How does Eleazar's role connect to Christ's intercessory role in Hebrews 7:25?

Eleazar: A Glimpse of Continuing Priesthood

Numbers 20:26-28 records Eleazar receiving Aaron’s garments atop Mount Hor, signaling a seamless transfer of priestly responsibility. From that moment forward, he became the nation’s recognized mediator.

• Oversight of sanctuary articles – Numbers 3:32; 4:16

• Guardianship of holy worship after Nadab and Abihu’s sin – Leviticus 10:16-20

• Instruction in purification for warriors returning from battle – Numbers 31:21-24

• Participation in dividing the inheritance – Joshua 14:1; 19:51

Every scene features Eleazar standing between God’s holiness and Israel’s need, ensuring continual access to divine favor.

---

Hebrews 7:25—Christ’s Ongoing Intercession

“Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”

Key phrases:

• “save completely” – nothing partial or temporary

• “draw near to God” – the very purpose of priesthood

• “always lives” – an unending tenure

• “to intercede” – active, personal representation before the Father

---

Parallels Between Eleazar and Jesus

1. Continuity of priesthood

– Eleazar followed Aaron; Jesus follows no predecessor yet permanently succeeds the Aaronic line (Hebrews 7:11-17).

2. Responsibility for holy things

– Eleazar guarded the vessels; Jesus “entered the greater and more perfect tabernacle…not by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:11-12).

3. Instruction and cleansing

– Eleazar taught purification rites; Jesus “cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

4. Mediation for inheritance

– Eleazar helped apportion Canaan; Jesus secures “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4).

---

Contrasts that Magnify Christ

• Limited lifespan vs. eternal life

– Eleazar died (Joshua 24:33); Jesus “always lives.”

• Repeated sacrifices vs. once-for-all sacrifice

– Eleazar offered daily blood (Numbers 28); Jesus “offered Himself once for all” (Hebrews 7:27).

• Earthly sanctuary vs. heavenly throne

– Eleazar ministered in the tabernacle; Jesus intercedes “at the right hand of God” (Romans 8:34).

---

Personal Takeaways for Today

• Because Christ’s priesthood never ends, access to God never closes.

• His intercession is as personal as Eleazar’s hands-on ministry—yet infinitely more powerful.

• The reliability seen in Eleazar’s faithful service prefigures the absolute security believers enjoy in Christ, who “is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).