Eleazar
Eleazar was the third son of Aaron and served as a priest during the Exodus and wilderness period. He succeeded Aaron as High Priest of Israel and led key religious ceremonies, including the census and the transfer of priestly authority. His descendants continued the high priestly line through his son Phinehas.
Biography
- Occupation
- high priest
- Tribe
- levi
- Father
- aaron
- Mother
- elisheba
- Children
- phinehas
- Era
- exodus and conquest
- Nationality
- israelite
Family
Did You Know?
Eleazar was specifically tasked with hammering the bronze censers from Korah's 250 rebels into an altar covering as a perpetual warning against unauthorized offerings, turning instruments of rebellion into sacred memorials.
During the wilderness travels, Eleazar held exclusive oversight of the tabernacle's oil for the lampstand, the incense, and all daily grain offerings, coordinating the Levites' movements of these holy items.
Eleazar joined Moses in conducting the second wilderness census on the plains of Moab, directly shaping the land allotments and military organization for the upcoming conquest of Canaan.
He stood beside Moses during the public commissioning of Joshua as successor, receiving the Urim and Thummim authority that allowed him to seek divine guidance for Israel's leaders after Moses' death.
Eleazar's burial on a hill in Ephraim belonging to his son Phinehas marks one of the few recorded priestly graves from the conquest era, highlighting the enduring high priestly dynasty through the line of Phinehas.
Key Passages
Family and Lineage
Exodus 6:23
Records Eleazar's birth as son of Aaron and Elisheba, establishing his priestly heritage.
23nd Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
Chief Over the Levites
Numbers 3:32
Eleazar is appointed chief over the leaders of the Levites, highlighting his leadership role.
32nd Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.
Succession as High Priest
Numbers 20:25-28
Eleazar receives Aaron's garments on Mount Hor, becoming the new High Priest after his father's death.
25ake Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:
Death and Burial
Joshua 24:33
Notes Eleazar's death and burial in the hill country of Ephraim, marking the end of his leadership.
33nd Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in a hill that pertained to Phinehas his son, which was given him in mount Ephraim.