Elizaphan (also spelled Elzaphan), whose name means “God has protected” or “God of treasure,” was a high-ranking Levite during the Exodus. He served as the “chief of the house” for the Kohathites, the most prominent branch of the Levitical tribe.
While he is a lesser-known figure, he was entrusted with some of the most solemn and dangerous duties in the history of the Tabernacle.
1. The Leader of the Kohathites
Elizaphan was the son of Uzziel, who was the uncle of Moses and Aaron. Because of his lineage and character, he was appointed as the head of the Kohathite families. This was a position of immense responsibility, as the Kohathites were the ones specifically tasked with transporting the most sacred furniture of the Tabernacle—including the Ark of the Covenant.
“And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.” (Numbers 3:30, KJV)
2. A Minister in a Time of Tragedy
One of the most sobering moments in Elizaphan’s life occurred when Nadab and Abihu (the sons of Aaron) offered “strange fire” before the Lord and were instantly struck dead by divine judgment.
Because the bodies were in the Holy Place, Moses called upon Elizaphan and his brother Mishael to perform the grim task of removing their deceased cousins from the sanctuary. They were required to carry the bodies out of the camp while maintaining the sanctity of their own priestly status.
“And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.” (Leviticus 10:4, KJV)
3. A Legacy of Service
The “sons of Elizaphan” became a distinct and honored group within the Levites, continuing to serve the house of God for centuries:
- During King David’s Reign: When David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, two hundred “sons of Elizaphan,” led by their chief Shemaiah, were sanctified to participate in the procession (1 Chronicles 15:8).
- During King Hezekiah’s Reformation: Hundreds of years later, when Hezekiah cleansed the Temple to restore true worship, the descendants of Elizaphan were among those who rose up to sanctify themselves and the house of the Lord (2 Chronicles 29:13).
4. The Prince of Zebulun
It is worth noting that there is a second Elizaphan mentioned in the Bible (the son of Parnach). This man was a “prince” of the tribe of Zebulun and was chosen by God to represent his tribe in the formal division of the Promised Land (Numbers 34:25).
Theological Significance
Elizaphan represents faithful stewardship under pressure. Whether he was overseeing the transport of the Ark or dealing with the tragic aftermath of disobedience in the sanctuary, he remained a steady, “protected” servant of God. His life shows that when God “treasures up” a man (as his name suggests), that man is equipped to handle even the most daunting of divine assignments.