1 Chronicles 24
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1These were the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 2But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest’s office. 3David with Zadok of the sons of Eleazar and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, divided them according to their ordering in their service. 4There were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and they were divided like this: of the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen, heads of fathers’ houses; and of the sons of Ithamar, according to their fathers’ houses, eight. 5Thus were they divided impartially by drawing lots; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. 6Shemaiah the son of Nethanel the scribe, who was of the Levites, wrote them in the presence of the king, the princes, Zadok the priest, Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites; one fathers’ house being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar. 7Now the first lot came out to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, 8the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, 9the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin, 10the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, 11the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, 12the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, 13the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab, 14the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer, 15the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez, 16the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel, 17the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul, 18the twenty-third to Delaiah, and the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. 19This was their ordering in their service, to come into Yahweh’s house according to the ordinance given to them by Aaron their father, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, had commanded him. 20Of the rest of the sons of Levi: of the sons of Amram, Shubael; of the sons of Shubael, Jehdeiah. 21Of Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, Isshiah the chief. 22Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the sons of Shelomoth, Jahath. 23The sons of Hebron: Jeriah, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. 24The sons of Uzziel: Micah; of the sons of Micah, Shamir. 25The brother of Micah: Isshiah; of the sons of Isshiah, Zechariah. 26The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The son of Jaaziah: Beno. 27The sons of Merari: of Jaaziah, Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri. 28Of Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons. 29Of Kish, the son of Kish: Jerahmeel. 30The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after their fathers’ houses. 31These likewise cast lots even as their brothers the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites; the fathers’ households of the chief even as those of his younger brother.
World English Bible (public domain)
“And they cast lots for their duties, small and great, teacher and pupil alike.”
1 Chronicles 24:31
Summary
1 Chronicles chapter 24 details the organization of the priests, specifically the sons of Aaron, into divisions for their service in the temple. King David, following the guidance of God, establishes a system of rotation among the priests to ensure that worship and sacrifices are conducted consistently and orderly. Each division is given specific duties, signifying the importance of structure in worship and leading the people in their spiritual practices. The chapter emphasizes the importance of priestly lineage and the sacred duty that comes with serving in the temple. It highlights the roles of the descendants of Aaron, acknowledging their unique position as mediators between God and His people. This careful organization not only reflects God's order but also serves to showcase the significance of the priesthood in maintaining the spiritual health of the nation. Moreover, this chapter illustrates the idea of serving God with diligence and responsibility. Each priestly division has its allotted time to fulfill its duties, reminding the people that worship is a communal effort and that faithfulness in service plays a crucial role in the life of the nation. The chapter also reinforces God's faithfulness to His covenant people as He provides structured leadership within His house of worship.
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