The name Azrikam is borne by at least four different individuals in the Old Testament, suggesting it was a popular and meaningful name among the Israelites.
The name Azrikam ($\text{‘Azrîqām}$) is a Hebrew name that means “My Help Has Risen” or “Help Has Arisen.” The men who bore this name served in significant roles, from leading the post-exilic community to high office in the royal court.
1. Azrikam the Descendant of King Saul
One Azrikam is found in the meticulous genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically as the firstborn son of Azel, a descendant of King Saul’s son, Jonathan. This line was vital for preserving the heritage of the Benjaminite royal family.
And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel. (1 Chronicles 8:38)
2. Azrikam the Chief of the Levites
A second Azrikam was a Levite who played a foundational role in the community that returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile. He is identified as a chief of the Levites residing in the rebuilt city, and his work was essential for restoring the organization and duties of the Temple service.
And the chief of the Levites in Jerusalem were Azrikam the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni: those were over the work of the house of God. (1 Chronicles 9:14, KJV)
This Azrikam’s designation as being “over the work of the house of God” underscores his high administrative and spiritual authority in the Temple’s operation during the time of Nehemiah.
3. Azrikam the Royal Governor
A third and tragically important Azrikam was a high official who served as the governor of the king’s house in the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Ahaz. His office was one of the highest in the royal court, making him second only to the king.
His life ended during a devastating invasion by the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The prophet Oded condemned the war, but in the battle, the forces of Israel “slew a hundred and twenty thousand in Judah in one day.” Azrikam was among the most prominent casualties of this attack, signifying the severity of the defeat.
And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king’s son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king. (2 Chronicles 28:7)
4. Azrikam the Priest who Sealed the Covenant
A final Azrikam is listed among the priests who, centuries later, put their seal on the solemn covenant renewal document in the days of Nehemiah and Ezra, confirming their commitment to God’s Law and the integrity of the community.
These are the chief of the priests and Levites that came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua…
The heads of the fathers of the priests and Levites were recorded in the days of Eliashib, Jehoiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua. (Nehemiah 12:1, 10-12, where his name is likely used in a shorter form or as an ancestor of the families listed).
The various men named Azrikam, whose name reflects the idea of divine help, illustrate the commonality of faith that ran through Israel’s history, whether serving in the king’s court, administering the Temple, or fighting a desperate battle.