Eli-zaphan, also spelled Elizaphan, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament. His name means "God has protected" or "God is my treasure," reflecting the theophoric element "El," which denotes God. Eli-zaphan is noted for his Levitical lineage and his role in the religious and communal life of the Israelites.

Lineage and Family

Eli-zaphan was a member of the tribe of Levi, specifically from the family of Kohath. He was the son of Uzziel, who was the fourth son of Kohath, making Eli-zaphan a cousin to Aaron and Moses. This connection to the prominent Levitical family underscores his significance within the priestly and Levitical hierarchy.

Biblical References

Eli-zaphan is mentioned in several key passages in the Old Testament:

1. Numbers 3:30 · "The leader of the families of the Kohathites was Eli-zaphan son of Uzziel." This verse identifies Eli-zaphan as a leader among the Kohathites, a clan within the Levites responsible for the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects.

2. Leviticus 10:4 · "Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel, and said to them, 'Come here; carry your brothers outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary.'" In this passage, Eli-zaphan, along with his brother Mishael, is tasked with the solemn duty of carrying away the bodies of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, who were struck down by God for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord. This task highlights Eli-zaphan's role in maintaining the sanctity and order of the worship practices.

3. 1 Chronicles 15:8 · Eli-zaphan is also mentioned in the context of King David's preparations for bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. "Of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief and 200 of his relatives." This reference indicates that Eli-zaphan's descendants continued to play a significant role in the religious life of Israel, particularly in the service of the Ark.

Role and Significance

Eli-zaphan's role as a leader among the Kohathites and his involvement in critical religious duties underscore his importance in the Levitical order. The Kohathites were entrusted with the care of the most sacred elements of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils. Eli-zaphan's leadership within this group highlights his responsibility in ensuring the proper handling and transportation of these holy items.

His participation in the removal of Nadab and Abihu's bodies further emphasizes the gravity of maintaining holiness and obedience to God's commands within the Israelite community. This act of service, performed at Moses' command, reflects the seriousness with which the Israelites approached their covenant relationship with God.

Eli-zaphan's legacy continued through his descendants, who remained active in the religious and communal life of Israel, as evidenced by their involvement in the transportation of the Ark during King David's reign. This continuity of service illustrates the enduring commitment of Eli-zaphan's family to their Levitical duties and their dedication to upholding the worship and laws of the Lord.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-zaphan (1 Occurrence)
... Elizaphan, Eli-zaphan. Eli-za'phan . Multi-Version Concordance Eli-zaphan
(1 Occurrence). ... (See JPS). Elizaphan, Eli-zaphan. Eli-za'phan . Reference Bible
/e/eli-zaphan.htm - 6k

Eli-za'phan (4 Occurrences)
... 34:25 And of the tribe of the children of Zebulun a prince, Eli-zaphan the son of
Parnach. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 15:8 of the sons of Elizaphan: Shemaiah the ...
/e/eli-za'phan.htm - 7k

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

Zeb'ulun (41 Occurrences)
... Jahleelites. (See RSV). Numbers 34:25 And of the tribe of the children of
Zebulun a prince, Eli-zaphan the son of Parnach. (See RSV). ...
/z/zeb'ulun.htm - 16k

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