Who was Elizur in the Bible?

Elizur was the son of Shedeur and a chosen leader representing the tribe of Reuben during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. He is mentioned specifically in the book of Numbers as one of the heads of the tribes (Numbers 1:5).

What was Elizur's role among the Israelites?

Elizur's primary role was as a tribal leader responsible for military census, camp organization, and presenting offerings. He helped lead the tribe of Reuben, which camped south of the Tabernacle and was part of the second group to set out when the people traveled (Numbers 2:10; 10:18).

What offering did Elizur bring to the Tabernacle?

As the leader of Reuben, Elizur presented a silver plate, a silver basin, a gold dish of incense, and various animal sacrifices for the dedication of the altar. This offering was identical to those of the other tribal leaders and is recorded in Numbers 7:30-35.

Elizur

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessMaleLeader

Elizur, son of Shedeur, was a leader from the tribe of Reuben during the wilderness journey (Num.1.5; 2.10; 7.30,35; 10.18).

Elizur

Biography

Elizur son of Shedeur was the appointed leader and military commander of the tribe of Reuben during Israel's wilderness sojourn under Moses. He first appears in Numbers 1:5, where God designates him to assist in the census of fighting men, and he is recorded as presiding over a census count of 46,500 men from Reuben (Num. 1:20-21). In Numbers 2:10, his tribe is assigned the south side of the tabernacle encampment. Elizur is further honored in Numbers 7:30-35, where he brings his tribe's offering for the dedication of the altar on the fourth day, a costly and ceremonially significant presentation. He appears again in Numbers 10:18 leading the standard of Reuben as Israel broke camp. His consistent appearance marks him as a reliable and steadfast leader.

Significance

Elizur exemplifies the role of tribal leadership as an instrument of divine order in Israel's covenant community. Reuben, the firstborn tribe of Jacob yet displaced from the birthright, still held an honored place in the wilderness assembly. Elizur's consistent representation of his tribe in census, encampment, offering, and march reflects God's organization of Israel as a holy, ordered nation. His leadership illustrates the biblical principle that faithful stewardship of one's appointed role, however prominent or modest, contributes to the whole community's advance toward God's purposes. His name, meaning 'God is a rock,' reflects the stability and dependability he embodied as a leader.

Verse Appearances (5)

Numbers

Numbers 1:5 Numbers 2:10 Numbers 7:30 Numbers 7:35 Numbers 10:18

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]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources