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was Elizaphan
Elizaphan, also spelled Elzaphan in some translations, was chosen as the leader of the Kohathite families. His name means "God has protected" or "God is my treasure," which may reflect his role in safeguarding the holy items of the tabernacle. Leadership among the Levites was crucial, as it ensured the proper handling and transportation of the tabernacle's sacred objects. Elizaphan's leadership would have required him to be a man of integrity and deep respect for the divine commandments.

son of Uzziel
Uzziel was a descendant of Levi, making Elizaphan a member of the Levitical tribe. Uzziel was the uncle of Aaron and Moses, as he was the brother of Amram, their father. This familial connection places Elizaphan in close relation to the central figures of Israel's leadership during the Exodus. The mention of his lineage underscores the importance of family heritage and the continuation of responsibilities through generations. It also highlights the interconnectedness of the Levitical families and their shared duty in serving the Lord.

“and the leader …” (Numbers 3:30)

• God does not leave His people without clear guidance; He appoints specific leaders for every task (Numbers 3:32; 4:16).

• Leadership among the Levites safeguarded both worship and order, echoing the principle Jethro gave Moses—qualified men placed over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens (Exodus 18:21).

• By naming a leader, the Lord emphasizes accountability; someone must answer for how the clan carries out its holy duties (Hebrews 13:17).

“… of the families …”

• “Families” here means the clan divisions within the tribe of Levi (Numbers 26:58). Each unit knew its ancestry, its place around the tabernacle (Numbers 2:17), and its assignment.

• The family structure kept worship personal and generational—fathers teaching children the statutes of God (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

• This arrangement modeled how spiritual responsibility is first learned at home and then exercised in community (Ephesians 6:4).

“… of the Kohathites …”

• Kohath, a son of Levi (Genesis 46:11), produced a clan entrusted with the most sacred objects—the ark, table, lampstand, altars (Numbers 4:4-15).

• Because they carried holy things on their shoulders, not carts (Numbers 7:9), the Kohathites illustrate reverence: God’s presence cannot be treated casually (2 Samuel 6:6-7).

• Their camp position—south of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:29)—placed them close to the sanctuary, underscoring both privilege and risk (Leviticus 10:1-2).

“… was Elizaphan …”

• Elizaphan (also spelled Elzaphan) steps into a God-given office, not a self-appointed role. His name appears earlier when he and his brother Mishael carried out Nadab and Abihu’s bodies after their judgment (Leviticus 10:4).

• That earlier obedience shows his proven character; God often advances those already faithful in small tasks (Luke 16:10).

• Elizaphan’s leadership would include directing how the Kohathites packed and transported the holy furnishings once Aaron and his sons had covered them (Numbers 4:15-20).

“… son of Uzziel.”

• Uzziel was a son of Kohath, making Elizaphan a direct grandson of Kohath and great-grandson of Levi (Exodus 6:18-22;1 Chronicles 15:4-8).

• Scripture traces this line to highlight the Lord’s faithfulness over generations; promises made to Levi are fulfilled in his great-grandson serving at the tabernacle (Psalm 100:5).

• Identifying Elizaphan by his father’s name preserves accuracy, prevents confusion with others of similar names, and guards the purity of priestly service (Ezra 2:61-62).

Numbers 3:30 underscores how God organizes His people for worship: He appoints a recognizable leader (Elizaphan), ties that leader to a specific family (the Kohathites), and anchors the appointment in a verifiable lineage (son of Uzziel). The verse teaches that holy service must be orderly, accountable, and rooted in generational faithfulness, reminding believers today that God still cares who leads, how they lead, and whether their leadership flows from a genuine call confirmed by the community.