Lexical Summary Elitsur: Elizur Original Word: אֱלִיצוּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Elizur From 'el and tsuwr; God of (the) rock; Elitsur, an Israelite -- Elizur. see HEBREW 'el see HEBREW tsuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom el and tsur Definition "God of (the) rock," a Reubenite leader NASB Translation Elizur (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֱלִיצוּר proper name, masculine (צור Rock is God, compare Deuteronomy 32:4; see also צוּרִיאֵל) chief of Reuben Numbers 1:5; Numbers 2:10; Numbers 7:30,35; Numbers 10:18. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Elizur son of Shedeur bears a name that exalts the steadfast character of the LORD, testifying that God Himself is the unfailing strength of His people. The confession implicit in the name aligns with the repeated wilderness lessons that Israel’s security lies not in numbers or circumstance but in the Rock of their salvation. Genealogical Context • Tribe: Reuben, firstborn of Jacob and Leah (Genesis 29:32). Appearance in the Biblical Narrative 1. Appointment at the First Census – Numbers 1:5 “These are the names of the men who are to assist you: from Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur.” Elizur is listed first among the tribal chiefs, reflecting Reuben’s chronological seniority though not the primacy lost by sin (Genesis 49:3-4). 2. Camp Arrangement – Numbers 2:10 “On the south side the standard of the camp of Reuben shall set out according to their divisions, and the leader of the Reubenites shall be Elizur son of Shedeur.” His placement on the south side guarded Israel’s flank, paired with Simeon and Gad. The ordered encampment exemplified both military readiness and theological centrality around the Tabernacle. 3. Dedication Offering – Numbers 7:30-35 “On the fourth day Elizur son of Shedeur, the leader of the Reubenites, presented an offering.” (Numbers 7:30) His gift exactly matched the offerings of the other eleven leaders: a silver plate and basin filled with fine flour and oil, a gold dish of incense, and a suite of animals culminating in the peace offering (Numbers 7:31-35). The uniformity highlights corporate worship and equality before the LORD despite tribal distinctions. 4. Order of March – Numbers 10:18 “The divisions of the camp of Reuben set out under their standard, with Elizur son of Shedeur in command.” When the cloud lifted, Reuben’s army moved second only to Judah’s lead contingent (Numbers 10:14-18). Elizur’s obedience ensured that his tribe followed divine guidance with precision. Representative Leadership in the Wilderness Elizur functions as Reuben’s mouthpiece in civil registration, military organization, and liturgical dedication. His consistent appearance across census, camp, offering, and march scenes illustrates a comprehensive model of leadership that integrates administrative responsibility, martial readiness, and spiritual devotion. Historical Significance While later biblical history records instability among Reubenites (Judges 5:15-16; 1 Chronicles 5:1-26), the early wilderness phase under Elizur shows the tribe fulfilling its assigned duties. His inclusion affirms that even those bearing the consequences of ancestral failure (Reuben’s forfeiture of birthright) are still called to meaningful service in God’s redemptive plan. Theological Themes • Divine Order: Elizur’s role underscores the divine structuring of community life. Every aspect—from census to march—unfolds “as the LORD commanded Moses,” reinforcing covenant obedience (Numbers 1:19; Numbers 10:13). • Corporate Worship: Identical offerings by each tribal chief (Numbers 7) promote unity. No leader seeks preeminence; all approach the altar on equal footing. • Faithful Leadership: Elizur embodies fidelity in transition, guiding a volatile yet redeemed people from Egyptian slavery toward the promised inheritance. Connections to New Testament Truth The pattern of distributed yet unified leadership anticipates the New Testament picture of the body of Christ, where varied members function under one Head (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Elizur’s unison offering with fellow leaders foreshadows the “living stones” who together constitute a spiritual house and holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5). Lessons for Contemporary Faith 1. God values faithful administrators who quietly ensure that His people are numbered, ordered, and ready to move when He directs. In Elizur, Scripture presents a leader whose name, actions, and context converge to declare that God is indeed the immovable Rock sustaining His covenant community through every stage of the journey. Forms and Transliterations אֱלִיצ֖וּר אליצור ’ĕ·lî·ṣūr ’ĕlîṣūr eliTzurLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 1:5 HEB: אִתְּכֶ֑ם לִרְאוּבֵ֕ן אֱלִיצ֖וּר בֶּן־ שְׁדֵיאֽוּר׃ NAS: with you: of Reuben, Elizur the son KJV: with you: of [the tribe of] Reuben; Elizur the son INT: for of Reuben Elizur the son of Shedeur Numbers 2:10 Numbers 7:30 Numbers 7:35 Numbers 10:18 5 Occurrences |
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