Gen. xlix. 26.NAZIR1, or Nezir. The Patriarch Jacob, in his last Blessing that he gave to his well-beloved Son Joseph, says thus to him, The Blessings of thy Father have prevailed above the Blessings of my Progenitors, unto the utmost Bound of the everlasting Hills. They shall be on the Head of Joseph, and on the Crown of the Head of him that was separate from his Brethren: Or, as the Nazir of his Brethren. The same Word Nazir signifies a Crown, or he that is crown’d, distinguish’d, honour’d, separated, chosen. In the Eastern Countries2 Nezir is a Name of Dignity. It signifies the Superintendant General of the Court of the King of Persia, the first Officer of the Crown, the great Steward of his Houshold, Revenues, and Treasures. He has the Inspection of the other Officers of the King’s House, of his Table, Guards, and Pensions. ‘Tis very like what the antient Persians call’d the King’s Eyes.3 Moses also gives to Joseph the Name of Nazir, speaking of the Tribes of his two Deut. xxxiii. 16.Sons Ephraim and Manasseh.
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