Elzaphan (also referred to as Elizaphan) was a prominent Levite leader during the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings. As a member of the Kohathite branch of the Tribe of Levi, he held a position of significant sacred responsibility regarding the Tabernacle.
The Scriptural Record
Elzaphan is introduced in the book of Exodus as a cousin to Moses and Aaron. He is the son of Uzziel, who was the uncle of Moses.
“And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.” (Exodus 6:22, KJV)
His Role as a Levite Leader
God appointed Elzaphan to a high office during the organization of the camp of Israel. He was named the Chief of the Kohathites, the family of Levites responsible for the most holy objects within the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Shewbread, and the Altar.
“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)
A Somber Task: The Death of Nadab and Abihu
One of the most defining moments in Elzaphan’s life was a tragic one. When Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered “strange fire” before the Lord and were consumed by divine judgment, Moses called upon Elzaphan and his brother Mishael to perform a difficult duty.
Because the regular priests were forbidden from mourning or touching the dead during their sanctification, Elzaphan was commanded to carry the bodies of his cousins out of the camp.
“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)
In 1 Chronicles 12:12, we find a second man named Elzabad mentioned in the same chapter. While the Elzabad we previously discussed (v. 7) was a Benjamite, this Elzabad belongs to the Tribe of Gad.
This verse is part of a specific list of eleven Gadite “mighty men” who defected from King Saul’s army to join David while he was a fugitive in the wilderness.
The Scriptural Record
“Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,” (1 Chronicles 12:12, KJV)
The Character of the Gadite Warriors
Elzabad the Gadite was not a common soldier; he was part of an elite group described in verse 8 with vivid, almost terrifying imagery. These men were:
- “Men of might, and men of war”: Trained specifically for the rigors of battle.
- “Faces like the faces of lions”: This suggests a fierce, undaunted countenance that struck fear into their enemies.
- “Swift as the roes [gazelles] upon the mountains”: They possessed incredible speed and agility, likely honed in the rugged terrain of Gad (East of the Jordan).
- Highly Skilled: They could “handle shield and buckler” (spear), meaning they were masters of both offensive and defensive combat.
Their Feat of Faith
What makes Elzabad and his ten companions truly remarkable is recorded in verse 15. They joined David by crossing the Jordan River during the “first month” (spring), which was the time when the river overflowed all its banks.
To cross a flooding Jordan was a suicidal mission for most, yet these eleven men—including Elzabad—not only swam across but immediately “put to flight all them of the valleys.” Their arrival was a major morale boost for David, signaling that even the warriors from across the Jordan recognized his divine appointment.
Etymology and Meaning
The name Elzaphan (or Elizaphan) carries a meaning of divine protection and secrecy:
- “God Has Protected”: From El (God) and zaphan (to hide, treasure, or protect).
- “God is a Hiding Place”: It suggests a person who is shielded or “hidden” under the shadow of the Almighty.
Historical and Theological Significance
Elzaphan represents Faithful Service in the Face of Judgment. His role in Leviticus 10 demonstrates the necessity of obedience even in the most painful circumstances. He was tasked with cleaning up the aftermath of a spiritual failure, showing that someone must remain steady and holy even when others fall.
As the head of the Kohathites, Elzaphan’s legacy continued through the “sons of Elizaphan.” Centuries later, during the reign of King Hezekiah, his descendants were among the Levites who cleansed the Temple to restore true worship to Israel (2 Chronicles 29:13).