The name Azarel (sometimes spelled Azareel) appears in the King James Version in the names of at least five different individuals, primarily known for their administrative, musical, or military service within the tribes of Israel and the post-exilic community.
The name Azarel ($\text{‘Ăzar’ēl}$) is a Hebrew name that carries the beautiful and reassuring meaning: “God Has Helped” or “God Is My Helper.”
1. The Mighty Man of David
One Azarel was an ancestor of a warrior who joined King David while David was exiled from King Saul. He is listed among the valiant men from the tribe of Benjamin.
And the sons of Azareel; Shemariah, and Jeiel, and Hothan, and Azareel, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Eliel: (1 Chronicles 12:6, referring to the father of the warrior, though the name is repeated in the list)
2. The Musician in the Temple
A second Azarel was a Levite and a gifted musician who served in the Tabernacle of David in Jerusalem. He was a singer in the priestly course of Heman. His dedication was vital to the organized Temple worship established under David.
Of Heman: Jehiel, and Shimei, and Uzziel, and Hothan, and Hothan, and Eliel, and Obadiah, and Jeiel, and Azareel, and Shelemiah, and Zelek, Amasai. (1 Chronicles 25:18, KJV)
3. The Chief Officer under David
A third Azarel was the son of Jeroham, and he served as a chief officer over the tribe of Dan during the latter part of King David’s reign. He was responsible for the administrative oversight of the tribe.
Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. (1 Chronicles 27:22)
4. The Man who Put Away a Strange Wife
A fourth Azarel was a descendant of the priests who returned from Babylon. Like Athlai (whom we previously covered), he was among the men who put away their foreign wives after the admonition of Ezra, demonstrating his commitment to the spiritual purity of the restored community.
And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah. (Ezra 10:41) (The name Azareel is a variant reading in the Greek and Latin texts for one of the men listed in this section, though the KJV has Uzziah.)
5. The Priest in Nehemiah’s Time
The most certain and final mention of an Azarel is the priest who participated in the joyous dedication of the wall of Jerusalem after it was rebuilt by Nehemiah. This ceremony involved two great companies of priests and people marching around the newly restored walls.
And when the singers had made an end of praising, the chief of the singers, Maaseiah the son of Asaph, and Azareel the son of Shemaiah, and Maaseiah the son of Benaiah, and Hanani the son of Mattaniah, and all their brethren, were appointed to oversee the service of the house of God. (Nehemiah 12:36, listing his name in the context of the musicians)
The Unity in the Name
The multiplicity of men bearing the name Azarel (“God Has Helped”) across centuries and various roles—from musician and administrator to warrior and reformer—shows a profound continuity in Israel’s faith. It confirms the belief that no matter the task, whether fighting a battle or singing a Psalm, the people of God looked to the Lord as their ultimate source of strength and help.