Ahuzzath
“Possession or tenacious”
Summary
A close advisor and "friend" of Abimelech, king of Gerar, who accompanied him to make a covenant with Isaac.
☩The King's Friend
Ahuzzath held the title of "friend" of Abimelech, king of Gerar. This was not merely a casual friendship but an official court position common in ancient Oriental courts, designating "the king's friend" or royal favorite. In this capacity, Ahuzzath had ready access to the king and likely served as an unofficial but important advisor. Some ancient versions translate this term as "bridesman," though the meaning of royal advisor or confidant is more likely.
☩Covenant with Isaac
Ahuzzath accompanied Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of the army, on their visit to Isaac at Beersheba to establish a covenant of peace. This diplomatic mission sought to formalize peaceful relations between the Philistine king and the increasingly prosperous patriarch Isaac, resulting in a feast and mutual oath of non-aggression.
Related Verses1 mention
Genesis· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ahuzzath," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Ahuzzath," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Ahuzzath," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Ahuzzath," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).