Also known as: Eltsafan, Elizaphan, Elzaphan, Elicafan
The exodusLeaderc. 1500 BC
Elzaphan (also known as Elizaphan) was the son of Uzziel, who was the son of Kohath from the tribe of Levi. He was appointed by Moses as leader of the families of the Kohathites and played a role in several important events during Israel's wilderness journey, including in connection with the deaths of Nadab and Abihu.
Elzaphan, son of Uzziel, was appointed by Moses as leader of the Kohathite clans, with responsibility for the ark of the covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the holy utensils.
As leader of the Kohathites, Elzaphan and his clan were responsible for carrying the most holy items of the tabernacle during Israel's journey through the wilderness.
31Their responsibility was the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and all the work connected with them.
After Nadab and Abihu died in the Lord's presence because they offered unauthorized fire, Moses commanded Elzaphan and his brother Mishael to carry their bodies out of the sanctuary and away from the camp.
1Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu each took his censer, put fire in it, laid incense on it, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them.
4Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Uzziel, Aaron's uncle, and said to them, "Come here, carry your brothers away from the front of the sanctuary, outside the camp."
Elzaphan's clan was counted among the Kohathites when Moses and Aaron numbered the Levites by the Lord's command, recording the number of men one month old and upward.
Elzaphan's descendants are mentioned in Chronicles as participants in the service during King David's time and King Hezekiah's religious reforms, when they helped cleanse the temple.