Numbers 3:32
And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.
Original Language Analysis
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
over the chief
H5387
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
over the chief
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
over the chief
H5387
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
over the chief
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּהֵ֑ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֑ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
7 of 11
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
פְּקֻדַּ֕ת
and have the oversight
H6486
פְּקֻדַּ֕ת
and have the oversight
Strong's:
H6486
Word #:
8 of 11
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
שֹֽׁמְרֵ֖י
of them that keep
H8104
שֹֽׁמְרֵ֖י
of them that keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Historical Context
Eleazar would succeed Aaron as high priest after Aaron's death (Numbers 20:28), providing continuity in leadership. His oversight of Levitical service during his father's lifetime prepared him for the high priestly office and ensured smooth coordination of all tabernacle-related activities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Eleazar's supervisory role over all Levites illustrate the importance of coordinating various ministry functions under unified leadership?
- What does his dual role (priest and Levitical overseer) teach us about the importance of coordination between different offices in the church?
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Analysis & Commentary
Eleazar's appointment as 'chief over the chief of the Levites' established a supervisory role overseeing all Levitical service. As Aaron's son and eventual successor as high priest, Eleazar represented the connection between priestly and Levitical offices, ensuring coordination between those who officiated at the altar and those who maintained the tabernacle. This hierarchical structure maintained order while preserving distinctions between offices.