Lexical Summary Yitshar: Izhar Original Word: יִצְהָר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Izhar The same as yitshar; Jitshar, an Israelite -- Izhar. see HEBREW yitshar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as tsohar Definition a Levite NASB Translation Izhar (9). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. יִצְהָר proper name, masculine Ις(ς)ααρ: Levite, son of Kohath Exodus 6:18,21; Numbers 3:19; Numbers 16:1; 1 Chronicles 5:28; 1 Chronicles 6:3; 1 Chronicles 6:23; 1 Chronicles 23:12,18. Topical Lexicon Genealogical PlacementIzhar is introduced in Exodus 6:18: “The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.” As the second-listed son of Kohath and grandson of Levi, Izhar belongs to the foundational generation of the Levitical tribe. His sons—Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri (Exodus 6:21)—form the Izharite clan (Numbers 3:19). The genealogies in 1 Chronicles 6 and 23 repeatedly recall his name, cementing his position in Israel’s sacred lineage. His mention alongside Amram (father of Moses and Aaron) underlines the strategic placement of Izhar’s descendants within the sphere of priestly and Levitical influence. The Izharite Clan within the Levites Numbers 3:19 identifies “Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri” as Izhar’s sons; the clan that springs from them is frequently labeled “the Izharites” (1 Chronicles 23:12, 23:18). Though not part of the high-priestly line, Izharites shared in the Kohathite charge of transporting the most sacred furnishings of the tabernacle (Numbers 4:15). Their proximity to the holy articles signified a privileged but perilous calling, demanding strict adherence to divine instruction lest they “die” (Numbers 4:15). Key Biblical Episodes 1. Korah’s Rebellion (Numbers 16:1). “Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi… rose up”. Izhar’s line is thrust into notoriety when Korah challenges the Aaronic priesthood. The event illustrates how spiritual privilege, if perverted by pride, invites severe judgment (Numbers 16:31-35). 2. Sanctuary Service after the Conquest. Generations later, Izharites are counted among David’s Levitical administrators (1 Chronicles 23:18). Their continued presence in temple duties shows covenant faithfulness: despite earlier failure through Korah, the family is not disqualified from ongoing ministry. Ministerial Duties and Sanctuary Service As Kohathites, the Izharites helped bear the ark, the table of showbread, the lampstand, the altars, and the veil screens (Numbers 4:4-15). This task prefigured the weight of carrying God’s holiness among the people, a theme later fulfilled in Jesus Christ who “tabernacled among us” (John 1:14). Chronicles assigns Izhar’s descendant Shelomith to oversee “all the treasuries of the dedicated gifts” (1 Chronicles 26:26-28), reflecting administrative trustworthiness. Spiritual and Theological Insights 1. Name Imagery. Yitshar derives from “fresh oil,” evoking the anointing oil used for priests and kings. The Izharites’ service around sacred vessels corresponds with this symbolism: they facilitated Israel’s worship where oil fueled lamps and consecrated priests. Oil becomes a type of the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13; Zechariah 4:6), reminding believers that true ministry operates by divine empowerment, not human ambition—an irony in light of Korah’s fleshly uprising. 2. Grace after Judgment. Though Korah perished, Numbers 26:11 notes, “The line of Korah, however, did not die out.” Later Korahite psalmists (e.g., Psalms 42-49, 84-88) prove that God redeems family lines marred by sin, a testimony to covenant mercy applicable to every generation in Christ. 3. Order and Authority. Izhar’s placement beneath Aaron but above most Israelite tribes outlines God-ordained structures. Submission to that order safeguards worship and promotes blessing (Hebrews 13:17). Modern Application The Izhar narrative urges today’s believers to: • Guard the heart against envy of leadership roles, remembering Korah’s fate. Izhar’s nine brief mentions thus form a mosaic of heritage, warning, service, and grace—hallmarks of God’s faithful dealings with His people. Forms and Transliterations וְיִצְהָ֔ר ויצהר יִצְהָ֑ר יִצְהָ֔ר יִצְהָ֖ר יִצְהָ֛ר יִצְהָ֣ר יִצְהָ֥ר יצהר veyitzHar wə·yiṣ·hār wəyiṣhār yiṣ·hār yiṣhār yitzHarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 6:18 HEB: קְהָ֔ת עַמְרָ֣ם וְיִצְהָ֔ר וְחֶבְר֖וֹן וְעֻזִּיאֵ֑ל NAS: Amram and Izhar and Hebron KJV: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, INT: of Kohath Amram and Izhar and Hebron and Uzziel Exodus 6:21 Numbers 3:19 Numbers 16:1 1 Chronicles 6:2 1 Chronicles 6:18 1 Chronicles 6:38 1 Chronicles 23:12 1 Chronicles 23:18 9 Occurrences |
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