Definition: And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites [shall be] Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 3:30. It’s a very important and somewhat mysterious passage about a man named Elizaphan. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes the appointed role of a man named Elizaphan, who was given a specific responsibility within a family. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites” : This tells us who Elizaphan is – he's a leader or someone in charge of a family line called the Kohathites. The Kohathites were a group of people from Jerusalem, and their lineage was important to the Jewish community. “Elzaphan the son of Uzziel” : This identifies him as a specific individual named Elizaphan, and he is the son of Uzziel. Uzziel was a man in the Kohathite family. What does this mean practically? This verse points to a very important tradition within Jewish law. It suggests that the Kohathites were entrusted with a specific task or responsibility. The verse implies that Elizaphan held a position of leadership, possibly related to overseeing the family’s affairs – like managing finances, ensuring proper conduct, or safeguarding their land. Why is this important? This story is a cornerstone of Jewish tradition and is believed to be connected to a prophecy about the future. It highlights the importance of established roles and leadership within families and communities. In short: This verse tells us that Elizaphan was a leader of a specific family within the Kohathite lineage, entrusted with a particular duty. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this story is significant? Provide more context about the Kohathites or Jewish law in general?