Eleazar, the son of Aaron, is an overlooked hero of the Bible.
When we think of heroes from the Scripture, we consider great leaders, deliverers, and warriors. But there are more ways than one to be a hero. Eleazar lived through a difficult and revolutionary time in Israel’s history, and we can learn much about how to lead during trying times.
Who was Eleazar? And why should we study him?
How Many People Do We See Named Eleazar in the Bible?
Eleazer is a Hebrew name meaning “God has helped” or “God is my help.” In the Bible, several individuals are called Eleazar, each playing distinct roles in the unfolding narrative of sacred history.
One of King David’s mighty men, Eleazar, the son of Dodo the Ahohite, is celebrated for his courage and unwavering commitment to defending Israel against its enemies. In a pivotal battle against the Philistines, Eleazar fought so tirelessly that his hand clung to his sword, a testament to his extraordinary courage and dedication.
Jesus’ genealogy presented in Matthew includes Eleazar, the son of Eliud. While we don’t get any other details about him, his part in Jesus’ ancestry highlights how even small individuals are significant in God’s plan.
The name Lazarus is a Latinized version of the name Eleazar. We encounter Lazarus/Eleazar in the Gospel of Luke. He is a brother of Mary and Martha, close friends of Jesus. Though not as prominent as his sisters in the Gospel narratives, Lazarus is famous for the event when Jesus raised him from the dead in the Gospel of John.
However, one of the earliest occurrences of the name Eleazar is in Exodus, which describes the establishment of the priesthood. Eleazar, the son of Aaron, is mentioned numerous times in the Pentateuch, particularly in Exodus and Numbers. He played a vital role in the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, assisting in the consecration of the Tabernacle and serving as a priest alongside his father and brother.
This article will focus on Eleazar, Aaron’s son.
What Temple Duties Did God Tell Aaron's Son Eleazar to Do?
In the intricate system of worship established by God in the Old Testament, the descendants of Aaron, the high priest, played a crucial role in temple duties. Aaron’s son Eleazar received specific instructions from God regarding his responsibilities. These were primarily recorded in the book of Exodus.
As a priest, Eleazar was entrusted with guarding the sanctuary and ensuring its sanctity. After Korah’s rebellion, God selected Eleazar to oversee the articles used in the Tabernacle service, reinforcing the importance of maintaining the Tabernacle’s holiness.
Eleazer, his brother Ithamar, and other Levites were responsible for transporting the Ark of the Covenant through the wilderness. They received specific guidelines for its proper handling—including covering it to prevent anyone from seeing it uncovered, emphasizing the reverence due to this holiest artifact.
The lampstand, a vital element in the Tabernacle, required continuous pure olive oil to keep its lamps burning. God instructed Moses to charge Eleazar with preparing this oil, ensuring that the light in the sanctuary never waned.
Eleazar worked with his father, Aaron, to consecrate the Levites. The Levites were set apart for service in the Tabernacle, assisting the priests in various duties. Eleazar’s involvement in their consecration highlighted the transmission of sacred responsibilities from one generation to the next.
Perhaps the most significant duty appointed to Eleazar was the prospect of inheriting the high priesthood. After Aaron’s death, God designated Eleazar as his successor. This divine appointment solidified Eleazar’s role as the next high priest, marking the continuation of the priestly lineage.
As the high priest, Eleazar was also designated as a source of divine consultation in uncertain matters or disputes. The Urim and Thummim, sacred objects associated with the breastplate worn by the high priest, were employed to seek God’s guidance.
Eleazar’s temple duties, therefore, encompassed many responsibilities. Not only did he have practical duties (guarding and transporting sacred items), but he also carried the weightier role of providing spiritual leadership and guidance. His fidelity to these duties symbolized the priesthood’s continuity and adherence to God’s orders for Tabernacle worship and service.
What Did Eleazer Do Beside His Priestly Duties?
Eleazar participated in census-taking during the wilderness journey, a task of great importance for organizing and governing the people. In the book of Numbers, Eleazar, along with Moses and other leaders, was responsible for numbering the congregation, ensuring an accurate account of the tribes of Israel.
Eleazar played a crucial role in the distribution of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. As the Israelites approached the promised land, Eleazar, alongside Joshua and tribal leaders, allocated territories to each tribe according to God’s instructions. This meticulous division aimed at providing a fair and equitable inheritance for each tribe.
In the book of Numbers, Eleaser and the tribal leaders addressed some inheritance issues involving the daughters of Zelophehad. Eleazar’s involvement shows he was a leader trusted with civic and religious matters.
Eleazar actively engaged in military affairs, particularly during the conquest of Canaan, as recorded in the book of Joshua. His involvement in Joshua’s military highlights how the Israelite community interconnected religious and military leadership.
What Did Eleazer Do After Aaron Died?
Eleazar, Aaron, and Moses’ nephew climbed Mount Hor when Aaron was about to die. There, Aaron transferred the high priesthood to Eleazer before his death. This event marked a significant moment in the continuity of the priesthood within the Aaronic lineage.
Since Aaron died before Moses, Eleazar led the nation of Israel as its high priest through several great transitions. First, he led them through the transition from Moses to Joshua—a difficult time to be sure. Second, he helped guide the people for over 40 years, as they changed from wanderers in the wilderness to a conquering army entering the promised land. Eleazar’s leadership was crucial.
Eleazar’s legacy continued after his death. He was the father of Phineas, who helped stave off God’s judgment upon Israel. As a good father, he raised his son to be fully committed to worshiping God rightly . . . something Eleazer learned from the death of his older brothers.
What Happened to Eleazar's Brothers?
A tragic incident in Exodus and Leviticus unfolds involving two of Eleazar’s brothers—Nadab and Abihu.
The tragic event came during a priesthood consecration ceremony. Nadab and Abihu, newly appointed priests, took censers and offered incense with fire that God did not command. Their action was considered “unauthorized” or “strange” because it deviated from God’s specific instructions to the priests.
The consequences were severe. Fire emanated from the presence of the Lord and consumed Nadab and Abihu, killing them immediately.
Though seemingly well-intentioned, Nadab and Abihu’s actions lacked the proper respect for God’s holiness and His ordained worship procedures. Deviations from His laws can have profound consequences.
God’s response highlights His inherent holiness. His sanctification is to be honored, especially by spiritual leaders. As priests, Nadab and Abihu held a significant role in guiding the people in their worship. Their deviation had serious repercussions.
Aaron’s response to the death of his sons is poignant. Despite the profound grief, he held his peace under Moses’ explanation that in the sanctification of God, even in the face of personal tragedy, there is a need for silence and submission.
What Can We Learn from Eleazar?
Eleazar’s multifaceted role as a priest, leader, and servant of God provides a template for faithful living and devotion to God’s principles.
- Obedience to God’s Commands. Whether performing temple duties, participating in censuses, or distributing land, Eleazar consistently adhered to God’s divine instructions. While we don’t worship at the Tabernacle today, we can learn the significance of aligning our lives with God’s revealed will found in the Scriptures.
- Holiness and Reverence in Worship. Eleazar’s involvement in the priesthood highlights the need for a deep sense of holiness and reverence in worship. We should approach God with reverence, humility, and awe. As we learn from the death of Ananias and Sapphira, our worship and engagement with God is no less serious with the advent of the Holy Spirit.
- Leadership and Accountability. Eleazar’s role in overseeing censuses, distributing land, and addressing legal matters showcases good leadership. Today, as Christian leaders, we must exhibit integrity, responsibility, and accountability. We also go through times of transition in our lives and communities, and we help others through our godly example and stable leadership during chaotic times.
- Teaching Our Children to Respect the Sacred. Eleazar passed on the importance of strict adherence to God’s word to Phineas, another overlooked Old Testament hero. Christians with children are given the same responsibility to pass on truth and discipline to their sons and daughters.
- Coping with Loss and Tragedy: Eleazer’s life included the tragic loss of his brothers. His response, holding his peace despite personal grief, teaches us the importance of trusting God’s sovereignty during times of loss and tragedy. Eleazar could have given into fear after what happened to his brothers. However, trusting God can be a powerful testimony in difficult moments.
- Continuity in Passing the Torch. Eleazar’s succession to the high priesthood after Aaron’s death exemplifies the principle of passing the torch of faith and leadership to the next generation. Beyond our children, we must mentor, disciple, and pass on the legacy of faith to other young people in our church community.
- Adaptability and Flexibility. Eleazar’s diverse responsibilities showcase adaptability and flexibility in fulfilling God-given tasks. God’s calling may lead people to diverse roles and responsibilities throughout their lives, requiring openness and flexibility.
- Guidance through Divine Consultation. Eleazar’s involvement in seeking divine guidance through the Urim and Thummim highlights the importance of seeking God’s direction. Today, we have the powerful and intimate Holy Spirit, and we can learn the significance of prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and relying on His wisdom in navigating life’s complexities.
Through tragedy and transition, Eleazer served God well. His life is marked by obedience, holiness, leadership, and a holistic approach to serving God. Christians can find inspiration and practical guidance for faithful living by reflecting on Eleazar’s example.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/tomertu
This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
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