Ithamar

Lore & Background

Ithamar is consistently named as one of Aaron's four sons, alongside Nadab, Abihu, and Eleazar (Exodus 6:23; Numbers 3:2; 1 Chronicles 6:3). He was set apart with his father and brothers to minister as a priest (Exodus 28:1). After Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD for offering strange fire, Ithamar and Eleazar were the sons left alive and continued to minister in the priest's office (Numbers 3:4; Leviticus 10:12). Ithamar held a supervisory role over the service of the Levites. The tabernacle's inventory was counted under his hand (Exodus 38:21). The families of Gershon and Merari performed their service under the hand of Ithamar (Numbers 4:28, 33), and the wagons and oxen given to the sons of Merari were also under his oversight (Numbers 7:8). In later history, David distributed the priestly divisions, with Zadok from the line of Eleazar and Ahimelech from the line of Ithamar (1 Chronicles 24:3). Ithamar's descendants continued to serve in the priestly office alongside Eleazar's line.

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Ithamar as a surviving priest who took on administrative responsibilities after the deaths of his older brothers. He is not the firstborn—Nadab is named firstborn (Numbers 3:2)—but he outlived Nadab and Abihu and, with Eleazar, carried on the priestly duties (Numbers 3:4). The texts emphasize his role in overseeing Levitical service: the tabernacle census (Exodus 38:21), the work of the Gershonites (Numbers 4:28), the Merarites (Numbers 4:33), and the distribution of wagons and oxen (Numbers 7:8). Moses directly addressed Ithamar and Eleazar regarding priestly conduct after the deaths of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:6, 12, 16). The passages do not describe Ithamar's own death or any personal failings; he is presented as a faithful priest who managed practical aspects of tabernacle worship.

Did You Know?

• Ithamar was the son of Aaron and Elisheba, and his brothers were Nadab, Abihu, and Eleazar (Exodus 6:23).
• After Nadab and Abihu died, Ithamar and Eleazar were the sons of Aaron left alive to minister (Leviticus 10:12).
• The tabernacle's construction inventory was counted by Ithamar (Exodus 38:21).
• The families of Gershon and Merari served under Ithamar's supervision (Numbers 4:28, 33).