### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼÎythâmâr**, represented by `{{H385}}`, identifies the "coast of the palm-tree; Ithamar, a son of Aaron". The name appears **21 times** across **20 unique verses** in the Bible. He is consistently identified as the youngest of Aaron's four sons and plays a key role in the administration of the priesthood.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **ʼÎythâmâr** `{{H385}}` is introduced as the son of Aaron `{{H175}}` and Elisheba, alongside his brothers Nadab `{{H5070}}`, Abihu `{{H30}}`, and Eleazar `{{H499}}` [[Exodus 6:23]]. He was consecrated with his family to minister in the priest's office [[Exodus 28:1]]. After his two older brothers, Nadab and Abihu, died for offering strange fire, Ithamar and Eleazar were left to continue the priestly duties [[Numbers 3:4]]. Ithamar's role was largely administrative; he was placed in charge of the "service" `{{H5656}}` of the Levites, specifically overseeing the sons of Gershon and Merari as they performed their duties for the tabernacle ([[Exodus 38:21]], [[Numbers 4:28]], [[Numbers 4:33]]). His lineage formed one of the two primary houses of the priesthood, which were later organized for service in the sanctuary [[1 Chronicles 24:3-5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and figures are central to understanding the context of Ithamar's life and role:
* `{{H175}}` **ʼAhărôwn** (Aaron): As Ithamar's father and the first high priest, Aaron is the source of Ithamar's priestly lineage and authority [[Exodus 6:23]].
* `{{H499}}` **ʼElʻâzâr** (Eleazar): Ithamar's brother, who served alongside him after the death of Nadab and Abihu. The priestly families were divided between the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar [[1 Chronicles 24:2-4]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name)," is crucial for establishing Ithamar's identity as a **son** of Aaron and the progenitor of a priestly line ([[Exodus 38:21]], [[Ezra 8:2]]).
* `{{H3547}}` **kâhan** (to officiate as a priest): This verb describes the primary function that Ithamar and his family were called to perform. After his brothers' deaths, he and Eleazar "executed the priest's office" [[1 Chronicles 24:2]].
* `{{H5656}}` **ʻăbôdâh** (service): This term defines Ithamar's specific responsibilities, as the "service" of the Levite families was placed "under the hand of Ithamar" ([[Numbers 4:28]], [[Numbers 4:33]], [[Numbers 7:8]]).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H385}}` is primarily found in his functional role within Israel's worship system.
* **Continuity of the Priesthood:** Following the divine judgment on his older brothers Nadab and Abihu, Ithamar's continuation in the priesthood, along with Eleazar, was essential for the unbroken succession of the Aaronic line ([[Numbers 3:4]], [[1 Chronicles 24:2]]).
* **Administrative Oversight:** Ithamar's story highlights the organizational structure of the tabernacle. He was entrusted with the oversight of specific Levite families, demonstrating a layer of administration and delegation within the priestly duties assigned by Moses and Aaron ([[Exodus 38:21]], [[Numbers 7:8]]).
* **Head of a Priestly Division:** The division of priestly duties between the houses of Eleazar and Ithamar established a formal structure that lasted for generations, ensuring that the sanctuary service was orderly and maintained [[1 Chronicles 24:3-6]]. His line continued through the exile, as a descendant is listed among those who returned [[Ezra 8:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H385}}` represents a key figure in the establishment and administration of the Levitical priesthood. As the youngest son of Aaron, he was not only a priest but also a supervisor responsible for significant aspects of the tabernacle's operation. His life ensured the continuation of the priesthood after a family tragedy, and his descendants formed one of the two foundational priestly houses of Israel.
TRV