Ithamar

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Role: Priest
• Family: Youngest son of Aaron and Elisheba
• Key Books: Leviticus, Numbers, 1 Samuel

Biography

Ithamar was the youngest of Aaron’s four sons. Along with his brother Eleazar, he survived the judgment that consumed Nadab and Abihu when they offered strange fire before the Lord (Leviticus 10). After Aaron’s death, Ithamar continued serving as a priest under Eleazar’s leadership as high priest. The priestly line of Ithamar produced a significant branch — eventually Abiathar, priest during David’s reign, descended from Ithamar (1 Chronicles 24:3–6). The twenty-four priestly courses established by David included eight from Eleazar’s line and sixteen from Ithamar’s, showing Ithamar’s line grew substantially.

Key Events

• Tabernacle Consecration — Ordained as priest
• Death of Nadab and Abihu — Survived the divine judgment
• Wilderness wanderings — Served as priest throughout

Relationships

• Aaron — Father
• Eleazar — Brother, high priest
• Nadab — Brother (deceased)
• Abihu — Brother (deceased)

Important Verses

• Exodus 6:23 — “These are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.”
• Numbers 3:10 — Ithamar’s family appointed to service in the tabernacle

Cross-References

• Mentioned in: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, 1 Chronicles, 1 Samuel
• Descendant: Abiathar the priest in David’s court

Notes

Ithamar’s name means “pillar of the sea.” His priestly line outlasted Eleazar’s in certain branches and produced notable priests during the monarchy.