Eleazar
Eleazar, son of Mahli, had no sons, only daughters.
Biography
Eleazar, son of Mahli of the Levitical clan of Merari, appears in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 23:21–22. Unlike many Levitical families, he died leaving no male heirs, only daughters. In keeping with the precedent established during the wilderness period (cf. Numbers 27), his daughters married their cousins, the sons of Kish, ensuring that the family inheritance and responsibilities remained within the clan. Though his individual story is brief, Eleazar represents a significant demographic reality within the Levitical order: families whose male lines ended, yet whose legacy was preserved through the daughters who carried on their father's lineage and tribal identity through marriage within the same Levitical household.
Significance
The case of Eleazar, son of Mahli, illustrates the biblical principle that inheritance and covenant identity could be preserved through daughters when no sons existed (cf. Numbers 27:1–11; 36). His story echoes the daughters of Zelophehad and demonstrates a consistent legal framework within Israel for protecting family heritage. Theologically, it underscores God's concern for the continuity of covenant families even in the absence of male heirs. The Levitical tribes, entrusted with Israel's worship, required stable family structures, and Eleazar's daughters ensured the Merarite line continued its sacred service. His account affirms that divine purposes are not thwarted by biological limitation.
Verse Appearances (3)
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]