Eleazar was an important figure in the Old Testament, mentioned over 60 times across several books of the Bible. He was the son of Aaron and played a vital role as a priest and leader of the Levites. Here is an overview of who Eleazar was and his significance according to the Bible:
Lineage and Family
Eleazar was the son of Aaron and Elisheba (Exodus 6:23). He had three brothers – Nadab, Abihu, and Ithamar. After Nadab and Abihu were killed for offering unauthorized fire before God (Leviticus 10:1-2), Eleazar and Ithamar were appointed to take their place and serve as priests with their father Aaron (Exodus 28:1).
Eleazar married one of the daughters of Putiel and had sons of his own who followed him into the priesthood (Exodus 6:25). His most well-known son was Phinehas, who also played an important role among the Levites (Exodus 6:25, Joshua 22:13).
Role and Responsibilities as Priest
As one of Aaron’s remaining sons, Eleazar was consecrated as a priest along with Aaron and his brothers (Exodus 28:1). He ministered alongside them, offering sacrifices, incense, and offerings to God as the Israelites worshipped in the tabernacle.
After Aaron’s death, Eleazar took over the role of high priest (Numbers 20:28). He was responsible for making atonement for the Israelites (Numbers 31:21) and inquiring of God on behalf of the people (Joshua 9:14). Eleazar played a leading role in dividing the promised land amongst the tribes (Joshua 14:1).
The priestly garments were passed from Aaron to Eleazar signifying the transference of priestly authority (Numbers 20:26-28). Eleazar made special priestly garments for Aaron’s successors (Exodus 29:29-30).
He oversaw the duties and service schedule of the other priests and Levites, assigning them responsibilities and positions (Numbers 4:16). Eleazar trained the next generation of priests including his son Phinehas (Numbers 3:32).
Eleazar was responsible for guarding and protecting the sanctity of the tabernacle and its contents. He supervised the oil for the lampstand, incense altar, daily grain offerings, and anointing oil, ensuring nothing impure came near sacred things (Numbers 4:16).
Key Events and Stories
Eleazar played a prominent role in several key stories and events in the wilderness wanderings of Israel:
- He was given oversight of the censers used by his brothers Nadab and Abihu after their death, to have them hammered into plating for the altar (Numbers 16:36-40). This served as a solemn reminder.
- Eleazar assisted Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel in taking a census and counting the people (Numbers 1:3, 26:63).
- When Aaron died on Mount Hor, Moses stripped Aaron of his priestly garments and put them on Eleazar, confirming that Eleazar would take over priestly duties (Numbers 20:28).
- Eleazar was responsible for purifying and making atonement for the Israelites after battles and military victories (Numbers 31:21, 31:50).
- He helped divide the promised land amongst the 12 tribes (Joshua 14:1).
- Eleazar helped assign cities and lands to the Levites across the territories (Joshua 21:1).
In his role as priest and leader, Eleazar was looked upon as an authoritative judge and source of wisdom. People came to him for guidance and to settle disputes (Numbers 27:1-2). He helped ensure the purity and obedience of the Israelites as they settled in the promised land.
Death and Burial
The Bible notes that Eleazar died in the hills of Ephraim and was buried there (Joshua 24:33). His death marked the end of an era – the passing of that generation that left Egypt and wandered 40 years in the wilderness. His son Phinehas took over as high priest in his place.
Eleazar lived to see God’s promise fulfilled as the people finally inhabited the land that had been promised to them. He provided stable leadership through the transition into the land.
Lessons from the Life of Eleazar
Several key lessons emerge from Eleazar’s story:
- Faithfulness – He faithfully served the Lord his entire life in the priesthood.
- Purity – He protected the sanctity of the tabernacle and the holiness of the priests.
- Leadership – He stepped into the role of high priest after Aaron and led spiritually.
- Stewardship – He handled oversight of the Levites and dividing the promised land responsibly.
- Continuity – He modeled endurance and finished well, even after Aaron’s passing.
Overall, Eleazar’s life represents a pattern of steadfast devotion to God in the midst of transition. His lifetime of service paved the way forward for Israel to become established in Canaan. He lived up to the priestly legacy left by his father Aaron.
Significance and Purpose
Eleazar played a pivotal role for the people of Israel both during and after their wilderness journey. His significance included:
- Providing priestly leadership and continuity after Aaron’s death.
- Helping ease Israel’s transition into Canaan and apportioning the promised land.
- Maintaining spiritual purity and obedience to God among the Israelites.
- Training and managing the work of the other priests and Levites.
- Acting as a source of authority, wisdom, and judgment for the people.
His faithful service ensured that Israel remained devoted to God even after dramatic changes like the death of Aaron and settling in Canaan. Eleazar provided the connections between the wilderness generation under Moses and Aaron and the next era under Joshua.
As high priest, Eleazar was entrusted with preserving Israel’s covenant relationship with Yahweh. He instructed the people in God’s laws and mediated between God and Israel. Eleazar was an exemplary spiritual leader who provided stability and godly influence.
Ultimately, Eleazar’s purpose was to lead the priests in facilitating proper worship and obedience to God among the Israelites. His lifetime of consistent service helped pave the way for Israel’s spiritual growth and establishment under God’s blessing in the promised land.
Symbolic Meaning and Representation
In many ways, Eleazar came to symbolically represent key spiritual concepts and ideas to the Israelites:
- Continuity – Eleazar represented an ongoing connection to Israel’s foundations under Aaron and Moses.
- Covenant Guardianship – As high priest, he was charged with guiding Israel’s covenant fidelity.
- Promise Fulfilled – Eleazar entered Canaan and participated in its conquest, embodying God’s fulfilled promise.
- Priestly Order – His lineage and appointment established the legitimacy of successive high priests like Phinehas.
Eleazar passed down priestly authority in an unbroken chain, lending stability to Israel’s worship system. His oversight of covenant rituals and rites reinforced Israel’s unique spiritual identity.
For the Israelites, Eleazar represented the bridge between the formative experiences of exodus and wilderness wandering and the conquest of Canaan. He stood for continuity amidst change.
As high priest, Eleazar served as the spiritual representative of the people before God. He embodied the consecration and ritual purity necessary to enter God’s presence. In this sense, Eleazar pointed to the greater High Priest Jesus who offered the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 7-10).
Further References
To learn more about Eleazar, study these passages:
- Appointment as priest: Exodus 28:1, Numbers 3:4
- Priestly duties: Leviticus 6:22, Numbers 19:3-4
- Death of Nadab/Abihu: Leviticus 10:6-7
- Oversight of Levites: Numbers 4:16
- Death of Aaron: Numbers 20:25-28
- Dividing Canaan: Numbers 34:17, Joshua 14:1
- Cities for Levites: Joshua 21:1
- Death and burial: Joshua 24:33
Conclusion
In summary, Eleazar played a vital role for Israel as priest and leader during a crucial transitional period. He provided guidance, stability, and spiritual oversight for the people. His lifetime of faithful service ensured that the priesthood continued and prepared Israel to flourish in Canaan.
Eleazar lived up to his father’s legacy and paved the way for his son Phinehas to follow in his footsteps. His character and devotion as high priest provide an inspirational model for godly living and persevering through times of change.