ithamar Summary and Overview

palm isle, the fourth and youngest son of Aaron (1 Chr. 6:3). He was consecrated to the priesthood along with his brothers (Ex. 6:23); and after the death of Nadab and Abihu, he and Eleazar alone discharged the functions of that office (Lev. 10:6, 12; Num. 3:4). He and his family occupied the position of common priest till the high priesthood passed into his family in the person of Eli (1 Kings 2:27), the reasons for which are not recorded. (See ZADOK T0003864.)

(land of palms), the youngest son of Aaron. #Ex 6:23| (B.C. 1491.) After the death of Nadab and Abihu, #Le 10:1| Eleazar and Ithamar were appointed to succeed to their places in the priestly office. #Ex 28:1,40,43; Nu 3:3,4; 1Ch 24:2| In the distribution of services belonging to the tabernacle, and its transport on the march of the Israelites, the Gershonites and the Merarites were placed under the superintendence of Ithamar. #Ex 38:21; Nu 4:21-33| The high priesthood passed into the family of Ithamar in the person of Eli, but for what reason we are not informed.

ITH'AMAR (land of palms), a son of Aaron. Ex 6:23. After the violent death of Nadab and Abihu for their act of desecration. Lev 10:1-2, he and Eleazar were alone left for the priestly office. Lev 10:6, Eze 10:12. Eli was the only high priest of the line of Ithamar, 1 Chr 24:6, and, in fact, his house does not seem to have exercised as much influence as that of Eleazar. 1 Chr 24:4.

Aaron's youngest son (Exodus 6:23). With Eleazar the elder he succeeded to the priestly offices vacated by the death of Nadab and Abihu, which he and Eleazar were forbidden to mourn (Exodus 28:1; Exodus 28:40; Exodus 28:48; Leviticus 10:1-2; Leviticus 10:6-7; Numbers 3:3-4; 1 Chronicles 24:2). Ithamar superintended the Gershonites who had charge of the curtains and hangings, and Merari who had charge of the pillars, Cords, and boards, on the march (Exodus 38:21; Numbers 4:21-33). Eleazar's family and chief men were more numerous than those of Ithamar. The high priesthood in Eli's person (probably on account of the high qualities for which he was made judge) passed to the line of Ithamar, but reverted to Eleazar's line in Zadok, because of Abiathar's share in Adonijah's rebellion; thus the prophecy against Eli was fulfilled (1 Samuel 2:31-35; 1 Samuel 3:12-14; 1 Kings 2:26-27; 1 Kings 2:35). (See ABIATHAR; ELI.)