Bible Dictionary
Zuriel
The chief of the Merarite Levites during the wilderness period.
Definition
Zuriel, meaning “my rock is God,” was the son of Abihail and prince, or chief, of the house of Merari. He led the Merarite Levites during the exodus period.
Biblical Usage
Zuriel is named as the chief of the Merarite family in the wilderness organization of Israel.
Historical Background
The element meaning “rock” also occurs in the compound names Elizur, Zurishaddai, and Pedahzur.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Rock of God, chief of the family of the Merarites (Num. 3:35) at the time of the Exodus.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(my rock is God) son of Abihail, and chief of the Merarite Levites at the time of the exodus. (Numbers 3:35)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>zu'-ri-el (tsuri'-el, "my rock is El (God)"): Prince of the house of Merari (Nu 3:35).</p><p>The word tsur, "rock," occurs also in the compound names Elizur (Nu 1:5), Zurishaddai (Nu 1:6, etc.) and Pedahzur (Nu 1:10). Gray, Numbers 6, says that a Sabean name Suri'addana is found in an inscription said to be of the 8th century BC, or somewhat carrier (Hommel, Ancient Hebrew Tradition, 320), and bartsur, in a Zinjirli inscription of the 8th century BC (Panammu Inscr., 1. 1), and that possibly the Old Testament place-name "Beth-zur" should be added (Jos 15:58; 1Ch 2:45; 2Ch 11:7; Ne 3:16).</p><p>David Francis Roberts</p>