Azzan is a personal name meaning perhaps 'strong' or 'sharp,' appearing in Numbers as the father of Paltiel, who represented the tribe of Issachar in dividing the Promised Land. The name may derive from a root related to strength or from a different root meaning to sharpen or make keen. Azzan lived during the wilderness period, and his son Paltiel was chosen as one of the tribal leaders who would oversee the allocation of Canaan among the tribes. The selection of tribal representatives for this task was important—these were men trusted to ensure fair distribution of the land. Azzan is known only through his son's role in this significant administrative task.