Etymology and Meaning: The name Elizaphan is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has protected" or "God is my treasure." This name reflects the deep-seated belief in divine protection and providence, a common theme in the naming conventions of the Israelite people.

Biblical References: Elizaphan is a lesser-known figure in the Old Testament, yet he plays a significant role in the organization and leadership of the Israelite community during their wilderness journey. He is mentioned primarily in the context of the Levitical duties and the tribal organization of Israel.

1. Lineage and Family: Elizaphan was a Levite, the son of Uzziel. Uzziel was a son of Kohath, making Elizaphan a member of the Kohathite clan within the tribe of Levi. This lineage is significant as the Kohathites were entrusted with the care of the most sacred objects of the tabernacle. In Exodus 6:22, the genealogy is recorded: "The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri."

2. Role and Duties: As a leader among the Kohathites, Elizaphan held a position of responsibility. Numbers 3:30 states, "The leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan son of Uzziel." The Kohathites were charged with the transportation of the sanctuary's most holy items, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils. This duty required a high level of sanctity and reverence, as mishandling these items could result in severe consequences.

3. Involvement in the Tabernacle Service: Elizaphan's leadership role is further highlighted during the consecration of the tabernacle. In Leviticus 10:4, following the tragic death of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, due to their offering of unauthorized fire before the Lord, Moses called upon Mishael and Elizaphan to carry their cousins' bodies out of the camp: "Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel, and said to them, 'Come here and carry your cousins outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary.'"

4. Significance in Israel's Journey: Elizaphan's role underscores the importance of order and obedience in the worship and service of God. The Kohathites, under his leadership, were integral to maintaining the sanctity and proper function of the tabernacle, which was central to Israel's worship and relationship with God during their wilderness journey.

Theological Implications: Elizaphan's life and duties reflect the broader theological themes of holiness, obedience, and the fear of the Lord. His role in handling the sacred objects of the tabernacle serves as a reminder of the reverence due to God and the seriousness of approaching Him in worship. The narrative involving Elizaphan also illustrates the communal and familial aspects of Israelite society, where leadership and service were often intertwined with family lineage and tribal affiliation.

Historical Context: The period of the wilderness wanderings was a formative time for the Israelites, as they transitioned from a group of liberated slaves to a covenant community under Yahweh's direct guidance. Leaders like Elizaphan were crucial in maintaining the structure and order necessary for the community's survival and spiritual growth. The Kohathites' responsibilities, under Elizaphan's leadership, were vital to the functioning of the tabernacle, which was the focal point of Israel's religious life.

Elizaphan's mention in the biblical narrative, though brief, highlights the importance of faithful service and the reverence required in the worship of God. His life serves as an example of the dedication and responsibility expected of those who serve in the presence of the Almighty.Elizaphan

(whom God protects).

1. A Levite, son of Uzziel, chief of the house of the Kohathites at the time of the census in the wilderness of Sinai. (Numbers 3:30) (B.C. 1491.)
2. Prince of the tribe of Zebulun. (Numbers 34:25)

ELIZAPHAN

el-i-za'-fan, e-liz'-a-fan ('elitsaphan; Septuagint Eleisaphan, Elisaphan, Elisapa, Elisaphat, "God has protected; compare tsephanyah, Zephaniah, "Yah has protected," and the Phoenician, tsephanba`al, Baal has protected"):

(1) The son of Uzziel, the son of Kohath, and so a prince of the Levitical class of the Kohathites (Numbers 3:30 1 Chronicles 15:8 2 Chronicles 29:13). But in 1 Chronicles 15:8 2 Chronicles 29:13 his class seems to be coordinate with that of the Kohathites. He is called Elzaphan in Exodus 6:22 Leviticus 10:4.

(2) A "prince" or chief of Zebulun, who represented that tribe in the division of the land (Numbers 34:25). Walter R. Betteridge

469. Elitsaphan -- "God has protected," two Israelites
... "God has protected," two Israelites. Transliteration: Elitsaphan or Eltsaphan Phonetic
Spelling: (el-ee-tsaw-fawn') Short Definition: Elizaphan. ...
/hebrew/469.htm - 6kElizaphan (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELIZAPHAN. el-i ... 25). Walter R. Betteridge.
Multi-Version Concordance Elizaphan (4 Occurrences). Numbers ...
/e/elizaphan.htm - 8k

Eli-za'phan (4 Occurrences)
... Eli-za'phan (4 Occurrences). Numbers 3:30 the prince of the fathers' house of the
families of the Kohathites being Elizaphan the son of Uzziel, (See RSV). ...
/e/eli-za'phan.htm - 7k

Eli-zaphan (1 Occurrence)
Eli-zaphan. Elizaphan, Eli-zaphan. Eli-za'phan . ... Numbers 34:25 And of the tribe
of the children of Zebulun a prince, Elizaphan the son of Parnach. (See JPS) ...
/e/eli-zaphan.htm - 6k

Parnach (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PARNACH. par'-nak (parnakh, "gifted"): Father of
Elizaphan, the prince of Zebulun (Numbers 34:25). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/p/parnach.htm - 6k

Shimri (4 Occurrences)
... He was made chief of the tribe, although not the firstborn of his family (1
Chronicles 26:10). (4) One of the sons of Elizaphan, a Levite. ...
/s/shimri.htm - 9k

Shemaiah (40 Occurrences)
... (7) Head of the Levitical Kohathite clan of Elizaphan in the time of David (1
Chronicles 15:8, Codex Vaticanus Samaias; Codex Alexandrinus Samaia; Codex ...
/s/shemaiah.htm - 29k

Leader (183 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Numbers 3:30 The prince of the fathers' house of the families of
the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. (See NAS NIV). ...
/l/leader.htm - 35k

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)
... Sodi (Numbers 13:10). To assist in the division of the land Elizaphan son
of Parnach was chosen (Numbers 34:25). At Shechem Zebulun ...
/z/zebulun.htm - 29k

200 (6 Occurrences)
... commandment. (See NIV). 1 Chronicles 15:8 of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah
the chief, and his brothers two hundred; (See NAS NIV). 2 ...
/num/200.htm - 8k

Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Numbers 3:30 The prince of the fathers' house of the families of the
Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. (See RSV). ...
/k/ko'hathites.htm - 11k

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