Aziza is one of the many Israelites whose name is preserved in the detailed historical records of the post-exilic community. His single mention occurs in the Book of Ezra, and it is tied directly to a national crisis and a sweeping act of spiritual reform.
The name Aziza ($\text{‘Ăzîzā’}$) is a Hebrew name that means “Strong” or “The Powerful One.”
Involved in the Great Transgression
Aziza appears in the context of the most significant spiritual crisis faced by the returned exiles: the widespread practice of intermarriage with women from the surrounding pagan nations (“strange wives”). This was a direct violation of the covenant Law of Moses, which prohibited such unions because they led to the introduction of idolatry and the corruption of the holy seed.
The scribe Ezra was so distraught by this transgression that he initiated a public confession and covenant renewal ceremony. As part of this reform, a detailed investigation was undertaken to identify all the men who had committed this sin, and they were required to make a painful choice to separate from their foreign wives and children.
The King James Version lists Aziza among those involved:
And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza. (Ezra 10:27)
Significance of His Obedience
Aziza is listed under the sons of Zattu, a family that was already noted for its size and its initial willingness to return from Babylon with Zerubbabel. His single appearance, therefore, serves as a powerful historical marker:
- Gravity of the Sin: His inclusion in the list underscores how pervasive the sin of intermarriage had become, affecting even families who were otherwise dedicated to the restoration.
- Repentance and Reform: The fact that his name is recorded among those who were held accountable testifies to his subsequent obedience and willingness to submit to the difficult demands of the Law. Aziza’s submission was a crucial act of personal sacrifice for the greater goal of restoring the national holiness and purity of the Israelite people.
Aziza, whose name means “Strong,” demonstrated a true strength—not in defiance, but in the humility and fortitude required to obey the Law of God and prioritize the covenant over personal desire, ensuring the spiritual survival of the community.