Who was Eliasaph in the Bible?

Eliasaph was the son of Lael and served as the leader of the Gershonite clan of Levites during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. His primary responsibility was overseeing the transport of the tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and related materials (Numbers 3:24).

What was the role of Eliasaph as a Gershonite leader?

As the leader of the Gershonites, Eliasaph was responsible for the care and transportation of the tabernacle's fabrics and tents. This included the curtains, coverings, screens, and cords, which were carried on carts when the camp moved (Numbers 4:24-28).

Why is Eliasaph significant in the Book of Numbers?

Eliasaph is significant because his leadership role exemplifies the detailed organization God established for worship and travel. His assignment highlights how every tribe and clan had a specific, vital duty in maintaining the community's spiritual life during the Exodus.

Eliasaph

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Eliasaph, the son of Lael, was the leader of the Gershonite Levites during the wilderness journey.

Eliasaph

Biography

Eliasaph son of Lael served as the appointed leader, or "prince," over the Gershonite clan of Levites during Israel's wilderness journey following the Exodus from Egypt (Numbers 3:24). The Gershonites were one of the three great divisions of the Levitical tribe, alongside the Kohathites and Merarites. Under Moses' careful organization of the Israelite camp, Eliasaph was responsible for overseeing the Gershonites' duties related to the tabernacle, which included carrying the curtains, coverings, and hangings of the sacred structure during Israel's movements through the wilderness. He encamped to the west of the tabernacle with his clan (Numbers 3:23). His leadership ensured that the portable sanctuary of God's presence was properly transported and maintained throughout the forty years of wilderness wandering.

Significance

Eliasaph son of Lael illustrates the vital principle that the worship of God requires organized, faithful stewardship. As head of the Gershonites, he presided over those entrusted with the outer elements of the tabernacle, the tent coverings and courtyard hangings that formed the boundary of sacred space (Numbers 3:24–26; 4:24–28). His leadership demonstrates that every dimension of Israel's worship, even those that seem secondary, required devoted individuals willing to serve with diligence. Eliasaph's role reminds readers that God's redemptive purposes are advanced not only by prophets and kings but by the faithful, ordered service of those who ensure the house of God is properly maintained.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherDeuel

Verse Appearances (1)

Numbers

Numbers 3:24

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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