Mishael מִישָׁאֵל
A Levite who helped remove the bodies of Nadab and Abihu.
Who is Mishael in the Bible?
Mishael was a Levite and cousin of Aaron who played a crucial role in a pivotal moment of divine judgment during Israel's wilderness journey. The son of Uzziel and a member of the priestly tribe, Mishael is mentioned in Exodus 6:22 as part of Aaron's extended family. He is most notably remembered in Leviticus 10:4, where Moses commanded him and his brother Elzaphan to remove the bodies of their cousins Nadab and Abihu from the sanctuary after they were consumed by divine fire for offering unauthorized incense before the Lord. Mishael's obedient response to this command, carefully carrying out the bodies while maintaining ritual purity, demonstrates the Levites' essential function in preserving the holiness of God's tabernacle during Israel's early period of worship.
Biography
Mishael was a Levite who lived during the time of Moses and the Exodus. He was the son of Uzziel, who was the brother of Amram, making Mishael a cousin of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel (Exo.6.22).
Mishael is most notably mentioned in Lev.10.4, where he and his brother Elzaphan were instructed by Moses to remove the bodies of their cousins, Nadab and Abihu, from the sanctuary. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, had offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consequently consumed by fire from God. Mishael and Elzaphan carried the bodies outside the camp, as commanded by Moses, using their tunics to avoid direct contact with the deceased.
This event highlights Mishael's obedience and his role in maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle. As a Levite, he was responsible for assisting the priests in their duties and ensuring that the worship of God was conducted according to the divine instructions given to Moses.
Family
Siblings
- Elizaphan Tribe of LeviSon of UzzielA Levite leader from the Kohathite clan.View full profile →
- Sithri Tribe of LeviSon of UzzielSon of Uzziel, a Levite of the Kohathite clan.View full profile →
- Micah Tribe of LeviSon of UzzielA Levite, son of Uzziel, during David's reign.View full profile →
- Isshiah MaleDavid's warriorKorahite warrior who joined David at Ziklag.View full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 2 with study contentExodus 1 verse
- Exodus 6:22
"The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri."
Study Exodus →
Leviticus 1 verse
- Leviticus 10:4
"Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel, and said to them, “Come here; carry the bodies of your cousins outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary.”"
Study Leviticus →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מִישָׁאֵל | Mishael , the name of three Israelites |