Lael was the father of Elzaphan, who led the Gershonite clan within the tribe of Levi during Israel's wilderness journey. He is mentioned only once in the Bible, in connection with the census and organization of the Levites at Sinai. His name means 'belonging to God' or 'dedicated to God'.
Lael's son Elzaphan led the Gershonites, who were responsible for the tabernacle coverings, the curtain at the entrance, the hangings of the courtyard, and the ropes—all related to service at God's dwelling.
25The responsibility of the sons of Gershon at the tent of meeting was the tabernacle and the tent, its covering, the curtain at the entrance of the tent of meeting,
26the hangings of the courtyard, which enclose the tabernacle and the altar on every side, the curtain at the entrance of the courtyard, and its ropes—together with all the work connected with them.
Under the leadership of Elzaphan, Lael's son, the Gershonites camped behind the tabernacle, toward the west, as part of the ordered camp structure around the sanctuary.
Selection of the Levites in place of the firstborn
Lael belonged to the tribe of Levi, which was chosen by God to serve in place of all the firstborn in Israel, an important arrangement established at Sinai.
12I myself have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of every firstborn who opens the womb among the Israelites. The Levites shall be mine,
13for every firstborn is mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to myself every firstborn in Israel, both human and animal. They are mine. I am the LORD.