Bible Dictionaries
Ithamar

Holman Bible Dictionary

(ihth' uh mahr) Personal name of uncertain meaning, perhaps, “island of palms,” or “where is Tamar,” or shortened form of “father of Tamar (palms).” Fourth son of Aaron the priest (Exodus 6:23 ). After the death of Nadab and Abihu, Ithamar and his surviving brother Eleazar rose to prominence. During the wilderness years Ithamar apparently was in charge of all the Levites (Exodus 38:21 ). Moses became angry when Ithamar and his brother did not eat part of an offering as commanded (Leviticus 10:16 ). In addition, the house of Eli evidently was descended from Ithamar. See Aaron; Priests and Levites.