Numbers 3:24
And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.
Original Language Analysis
וּנְשִׂ֥יא
And the chief
H5387
וּנְשִׂ֥יא
And the chief
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בֵֽית
of the house
H1004
בֵֽית
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
2 of 7
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אָ֖ב
of the father
H1
אָ֖ב
of the father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
3 of 7
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
לַגֵּֽרְשֻׁנִּ֑י
of the Gershonites
H1649
לַגֵּֽרְשֻׁנִּ֑י
of the Gershonites
Strong's:
H1649
Word #:
4 of 7
a gereshonite or descendant of gereshon
Historical Context
Eliasaph son of Lael led the Gershonite clan during the wilderness period, coordinating their responsibilities for transporting and maintaining the tabernacle's fabric components. This leadership position was hereditary, passing through families as part of God's covenant administration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the appointment of clan leaders within the Levites illustrate that biblical organization involves multiple levels of authority?
- What does this teach us about the importance of identifying and appointing faithful leaders at various levels of church ministry?
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Analysis & Commentary
The appointment of Eliasaph as 'chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites' establishes leadership structure within each Levitical clan. Even among those consecrated for service, God appoints leaders responsible for organizing and directing their divisions. This pattern of leadership within leadership demonstrates that biblical organization involves multiple levels of authority and responsibility, preventing both autocracy (one person controlling everything) and anarchy (no clear structure).