Azar (עָזַר) means to help, to give aid, to come to one's assistance. It is the root of several significant names: Ezra (עֶזְרָא — 'help'), Eleazar (אֶלְעָזָר — 'God has helped'), and Lazarus (the Greek form of Eleazar). The noun ezer is used for the woman as 'helper' in Genesis 2:18 — an ezer kenegdo, a 'helper fit for him.'
The most theologically significant use of the ezer root is in Genesis 2:18: God says it is not good for man to be alone and makes him an ezer kenegdo — a help who is his counterpart/equal. Importantly, ezer is also used exclusively of God as Israel's helper (Psalm 121:2 — 'my help comes from the LORD'; Psalm 115:9-11 — 'He is their help and shield'). The same word used for the woman's role is used for God's role — suggesting both the dignity of the role and the nature of God's relationship to His people. The Psalms repeatedly cry out for God to 'come quickly to help' (azar). Hebrews 4:16 echoes this: 'Let us draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.'
The ezer concept reframes both gender and divine relationship. To be someone's helper is not to be subordinate but to be a vital, complementary strength-giver. God Himself is Israel's greatest ezer. The Holy Spirit as Paraclete (Helper/Advocate) continues this theme in the New Covenant (John 14:16) — the Spirit comes alongside to help, to strengthen, to intercede. Every Christian experience of divine assistance is God's azar in action.