Topical Encyclopedia Ithamar was the youngest son of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab. He was born during the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt and became one of the four sons of Aaron who were consecrated as priests to serve in the tabernacle. His brothers were Nadab, Abihu, and Eleazar. Ithamar's lineage is significant in the history of the priesthood in Israel.Priestly Role and Responsibilities Ithamar, along with his brothers, was consecrated as a priest by Moses, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The Lord commanded Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons, setting them apart for the priestly service (Exodus 28:1). Ithamar's role as a priest involved assisting in the various duties of the tabernacle, including offering sacrifices, maintaining the sacred fire, and ensuring the proper conduct of worship according to the laws given by God. After the tragic death of his brothers Nadab and Abihu, who were consumed by fire from the Lord for offering unauthorized fire before Him (Leviticus 10:1-2), Ithamar and Eleazar were left to carry on the priestly duties. The Lord instructed Aaron and his remaining sons not to mourn openly for Nadab and Abihu, emphasizing the sanctity and seriousness of their priestly office (Leviticus 10:6-7). Oversight of the Tabernacle Ithamar was given specific responsibilities in overseeing the work of the Levites in the service of the tabernacle. According to Numbers 4:28, "This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the Tent of Meeting, and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest." He was also responsible for the oversight of the Merarites, another Levitical family, as they transported the tabernacle's framework and other structural components (Numbers 4:33). Genealogical Significance Ithamar's descendants played a crucial role in the history of Israel's priesthood. Although the high priesthood initially continued through the line of Eleazar, Ithamar's lineage also held significant positions. Notably, Eli, the priest during the time of Samuel, was a descendant of Ithamar. However, due to the sins of Eli's sons, the high priesthood eventually returned to the line of Eleazar during the reign of Solomon (1 Samuel 2:27-36). Biblical References · Exodus 6:23: "Aaron married Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar." · Exodus 28:1: "Now you are to summon your brother Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites to serve Me as priests—Aaron and his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." · Leviticus 10:6-7: "Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, 'Do not let your hair become unkempt and do not tear your clothes, or you will die and the LORD will be angry with the whole community. But your relatives, all the house of Israel, may mourn for those the LORD has destroyed by fire.'" · Numbers 4:28: "This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the Tent of Meeting, and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest." · Numbers 4:33: "This is the duty of the Merarite clans as they work at the Tent of Meeting, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest." Ithamar's life and service exemplify the importance of obedience and reverence in the priestly office, as well as the enduring legacy of Aaron's family in the spiritual leadership of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 6:23And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bore him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 28:1 1 Chronicles 6:3 Strong's Hebrew 385. Ithamar -- "land of palms," a son of Aaron... Ithamar. From 'iy and tamar; coast of the palm-tree; Ithamar, a son of Aaron -- Ithamar. see HEBREW 'iy. see HEBREW tamar. 384, 385. Ithamar. 386 . ... /hebrew/385.htm - 6k Library Herein is Declared what Befell the Sons of Eli, the Ark, and the ... Princely Service. Letter xxxix. To Paula. To his Father, when He had Entrusted to Him the Care of the Church ... Folly of the Arguments Derived by the Heretics from Numbers ... Index of Names. Resources Old Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgWho was Ithamar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why was it bad that Aaron and his sons burned the sin offering in Leviticus 10:16 20? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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