Eleazar

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew ’Elʿāzār (“God has helped”), reflecting divine aid
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period to early national life (Exodus–Conquest)
• Main References: Exodus 6; Leviticus 10; Numbers 3–4; 20; 26–27; 32; 34; Joshua 14; 17; 19; 21
• Key Connections: Son of Aaron; brother of Nadab, Abihu, and Ithamar; succeeded Aaron as high priest; worked with Joshua in administering Israel’s inheritance

Who was Eleazar?

Eleazar was the third son of Aaron and became Israel’s high priest after Aaron’s death.
He served during Israel’s wilderness period and into the settlement of Canaan.
His priestly responsibilities included oversight of sacred duties connected to the tabernacle.
He appears as a leading cultic official alongside Moses and later Joshua.

Key Events & Achievements

• Succession to high priesthood: Installed as high priest after Aaron died on Mount Hor, with the priestly garments transferred to him (Numbers 20:25–28).
• Oversight of sanctuary administration: Given charge over key aspects of tabernacle-related leadership, including supervision connected to sacred objects and personnel (Numbers 4:16).
• Role in land distribution: Participated with Joshua in supervising the allotment of the land to Israel’s tribes (Numbers 34:17; Joshua 14:1).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Eleazar’s career highlights the continuity of Israel’s priestly leadership and ordered worship through established lineage and covenantal administration.

Key Verse

"Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest went up with Joshua, and they apportioned the land to the people of Israel." — Joshua 14:1, ESV