Elazar

Biblical Figures

Elazar was a son of Aaron who succeeded him in the role of the high priest. He continued his role in the land of Israel and assisted Joshua in the partitioning of the land among tribes and families.

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Eleazar's Role in Apportioning the Land

TANAKH

Eleazar the priest played a crucial role in the apportioning of the land among the Israelites, partnering with Joshua in this significant task. The Book of Numbers explains the process of the land among the tribes of Israel.

These are the names of the participants through whom the land shall be apportioned for you: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun.

Numbers 34:17

Joshua's Inquiries to Elazar

MIDRASH

The transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua required a new method of divine communication, highlighting the partnership of Joshua and Elazar in hearing God's word. The Sifrei Bamidbar, a third-century halakhic midrash, details the procedure by which Joshua would consult Elazar the High Priest using the Urim and Thummim.

(Bamidbar 27:21) "And before Elazar the Cohein shall he (Joshua) stand": Joshua had recourse to Elazar, and Elazar, to Joshua. "And he (Joshua) shall inquire of him (Elazar)": I might think, (that the inquiry was) "between him and himself"; it is, therefore, written "as to the judgment of the urim." I might then think, (that he inquired) in full voice. It is, therefore, written "and he shall inquire of him," (connoting in subdued voice). How so? He stood and moved his lips, and the high-priest answered his inquiries.

Sifrei Bamidbar 141:1

The Divine Bestowal of the Priesthood

MIDRASH

The event of Moses transferring Aaron's priestly vestments to Elazar highlights the honor Moses accorded to Aaron in his death. The Sifra, an early halachic midrash on Leviticus, explains that the process was moreover a miraculous one.

6) (Vayikra 8:7) "And he put upon him the kutoneth and he girded him with the avneit, etc." (See Shemoth 29): We are hereby taught that Moses was made an aid to Aaron. And just as he was made his aid in his lifetime, so, he was made his aid in his death. And he would dress him and he would undress him, as it is written (Bamidbar 20:25): "Take Aaron and Elazar his son… (Bamidbar 20:26) and strip Aaron of his vestments, etc." And whence is it derived that Moses did this? From (Bamidbar 20:27): "And Moses did as the L–rd commanded…

Sifra, Tzav, Mekhilta DeMiluim I 6

Settling in the Promised Land

COMMENTARY

The death of Elazar marks the end of an era and the beginning of the Israelites' settlement in their homeland. This text discusses the conclusion of the Book of Joshua, highlighting the deaths of Joshua and Elazar, and signifies the pivotal moment when the Israelites settle in the Promised Land.

As so often happens in the Bible, the book ends with a death notice, here not only of Yehoshua but also of the last priestly representative of the older generation, El’azar. The wanderings are over, and the Israelites are home at last.

The Early Prophets, by Everett Fox, Joshua, Part IV; Last Words 4