Izhar is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical records of the tribe of Levi. He is recognized as a significant ancestor within the Levitical lineage, which played a crucial role in the religious and priestly functions of ancient Israel.

Genealogy and Family

Izhar is identified as the son of Kohath, who was one of the three sons of Levi, the patriarch of the Levites. This places Izhar in the second generation of Levites, making him a grandson of Levi. The genealogical records in the Book of Exodus provide this lineage: "The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel" (Exodus 6:18). This lineage is reiterated in other passages, such as Numbers 3:19 and 1 Chronicles 6:2, establishing Izhar's place within the Levitical family tree.

Descendants

Izhar's descendants, known as the Izharites, are mentioned in various biblical texts. One of his most notable descendants is Korah, who is known for leading a rebellion against Moses and Aaron during the Israelites' wilderness journey. Numbers 16:1 states, "Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted a rebellion." This rebellion resulted in severe consequences, as described in the subsequent verses.

Role and Significance

As a member of the Kohathite clan, Izhar's descendants were assigned specific duties related to the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their desert wanderings. The Kohathites were responsible for carrying the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils, as outlined in Numbers 4:4-15. This role underscores the importance of Izhar's lineage in maintaining the spiritual and religious life of the Israelite community.

Biblical References

Izhar is mentioned in several key genealogical and narrative passages throughout the Old Testament. These include:

· Exodus 6:18: "The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The lifespan of Kohath was 133 years."
· Numbers 3:19: "The sons of Kohath by their clans were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel."
· 1 Chronicles 6:2: "The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel."

These references highlight Izhar's place within the broader context of Israel's history and the Levitical priesthood.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Izhar's lineage, particularly through Korah, serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and reverence for God's appointed leaders and structures. The rebellion led by Korah, a descendant of Izhar, is often cited as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and dissent against divine authority. This narrative underscores the need for humility and submission to God's ordained order, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical text.

In summary, Izhar is a significant figure within the Levitical genealogy, with his descendants playing crucial roles in both the religious functions of Israel and the narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. His legacy is intertwined with themes of service, obedience, and the consequences of rebellion against divine authority.Izhar

(oil), son of Kohath grandson of Levi, uncle of Aaron and Moses and father of Korah. (Exodus 6:18,21; Numbers 3:19; 16:1; 1 Chronicles 6:2,18) (B.C. after 1490.) Izhar was the head of the family of the Izharites, (1 Chronicles 24:22; 26:23) or Izeharites. (Numbers 3:27; 1 Chronicles 26:23,29)

Oil, one of the sons of Kohath, and grandson of Levi (Exodus 6:18, 21; Numbers 16:1). IZHAR

iz'-har (yitshar, "the shining one"):

(1) The father of Korah (Numbers 16:1), descended from a Kohathite Levite of this name, whose descendants formed a family, in the tribe of Levi (Exodus 6:18, 21 Numbers 3:19, 27 1 Chronicles 6:18, 38).

(2) A descendant of Judah, whose mother's name was Helah. the American Revised Version margin gives the name Zohar (1 Chronicles 4:7).

3325. Yitshari -- descendant of Izhar
... descendant of Izhar. Transliteration: Yitshari Phonetic Spelling: (yits-haw-ree')
Short Definition: Izharites. ... of Izhar NASB Word Usage Izharites (4). ...
/hebrew/3325.htm - 6k

3324. Yitshar -- a Levite
... 3323, 3324. Yitshar. 3325 . a Levite. Transliteration: Yitshar Phonetic
Spelling: (yits-hawr') Short Definition: Izhar. Word ... 9). Izhar. ...
/hebrew/3324.htm - 6k

3328. Yitschar -- Jitschar, an Israelite
... 3327, 3328. Yitschar. 3329 . Jitschar, an Israelite. Transliteration: Yitschar
Phonetic Spelling: (yits-khar') Short Definition: Izhar. ...
/hebrew/3328.htm - 6k

Izhar (10 Occurrences)
... 16:1). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. IZHAR. iz'-har (yitshar ... 4:7).
Multi-Version Concordance Izhar (10 Occurrences). Exodus 6:18 ...
/i/izhar.htm - 10k

Izhar'ites (1 Occurrence)
Izhar'ites. Iz'harites, Izhar'ites. Izliah . Multi-Version
Concordance Izhar'ites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 3:27 And of ...
/i/izhar'ites.htm - 6k

Uz'ziel (16 Occurrences)
... Exodus 6:18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the
years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years. (See RSV). ...
/u/uz'ziel.htm - 10k

Uzziel (17 Occurrences)
... Exodus 6:18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the
years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years. ...
/u/uzziel.htm - 14k

Amram (14 Occurrences)
... Exodus 6:18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the
years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years. ...
/a/amram.htm - 12k

Kohath (30 Occurrences)
... Exodus 6:18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the
years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years. ...
/k/kohath.htm - 18k

Amminadab (14 Occurrences)
... His daughter Elisheba was married to Aaron (Exodus 6:23). (2.) A son of Kohath,
the second son of Levi (1 Chronicles 6:22), called also Izhar (2, 18). ...
/a/amminadab.htm - 13k

Zohar (5 Occurrences)
... ZERAH, 4. (3) In 1 Chronicles 4:7, where the Qere is "and tsochar" for the Kethibh
is yitschar, the Revised Version (British and American) "Izhar," the King ...
/z/zohar.htm - 9k

Nepheg (4 Occurrences)
... NEPHEG. ne'-feg (nephegh, "sprout," "shoot"): (1) Son of Izhar, and brother of Korah
of the famous trio, Korah, Dathan and Abiram (Exodus 6:21). ...
/n/nepheg.htm - 7k

Shelomith (9 Occurrences)
... (3) One of the "sons of Izhar" (1 Chronicles 23:18) (Codex Vaticanus Salomoth; Codex
Alexandrinus Saloumoth, Lucian, Salomith), called "Shelomoth" in 24:22. ...
/s/shelomith.htm - 10k

What was the significance of the rebellion of Korah? | GotQuestions.org

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