Eleazar
Eleazar the Son of Aaron
Eleazar was the third son of Aaron and Elisheba (Exodus 6:23; Numbers 3:2). He married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas, who would himself become famous for his zealous defense of God's honor (Exodus 6:25; Numbers 25:7-13). Along with his father Aaron and his brothers Nadab, Abihu, and Ithamar, Eleazar was consecrated to the priesthood (Exodus 28:1).
Rise to Prominence After Nadab and Abihu
Eleazar's role became significantly more important after the sudden death of his two older brothers, Nadab and Abihu, who were consumed by fire from the Lord for offering unauthorized incense (Leviticus 10:1-2). After this tragedy, Eleazar and his remaining brother Ithamar continued to minister as priests under their father Aaron (Leviticus 10:6-7; Numbers 3:4; 1 Chronicles 24:2). Eleazar was given specific oversight of the Levites who served at the tabernacle, with charge over its furnishings and all that was within it (Numbers 3:32; 4:16).
His responsibilities included supervising the Kohathites who transported the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, as well as oversight of the oil for the lampstand, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil (Numbers 4:16).
Succession as High Priest
When Aaron died on Mount Hor, God commanded Moses to take Aaron's priestly garments and place them on Eleazar, transferring the high priesthood to him (Numbers 20:25-28). This solemn ceremony, witnessed by the entire congregation, established Eleazar as Israel's second high priest. He served in this role throughout the final years of Moses' leadership and continued under Joshua.
Eleazar assisted Moses with the census of Israel in the plains of Moab (Numbers 26:1-4) and was present when the daughters of Zelophehad petitioned for an inheritance in the absence of male heirs (Numbers 27:1-11). Moses was instructed to present Joshua before Eleazar the priest, who would inquire of the Lord on Joshua's behalf through the Urim (Numbers 27:19-21). This arrangement made Eleazar a key spiritual authority alongside the military leader Joshua.
Role in the Conquest and Division of the Land
During the conquest of Canaan, Eleazar served as priest and adviser to Joshua. Together they oversaw the distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel (Numbers 34:17; Joshua 14:1; 19:51). They also gave effect to the ruling about the daughters of Zelophehad, granting them an inheritance in the territory of Manasseh (Joshua 17:4). Eleazar and Joshua presided over the allocation of Levitical cities and cities of refuge (Joshua 21:1).
Eleazar was buried at Gibeah, in the hill country of Ephraim, on land that belonged to his son Phinehas (Joshua 24:33).
The Priestly Line of Eleazar
The descendants of Eleazar through Phinehas held the high priesthood for much of Israel's history. Though the line of Ithamar held the chief position during the period of the judges through the family of Eli, the priesthood returned to Eleazar's line when Solomon appointed Zadok in place of Abiathar (1 Kings 2:26-27, 35). Zadok was a descendant of Eleazar, and his family held the high priesthood from the time of Solomon until the Maccabean period. The priest Ezra, who led the spiritual renewal of Israel after the exile, traced his lineage through Zadok back to Eleazar (Ezra 7:1-5).
Other Biblical Figures Named Eleazar
Several other men in Scripture share the name Eleazar. The son of Abinadab was appointed to guard the ark of the covenant when it was kept at Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1). One of David's three mighty warriors was named Eleazar son of Dodai, who fought alongside David at Pas-dammim in a famous feat of arms (2 Samuel 23:9-10; 1 Chronicles 11:12-14). A Levite named Eleazar son of Phinehas helped weigh the temple treasures brought back from Babylon with Ezra (Ezra 8:33). An ancestor of Jesus named Eleazar appears in Matthew's genealogy, three generations before Joseph (Matthew 1:15).
Biblical Context
Eleazar appears throughout the Pentateuch and Joshua. He is consecrated in Exodus 28:1, takes on greater responsibility after Nadab and Abihu's death (Leviticus 10; Numbers 3:4), succeeds Aaron on Mount Hor (Numbers 20:25-28), assists in the census and land division (Numbers 26; Joshua 14:1; 19:51), and is buried in Joshua 24:33. His descendants are traced through 1 Chronicles 24 and Ezra 7:1-5.
Theological Significance
Eleazar's life demonstrates the principle of faithful service in the face of sobering circumstances. He stepped into greater responsibility after divine judgment fell on his brothers, and he faithfully discharged his duties across decades of wilderness wandering, conquest, and settlement. The transfer of the high priestly garments from Aaron to Eleazar illustrates the continuity of God's covenant with Israel through the priesthood, pointing ultimately to Christ as the eternal High Priest.
Historical Background
The high priesthood was one of the most important offices in ancient Israel, responsible for the Day of Atonement rituals, the Urim and Thummim, and oversight of the tabernacle and later the temple. The transition from Aaron to Eleazar on Mount Hor established the pattern of priestly succession that continued for centuries. Archaeological evidence from the region of Ephraim, where Eleazar was buried, confirms continuous settlement during the period of the judges.