew/2126.htm - 6k

Thesaurus
Zizah (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZIZAH. ... We should then probably read ziza' in both
verses, ie "Ziza.". Multi-Version Concordance Zizah (2 Occurrences). ...
/z/zizah.htm - 7k

Ziza (4 Occurrences)
... (2) A son of King Rehoboam, his mother being a daughter or grand-daughter of Absalom
(2 Chronicles 11:20). (3) A probable reading for ZIZAH (which see). ...
/z/ziza.htm - 8k

Zoan (7 Occurrences)

/z/zoan.htm - 17k

Je'ush (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 23:11 Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah
didn't have many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one ...
/j/je'ush.htm - 8k

Jeush (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 23:11 Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah
didn't have many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one ...
/j/jeush.htm - 11k

Jahath (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 23:11 Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah
didn't have many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one ...
/j/jahath.htm - 10k

Grouped (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 23:11 Jahath was the chief and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah
had only a small number of sons, so they were grouped together as one family ...
/g/grouped.htm - 8k

Beriah (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 23:11 Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah
didn't have many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one ...
/b/beriah.htm - 10k

Beri'ah (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 23:11 And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and
Beriah had not many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one ...
/b/beri'ah.htm - 8k

Class (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 23:11 Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah
didn't have many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one ...
/c/class.htm - 8k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Zizah (2 Occurrences)

1 Chronicles 23:10
And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zizah and Jeush and Beriah; these four were the sons of Shimei.
(BBE)

1 Chronicles 23:11
Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah didn't have many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one reckoning.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Subtopics

Zizah

Zizah: A Gershonite

Zizah: Called Zina In

Related Terms

Ziza (4 Occurrences)

Zoan (7 Occurrences)

Je'ush (9 Occurrences)

Jeush (9 Occurrences)

Jahath (7 Occurrences)

Grouped (7 Occurrences)

Beriah (10 Occurrences)

Beri'ah (10 Occurrences)

Class (3 Occurrences)

Assignment (1 Occurrence)

Reckoning (32 Occurrences)

Numbering (35 Occurrences)

Multiplied (109 Occurrences)

Counted (122 Occurrences)

Zina (1 Occurrence)

Ziza: Son of Rehoboam
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