Elizaphan (also known as Elzaphan) was the son of Uzziel and grandson of Kohath from the tribe of Levi. He was appointed by Moses as chief over the clans of the Kohathites and played an important role during the wilderness journey, including carrying away the bodies of Nadab and Abihu after their unauthorized offering to the Lord.
Moses appointed Elizaphan, son of Uzziel, to lead the clans of the Kohathites. He was given responsibility for leading this Levitical group during the wilderness journey.
Elizaphan's clan, the Kohathites, were responsible for caring for the most holy items in the tabernacle, including the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils.
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 Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord because they offered unauthorized fire, Moses commanded that Elizaphan and his brother Mishael carry their bodies out of 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."
During the census in the wilderness, the Kohathites, whom Elizaphan led, were counted and registered for their service at the tabernacle. The number of men from one month old and upward was 8600.
The descendants of Elizaphan are mentioned in connection with King David's organization of Levitical service, where they participated in bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem.