1. Numbers 3:32–39 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why is the high priestly office of Eleazar mentioned here—and that in connection with the clan of Kohath (Numbers 3:32) and not in connection with the camp of Moses and Aaron, his immediate family (Numbers 3:38–39)?

Numbers 3:32–39 (ESV)

32 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was to be chief over the chiefs of the Levites, and to have oversight of those who kept guard over the sanctuary.

Since the Kohathites are entrusted with the care of the holy furniture (the ark of the covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, etc.) the leader of the Kohathites (Elizaphan, son of Uzziel) would have acted upon the direction of the High Priest. The reference to Eleazar in this particular context thus implies a chain of command—a structure of authority—within the tribe and clans of Levi.