Ithamar is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for his role as a priest in the lineage of Aaron. He is the youngest son of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab. Ithamar's name is mentioned in several passages, highlighting his contributions to the priestly duties and the religious life of the Israelites.

Family and Lineage

Ithamar was born into the Levitical priesthood, as his father Aaron was appointed the first high priest of Israel. His brothers were Nadab, Abihu, and Eleazar. After the tragic deaths of Nadab and Abihu, who were consumed by fire from the LORD for offering unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1-2), Ithamar and Eleazar were left to carry on the priestly duties alongside their father.

Priestly Duties

Ithamar played a crucial role in the administration of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 38:21, he is mentioned as having oversight of the Levites who were responsible for the construction and maintenance of the Tabernacle: "This is the inventory of the Tabernacle, the Tabernacle of the Testimony, as recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest."

He was also involved in the distribution of the offerings and the management of the sacred items. Numbers 4:28 assigns him specific responsibilities: "This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest."

Legacy and Descendants

Ithamar's lineage continued to serve in the priesthood for generations. One of his notable descendants was Eli, the high priest during the time of Samuel. However, the line of Ithamar faced challenges, particularly during the time of Eli, whose sons Hophni and Phinehas acted wickedly, leading to a divine judgment on Eli's house (1 Samuel 2:27-36).

Despite these challenges, the line of Ithamar remained significant in the history of Israel's priesthood. During the reign of King David, Ithamar's descendants, along with those of Eleazar, were organized into divisions for the service of the Temple (1 Chronicles 24:1-6).

Significance in Scripture

Ithamar's life and service exemplify the responsibilities and challenges of the priestly office in ancient Israel. His role in overseeing the Tabernacle and his involvement in the priestly lineage underscore the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the service of God. His account serves as a reminder of the sacred duties entrusted to the priests and the consequences of failing to uphold God's commands.

Ithamar's contributions to the religious life of Israel highlight the continuity of the priestly tradition from Aaron through subsequent generations, emphasizing the enduring nature of God's covenant with the Levitical priesthood.Ithamar's (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 24:4
And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided: of the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen, heads of fathers' houses; and of the sons of Ithamar, according to their fathers' houses, eight.
(See NIV)

Ithamar's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ithamar's (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 24:4 And
there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar ...
/i/ithamar's.htm - 6k

Ithiel (2 Occurrences)

/i/ithiel.htm - 8k

Ith'amar (20 Occurrences)
Ith'amar. Ithamar, Ith'amar. Ithamar's . Multi-Version Concordance
Ith'amar (20 Occurrences). Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba ...
/i/ith'amar.htm - 12k

Zadok (50 Occurrences)
... by the narrator that Zodak was of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech (in 1 Chronicles
18:16, named Abiathar; see above) of the sons of Ithamar (1 Chronicles 24 ...
/z/zadok.htm - 40k

Who was Ithamar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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