Numbers 4:16

Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils."

Study Bible

Eleazar son of Aaron the priest
Eleazar, whose name means "God has helped" in Hebrew, was the third son of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. As a priest, Eleazar held a significant role in the spiritual leadership of the Israelites. His position as a son of Aaron underscores the hereditary nature of the priesthood, which was established by God to maintain the sanctity and order of worship. This lineage emphasizes the continuity and faithfulness of God's covenant with Israel, as the priesthood was a vital link between God and His people.

is to have oversight
The Hebrew word for "oversight" is "paqad," which implies a sense of responsibility, care, and authority. Eleazar's role was not merely administrative but deeply spiritual, as he was entrusted with the sacred duty of ensuring that the worship practices were conducted according to God's commands. This oversight reflects the importance of order and reverence in worship, highlighting the need for leaders who are both faithful and diligent in their service to God.

of the oil for the light
The oil for the light refers to the pure olive oil used in the golden lampstand (menorah) within the Tabernacle. This light symbolized God's presence and guidance among His people. The continuous burning of the lampstand was a reminder of the eternal nature of God's covenant and His unwavering presence. The oil's purity signifies the holiness required in approaching God, and Eleazar's responsibility for it underscores the need for purity and dedication in spiritual leadership.

the fragrant incense
Incense in the Tabernacle was a symbol of prayer and worship ascending to God. The specific blend of spices used for the incense was sacred and not to be replicated for personal use, highlighting the distinctiveness of worship. Eleazar's duty to oversee the incense signifies the importance of maintaining the sanctity and exclusivity of worship, ensuring that it remains a pleasing aroma to God, free from corruption or imitation.

the daily grain offering
The daily grain offering, or "minchah," was a regular sacrifice that represented the people's dedication and gratitude to God. It was a reminder of God's provision and the Israelites' dependence on Him. Eleazar's oversight of this offering emphasizes the need for consistency and faithfulness in worship, as well as the importance of acknowledging God's continual blessings in the lives of His people.

and the anointing oil
The anointing oil was used to consecrate priests, kings, and sacred objects, setting them apart for God's service. It symbolizes the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment. Eleazar's responsibility for the anointing oil highlights the necessity of divine empowerment and sanctification in leadership and service, reminding us that true service to God requires His anointing and blessing.

He is to have oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it
This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of Eleazar's responsibilities. The Tabernacle was the dwelling place of God among His people, and its maintenance was crucial for the Israelites' spiritual life. Eleazar's oversight of the entire Tabernacle signifies the holistic nature of spiritual leadership, which involves caring for both the physical and spiritual aspects of worship.

including its holy furnishings and articles
The holy furnishings and articles within the Tabernacle were not merely functional but symbolic of deeper spiritual truths. Each item pointed to aspects of God's character and His relationship with His people. Eleazar's duty to oversee these items highlights the importance of understanding and preserving the sacred symbols of faith, ensuring that they continue to point the people towards God and His holiness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Eleazar
The son of Aaron, the high priest, Eleazar was given significant responsibilities in the service of the tabernacle. His duties included overseeing the sacred elements and ensuring the proper functioning of the tabernacle.

2. Aaron
The high priest and father of Eleazar, Aaron was the brother of Moses and played a crucial role in the spiritual leadership of Israel.

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, the tabernacle was central to their worship and religious practices.

4. Holy Furnishings and Articles
These included items such as the lampstand, altar of incense, and other sacred objects used in the worship and rituals of the tabernacle.

5. Israelites
The people of God, who were journeying through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses and Aaron, and for whom the tabernacle served as a focal point of worship.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Service
Eleazar's role required meticulous attention to detail and faithfulness. In our own lives, we are called to be faithful stewards of the responsibilities God has entrusted to us.

The Importance of Worship
The elements Eleazar managed were central to Israel's worship. This reminds us of the importance of maintaining a heart and life centered on worshiping God.

Leadership and Responsibility
As a leader, Eleazar had to ensure everything was in order. This teaches us about the weight of leadership and the need for integrity and diligence in our roles.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle and its elements symbolize God's presence and holiness. We are reminded to approach God with reverence and to live lives that reflect His holiness.

Continuity of God's Plan
The duties of Eleazar point to the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, culminating in Christ, our High Priest.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Eleazar's faithfulness in his duties, and how can we apply this to our own responsibilities today?

2. How does the role of the tabernacle in Israel's worship inform our understanding of worship in the church today?

3. In what ways does the leadership of Eleazar reflect the qualities of a godly leader, and how can we cultivate these qualities in our own lives?

4. How do the elements Eleazar managed (oil, incense, grain offering, anointing oil) symbolize aspects of our spiritual life and worship?

5. How does the continuity of God's plan from the tabernacle to Christ as our High Priest encourage us in our faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30
This chapter provides detailed instructions on the making and use of the anointing oil and incense, which Eleazar was responsible for. It highlights the sacredness and specificity of the tabernacle's rituals.

Leviticus 24
This passage discusses the care of the lampstand and the bread of the Presence, connecting to Eleazar's duty to manage the oil for the light.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament chapter reflects on the tabernacle's role and its foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate priesthood, drawing a parallel to the responsibilities of Eleazar.