Eleazar

Lore & Background

Eleazar is first listed among Aaron’s sons who were taken to minister in the priest’s office (Exodus 28:1). After the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar were the sons left alive, and Moses spoke directly to them regarding offerings and priestly duties (Leviticus 10:6, Leviticus 10:12, Leviticus 10:16). Eleazar is later designated as chief over the Levites and given oversight of the sanctuary, including the oil, incense, and vessels (Numbers 3:32; Numbers 4:16). Eleazar performed key priestly acts: he took up the censers from the burning after Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16:37, Numbers 16:39), and he was involved in the ritual of the red heifer, sprinkling its blood before the tabernacle (Numbers 19:3, Numbers 19:4). He also accompanied Moses in speaking to the people and in the census after the plague (Numbers 26:1, Numbers 26:3). At the end of Aaron’s life, Moses stripped Aaron of his garments and put them upon Eleazar on Mount Hor, signifying Eleazar’s succession as high priest (Numbers 20:25, Numbers 20:26, Numbers 20:28). Eleazar’s son Phinehas is noted for his zealous act that turned away God’s wrath (Numbers 25:7, Numbers 25:11).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Eleazar as a faithful priest who survived the judgment that fell on his older brothers and rose to a position of leadership. He is consistently named alongside Ithamar as the remaining sons of Aaron after Nadab and Abihu’s death (Leviticus 10:6, Leviticus 10:12, Leviticus 10:16; Numbers 3:4). His role expands from general priestly service to specific oversight of the sanctuary and its furnishings (Numbers 4:16). Eleazar is shown performing ritual actions such as handling the censers from the rebellion (Numbers 16:37, Numbers 16:39) and officiating the red heifer ceremony (Numbers 19:3, Numbers 19:4). He also participates in administrative duties, speaking with Moses and taking the census (Numbers 26:1, Numbers 26:3). The most significant transition is his investiture as high priest when Aaron dies on Mount Hor (Numbers 20:25–28). The passages do not describe Eleazar’s character in emotional terms, but his consistent presence in priestly and leadership functions underscores his importance as a successor and a central figure in the wilderness priesthood.

Did You Know?

• Eleazar married a daughter of Putiel, and their son was Phinehas (Exodus 6:25).
• After Nadab and Abihu died, Eleazar and Ithamar were the only sons of Aaron left alive to minister (Leviticus 10:6, Leviticus 10:12, Leviticus 10:16; Numbers 3:4).
• Eleazar was appointed chief over the Levites and had oversight of the sanctuary and its vessels (Numbers 3:32; Numbers 4:16).
• Moses stripped Aaron of his priestly garments and put them on Eleazar on Mount Hor, making Eleazar the new high priest (Numbers 20:25–28).