Who was Eliasaph in the Bible?

Eliasaph was the leader of the Israelite tribe of Gad during the nation's wilderness journey after the Exodus from Egypt. He was the son of Deuel and represented his tribe in matters of census, offerings, and camp organization (Numbers 1:14, 7:42).

What was Eliasaph's role as a tribal leader?

As the leader of Gad, Eliasaph was responsible for the military census of his tribe's fighting men and presented their tribe's offerings for the dedication of the altar. His leadership helped organize the Israelite camp, with Gad camping on the south side of the Tabernacle (Numbers 2:14).

Why is Eliasaph mentioned in the Bible?

Eliasaph is recorded to highlight God's orderly structure for His people, showing that each tribe had a designated, named leader. His inclusion in the census and offering lists underscores the participation and value of every tribe in the community's worship and journey (Numbers 10:20).

Eliasaph

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessMaleLeaderSon

Eliasaph, the son of Deuel, was the leader of the tribe of Gad during the wilderness journey.

Eliasaph

Biography

Eliasaph son of Deuel (also written Reuel in some manuscripts) was appointed prince, or tribal leader, over the tribe of Gad during the wilderness period following the Exodus (Numbers 1:14; 2:14; 7:42–47; 10:20). He represented Gad at the first census taken by Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai, where his tribe numbered 45,650 fighting men (Numbers 1:24–25). As part of the organized march of Israel, Gad's contingent traveled under the standard of Reuben's division, positioned on the south side of the tabernacle (Numbers 2:14). Eliasaph also presented Gad's elaborate tribal offering during the dedication of the altar over twelve consecutive days, bringing silver and gold vessels, incense, and various sacrificial animals on behalf of his tribe (Numbers 7:42–47).

Significance

Eliasaph son of Deuel represents the dignity and responsibility God conferred upon each tribal leader in Israel's wilderness community. His presentation of Gad's offering at the altar dedication (Numbers 7:42–47), identical in form to that of every other tribe, reflects the principle of equal standing before God among the twelve tribes. Each prince, regardless of tribe size or status, offered the same gifts, symbolizing the unity of Israel as a covenant people. Eliasaph's leadership of Gad also foreshadows the tribe's eventual settlement east of the Jordan, where they would serve as frontier defenders of the covenant nation. His faithful service during the wilderness years helped hold the community together for the conquest ahead.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherDeuel

Verse Appearances (5)

Numbers

Numbers 1:14 Numbers 2:14 Numbers 7:42 Numbers 7:47 Numbers 10:20

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]

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