Eleazar

Eleazar, the third son of Aaron and Elisheba, holds a significant role in the priestly lineage of Israel. As a member of the tribe of Levi, Eleazar was consecrated as a priest alongside his brothers Nadab, Abihu, and Ithamar. Following the tragic deaths of Nadab and Abihu, who were consumed by fire from the LORD for offering unauthorized fire before Him (Leviticus 10:1-2), Eleazar and Ithamar assumed greater responsibilities in the priestly duties.

Eleazar's prominence is further highlighted after the death of Aaron, when he succeeds his father as the high priest of Israel. Numbers 20:25-28 recounts this transition: "Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor. Then strip Aaron of his garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and will die there." This passage marks Eleazar's elevation to the high priesthood, a position he held during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their initial settlement in the Promised Land.

Eleazar played a crucial role in the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Joshua. Joshua 14:1 states, "Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of Israel allotted to them." His involvement in this process underscores his leadership and the trust placed in him by both God and the people.

Eleazar's legacy continued through his descendants, who maintained the high priesthood for many generations. His son Phinehas is particularly noted for his zealousness for the LORD, which turned away God's wrath from the Israelites (Numbers 25:10-13).

Ithamar

Ithamar, the youngest son of Aaron and Elisheba, also served as a priest alongside his brothers. After the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, Ithamar, like Eleazar, took on increased responsibilities in the service of the Tabernacle. Exodus 38:21 mentions Ithamar's role in overseeing the work of the Levites: "This is the inventory of the Tabernacle, the Tabernacle of the Testimony, as recorded at the command of Moses, being the work of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest."

Ithamar's duties included the management of the Tabernacle's resources and the supervision of the Levites, who were responsible for the care and transportation of the sacred tent and its furnishings. His administrative skills were essential in maintaining the order and sanctity of the worship practices during the Israelites' wilderness journey.

The line of Ithamar also continued to serve in the priesthood, although it was less prominent than that of Eleazar. Notably, Eli, a descendant of Ithamar, served as a priest and judge of Israel during the time of the prophet Samuel. However, due to the unfaithfulness of Eli's sons, the high priesthood eventually reverted to the line of Eleazar.

Both Eleazar and Ithamar exemplify the critical roles played by Aaron's sons in the establishment and maintenance of the priestly functions in Israel. Their service laid the foundation for the religious life of the nation, ensuring that the worship of Yahweh was conducted according to His commandments.