1. Numbers 4:16 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does Eleazar’s responsibility consist of?

Numbers 4:16 (ESV)

16 “And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall have charge of the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the regular grain offering, and the anointing oil, with the oversight of the whole tabernacle and all that is in it, of the sanctuary and its vessels.”

This verse describes a twofold responsibility: he is to have charge of the ceremonies pertaining to the Holy Place and oversight over the whole tabernacle. The particular ceremonies and materials listed here include oil for the light (see Exodus 27:20–21), the fragrant incense (see Exodus 30:34–38), the regular grain offering (see Exodus 29:38–46), and anointing oil (see Exodus 30:26–29). Eleazar is to exercise oversight over the entire Levitical workforce.1