אֶלְעָזָר

'Elʽazar is a personal name occurring seventy-two times in the Old Testament. The name is a compound of the Hebrew word for God, 'El, and the verb ʽazar, meaning "to help." Thus, the name signifies "God has helped" or "God is my helper." The most significant individual bearing this name is Eleazar, the third son of Aaron, who succeeded his father as the high priest of Israel. He played a crucial role during the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan, often serving alongside Moses and later Joshua in religious and administrative capacities. His duties included overseeing the tabernacle and its sacred vessels, and importantly, participating in the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes.

Beyond Aaron's son, the name Eleazar is attributed to several other individuals in the biblical narrative, though none wield the same prominence or have as extensive a record of their actions. These other men are generally mentioned in genealogical lists or in brief historical notes, indicating the name's continued use among Israelites. The recurrence of the name suggests either a desire to honor the original Eleazar or a theological affirmation of God's helping hand in their lives.

While the primary theological weight of the name rests with the high priest Eleazar, whose life and ministry underscored the importance of priestly leadership and divine guidance, the name broadly reflects the consistent biblical theme of God's aid and intervention in the lives of his people. The narratives associated with Eleazar, particularly those involving his priestly functions and his participation in critical national events, emphasize God's active involvement in the establishment and maintenance of the covenant community. The very meaning of the name serves as a constant reminder of God's faithful assistance to his people through chosen leaders.