Zichri, Father of Eliezer
Zichri was a Reubenite whose son, Eliezer, served as the tribal chief of the Reubenites during the administrative organization of Israel under King David.
Zichri was a member of the tribe of Reuben during the era of the Divided Monarchy, recognized specifically in the genealogical and administrative records of King David’s reign. Though he is only mentioned once in the biblical text, he is identified as the father of Eliezer, a high-ranking official who commanded the tribal forces of Reuben. This positioning suggests that Zichri was part of a lineage of significant status within the Transjordanian tribes.
His placement in the text occurs during the detailed listing of the 'officers in charge of the tribes of Israel.' This administrative framework was essential for the governance and military readiness of the nation. Zichri's legacy is defined by his contribution to this leadership structure through his son's service to the crown and the tribal heritage of Reuben.
Background and Family
Zichri is situated within the tribal structure of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. The tribe of Reuben settled in the lands east of the Jordan River, a region known for its pastoral viability but also its vulnerability to neighboring eastern powers. Zichri lived during a pivotal time when the tribal confederacy was being solidified into a centralized monarchy under the house of David.
While the biblical record does not provide the names of Zichri’s ancestors or his specific occupation, his status is inferred through his son, Eliezer. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the mention of a father’s name in a list of high-ranking officials served to validate the official's pedigree and social standing. Zichri, therefore, represents a stable paternal line within the Reubenite leadership.
Major Life Events
The biblical narrative does not record specific deeds or speeches attributed to Zichri. His primary appearance is in the administrative archives of 1 Chronicles 27. This chapter details the organization of the twelve divisions of the army and the leaders of the tribes of Israel.
These officers were in charge of the tribes of Israel: Over the Reubenites was Eliezer son of Zichri; over the Simeonites was Shephatiah son of Maacah; (1 Chronicles 27:16)
Zichri is noted as the father of the man who held the highest civil or military authority over the entire tribe of Reuben. This suggests that Zichri was a contemporary of the transition between the late United Monarchy and the early Divided Monarchy period, providing the generational link required for his son to rise to such prominence.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Zichri’s most significant relationship is with his son, Eliezer. It is important to distinguish this Eliezer from other men of the same name (such as the prophet Eliezer or the son of Moses). Zichri's son was a 'ruler' or 'prince' (Hebrew: nagid) over the Reubenites. This title implies that Eliezer, and by extension the household of Zichri, exercised considerable influence over the logistical and spiritual affairs of their tribe during David's reign.
Spiritual Significance
In the context of 1 Chronicles, Zichri represents the importance of order and heritage. The Chronicler emphasizes that every tribe, including those across the Jordan like Reuben, had a designated leader and a recorded lineage. Zichri serves as a reminder that God’s governance of Israel extended to every family and tribe. Even figures with a brief mention contribute to the overarching narrative of a nation organized under God’s appointed leadership. His name, derived from a root meaning 'to remember' or 'mindful,' echoes the theme of being remembered within the sacred assembly of Israel.
Spiritual Significance
Zichri’s significance lies in his role as a progenitor of tribal leadership. In the administrative lists of 1 Chronicles, he provides the necessary genealogical credentials for Eliezer, the chief of the Reubenites. This highlights the continuity of the tribal system even as Israel transitioned into a more formal monarchical state.
Furthermore, Zichri’s inclusion in the biblical record ensures that the tribe of Reuben remained integrated into the national identity of Israel. His presence in the text affirms that the Transjordanian tribes were active participants in the Davidic administration and the covenant community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Zichri's son?
Zichri's son was Eliezer, who served as the officer or chief over the tribe of Reuben during the reign of King David.
What tribe did Zichri belong to?
Zichri belonged to the tribe of Reuben, one of the tribes that settled east of the Jordan River.
Where is Zichri mentioned in the Bible?
Zichri is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 27:16, within a list of the officers in charge of the tribes of Israel.
What does the name Zichri mean?
The name Zichri (זִכְרִי) is derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'remembered' or 'mindful.'
Connected Figures
Eliezer son of Zichri
Son and Officer of Reuben
David
King under whom Zichri's son served
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles1
Family & Relationships
Child
1 Chronicles 27:16
Others Named Zichri
Zichri, Son of Shashak1 Chronicles 8:23
A head of a household within the tribe of Benjamin and a son of Shashak, recorded in the genealogies of the Divided Monarchy period.
Zichri, Son of Jeroham1 Chronicles 8:27
A Benjaminite head of a household and son of Jeroham who lived in Jerusalem during the Divided Monarchy.
Zichri, Levite of the ExodusExodus 6:21
A Levite during the era of the Egyptian sojourn and Exodus, Zichri was the son of Izhar and a brother of the well-known Korah.
Zichri, Levite of the Return1 Chronicles 9:15
A Levite of the line of Asaph whose descendants served as musicians and worship leaders in the post-exilic Jerusalem temple.
Zichri, Priest of the Post-Exilic ReturnNehemiah 12:17
Zichri was a priest and head of the ancestral house of Abijah who served in Jerusalem during the generation of the high priest Joiakim following the return from Babylon.
Zichri, Son of Shimei1 Chronicles 8:19
A Benjamite leader during the Divided Monarchy period, known as one of the nine sons of Shimei listed in the genealogical records of Jerusalem.
Zichri, Father of Amasiah2 Chronicles 17:16
Zichri was a man of the Divided Monarchy whose son, Amasiah, was a prominent military commander and a willing volunteer for the Lord under King Jehoshaphat of Judah.
Zichri, Mighty Man of Ephraim2 Chronicles 28:7
Zichri was a powerful warrior from the tribe of Ephraim who killed three high-ranking members of King Ahaz's court during the Syro-Ephraimite War.
Zichri, Father of Elishaphat2 Chronicles 23:1
A man of the Divided Monarchy period whose son, Elishaphat, served as a military commander and key ally to Jehoiada the priest during the restoration of the Davidic line.
Zichri, Levite of the Divided Monarchy1 Chronicles 26:25
A Levite of the Kohathite line through Eliezer who served as a link in the genealogical record of the temple treasurers during the Divided Monarchy.
Zichri, Parent of JoelNehemiah 11:9
A man of the post-exilic community whose son, Joel, served as a prominent administrative officer over the inhabitants of Jerusalem.