Elizur, whose name means “My God is a Rock” (or “God is Strength”), was a prominent prince and military leader of the tribe of Reuben during the Exodus from Egypt. As the son of Shedeur, he served as one of the twelve “heads of the houses of their fathers” who assisted Moses and Aaron in the administration of the fledgling nation of Israel.
The Captain of the Firstborn
Though the tribe of Reuben had lost its birthright status due to the actions of its patriarch, it remained a massive and influential force. Elizur was the man chosen by God to lead this host during the wilderness journey.
- The Census: Elizur stood with Moses to count the men of war. Under his leadership, the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500 able-bodied men (Numbers 1:21).
- The Camp of the South: In the divine arrangement of the camp, Elizur’s tribe was stationed on the south side of the Tabernacle. He was the standard-bearer for the second division of Israel’s march (Numbers 2:10).
His Offering of Dedication
Elizur is noted for his participation in the twelve-day dedication of the Altar. On the fourth day, he brought a massive voluntary offering on behalf of his tribe, demonstrating his commitment to the newly established sacrificial system.
“On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer: His offering was one silver charger… one silver bowl… one gold spoon… one young bull, one ram, one lamb… and for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs…” (Numbers 7:30-35, KJV)
A Leader of Order
Elizur’s role was not merely ceremonial. He was responsible for the orderly movement of tens of thousands of people. When the Cloud of Glory moved, Elizur was the one to set the “standard of the camp of Reuben” in motion, following the tribe of Judah but preceding the Levites who carried the Tabernacle (Numbers 10:18).
Theological Significance
The name Elizur provides a profound insight into the faith of the early Israelites. By carrying a name that proclaimed “God is my Rock,” he served as a living testimony to the stability and unshakeable nature of Jehovah in a shifting, desert environment.
In a tribe that was often characterized by “instability” (as Jacob had prophesied in Genesis 49:4, “Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel”), the appointment of a leader whose very name focused on a Rock suggests God’s desire to provide a firm foundation for the people of Reuben.