Mishael

Mishael is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Levitical priesthood. He is identified as one of the sons of Uzziel, who was the uncle of Aaron, making Mishael a cousin to Aaron's sons. Mishael's lineage places him within the tribe of Levi, which was set apart for religious duties and service to the Tabernacle.

Mishael's most notable biblical appearance occurs in the Book of Leviticus. After the tragic incident involving Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron who offered unauthorized fire before the LORD and were consumed by divine fire, Mishael and his brother Elzaphan were called upon to carry out a solemn duty. Leviticus 10:4-5 records this event: "Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel, and said to them, 'Come here and carry your brothers outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary.' So they came forward and carried them, still in their tunics, outside the camp, as Moses had directed."

This task underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the seriousness of adhering to God's commands. Mishael's role in this event highlights the responsibilities and challenges faced by those serving in the Levitical priesthood.

Elzaphan

Elzaphan, like his brother Mishael, is a descendant of Levi through Uzziel. His mention in the Bible is closely tied to the same incident involving the deaths of Nadab and Abihu. As a son of Uzziel, Elzaphan was also a cousin to Aaron's sons and part of the extended family responsible for the religious and ceremonial duties of Israel.

In the aftermath of Nadab and Abihu's death, Elzaphan, alongside Mishael, was instructed by Moses to remove the bodies from the sacred area. This act is recorded in Leviticus 10:4-5 , where Moses commands them to carry their deceased relatives outside the camp. This directive was not only a practical measure but also a symbolic act to preserve the holiness of the worship space and to demonstrate the gravity of disobedience to God's explicit instructions.

Elzaphan's involvement in this event, like that of Mishael, illustrates the weighty responsibilities borne by the Levites and the necessity of upholding the sanctity of God's commands. The actions of Mishael and Elzaphan serve as a reminder of the reverence required in the service of the LORD and the consequences of failing to honor His holiness.

Both Mishael and Elzaphan, though not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, play a crucial role in a significant event that underscores the holiness of God and the importance of obedience within the priestly duties of the Israelites. Their actions reflect the broader themes of reverence, duty, and the sacredness of worship that permeate the Levitical laws and the Old Testament as a whole.