Deuteronomy 10:7
From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters.
Original Language Analysis
מִשָּׁ֥ם
H8033
נָֽסְע֖וּ
From thence they journeyed
H5265
נָֽסְע֖וּ
From thence they journeyed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
וּמִן
H4480
וּמִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Historical Context
Eleazar succeeded Aaron and served throughout the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The high priesthood descended through Eleazar's line (rather than Ithamar's line) for most of Israel's history.
Priestly succession continued until the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, when the temple and priesthood ended, having been fulfilled and superseded by Christ's superior high priesthood.
Questions for Reflection
- What does priestly succession reveal about the temporary nature of the old covenant system?
- How does Christ's eternal priesthood provide greater security than changing human priests?
- Why was continuity of priestly ministry important despite the limitation of mortal priests?
- In what ways does Christ fulfill and supersede the Aaronic priesthood?
- How should Christ's permanent priesthood affect our confidence in approaching God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead. The priestly succession from Aaron to Eleazar demonstrates both continuity and limitation of the old covenant ministry. Continuity because the priesthood continues despite individual death; limitation because succession is necessary.
The phrase in his stead indicates replacement - Eleazar takes Aaron's place because Aaron can no longer serve. This revolving succession of priests illustrates the temporary nature of the Aaronic priesthood. Each generation requires new priests as the old die.
Reformed theology sees this succession as revealing the priesthood's inadequacy to provide permanent mediation. If the Aaronic priesthood could perfect worshipers, no succession would be needed. The need for replacement priests testified that the old covenant system could not provide ultimate reconciliation between God and humanity.
Christ's priesthood requires no succession - He ever lives to make intercession (Hebrews 7:25). His resurrection guarantees permanent, unchanging advocacy for believers. We need no new mediator because the one Mediator never dies.