The name Eliasaph (meaning “God has added”) belongs to two distinct men who served as vital pillars during Israel’s wilderness journey. While their roles differed—one a prince of a tribe and the other a leader of the Levites—both exemplified the divine order and structured obedience required of God’s people.
1. Eliasaph the Son of Deuel: Prince of Gad
The first Eliasaph was the tribal head of Gad. He was one of the twelve “renowned of the congregation” chosen to stand with Moses and Aaron during the first census of Israel at Mount Sinai.
- A Military Leader: He was responsible for the military organization of the tribe of Gad. When the camp set forward, Eliasaph led the “host” or army of his tribe.”And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel.” (Numbers 10:20, KJV)
- A Generous Giver: During the dedication of the Tabernacle, Eliasaph presented the offering for the tribe of Gad on the sixth day. His gift—including silver vessels, fine flour, oil, and various livestock—was an act of sacrificial worship, identical in value to the other princes, showing that in God’s eyes, the service of each tribe was equally essential.”On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered:” (Numbers 7:42, KJV)
(Note: In Numbers 2:14, he is called the son of Reuel. Most scholars recognize this as a scribal variation, as the Hebrew letters for ‘D’ and ‘R’ are very similar.)
2. Eliasaph the Son of Lael: Chief of the Gershonites
The second Eliasaph belonged to the tribe of Levi. He was appointed as the chief of the father’s house for the Gershonites, one of the three main branches of the Levites.
- Guardian of the Sanctuary: While the priests (Aaron’s family) handled the sacrifices, the Gershonites under Eliasaph were the “movers” of the Tabernacle. They were entrusted with the physical coverings and textiles that shielded the presence of God.”And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.” (Numbers 3:24, KJV)
- A Burden of Responsibility: Eliasaph’s division was specifically charged with the tabernacle, the tent, the coverings, the hanging for the door of the tabernacle, and the curtains of the court. Without the faithful labor of Eliasaph and his men, the Tabernacle could not be transported or protected from the elements.
Lessons from the Two Eliasaphs
Though they held different offices—one in the civil/military sphere and the other in the sacred/clerical sphere—their lives provide a unified picture of “Faith in Action”:
- God-Appointed Order: Both men were specifically named by God for their roles. This reminds us that in the body of Christ, every position—from the prince in the field to the servant in the sanctuary—is a divine appointment.
- The Power of “Addition”: True to their name (“God has added”), these men added strength and stability to the nation. One added to the defense of the people, while the other added to the dignity of God’s worship.
- Reliability in the Wilderness: The wilderness was a place of testing. Both Eliasaphs remained steadfast in their duties, ensuring that whether the nation was fighting or moving, the order of God was maintained.