Azel

Background and Family

Azel appears in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically within the lineage of King Saul. According to 1 Chronicles 8 and 9, he was the son of Binea and the grandson of Moza. His heritage traces back through the line of Jonathan, the beloved friend of David and son of Saul. This lineage was of particular importance because it demonstrated the survival and continuity of the house of Saul, even after the kingship had passed to the line of David.

The biblical text identifies Azel as having two brothers, Raphah (also referred to as Rephaiah in 1 Chronicles 9:43) and Eleasah. The repetition of this genealogy in two separate chapters of 1 Chronicles (chapters 8 and 9) underscores the reliability and significance of this specific family line in the post-exilic consciousness of Israel.

Major Life Events

While the Chronicler does not provide a narrative account of Azel’s specific actions or historical deeds, the primary "event" recorded in his life is the fathering of six sons: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. In the context of ancient Israelite culture, the naming of six sons is an indication of divine favor and the strength of his household. The meticulous listing of these names suggests that Azel’s family was a prominent and well-known group within the tribe of Benjamin during the Divided Monarchy.

The inclusion of Azel in the records of 1 Chronicles 9 is especially noteworthy. This chapter focuses on the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas who were registered by genealogy. The fact that Azel’s line was preserved suggests that his descendants maintained their tribal identity and possibly their land holdings through the tumultuous years of the Divided Monarchy and up until the era of the captivity.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Azel’s most significant relationship is his ancestral tie to King Saul and Jonathan. As a descendant of Saul, Azel lived in the shadow of a fallen dynasty, yet the scriptures treat his genealogy with the same respect afforded to other noble houses. His sons—Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan—are the only individuals directly associated with him in the text, forming the immediate legacy of his life.

Spiritual Significance

The spiritual significance of Azel lies in the theme of preservation. Despite the failures of King Saul and the subsequent rise of the Davidic covenant, God did not allow the house of Saul to be entirely extinguished. Azel represents the quiet continuity of a family that remained part of the covenant community of Israel. For the original readers of Chronicles, Azel served as a reminder that every family, regardless of the political standing of their ancestors, held a vital place in the history and future of the nation. The preservation of his name and the names of his six sons in the Holy Scripture ensures that his contribution to the ongoing story of the tribe of Benjamin is not forgotten.