1 Chronicles 24: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Chronicles 24 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The divisions of Aaron's sons are named: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar (vv. 1-2). Nadab and Abihu died without children. Therefore, Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. David, along with Zadok and Ahimelech, divided the priests by their service (v. 3). There were more leaders from Eleazar than from Ithamar. Sixteen heads of families came from Eleazar, and eight came from Ithamar (vv. 4-5). They drew lots to assign duties. Shemaiah the scribe recorded these divisions in front of the king and the priests (vv. 6, 8-19). The lots determined the order of service for the priests. Other Levite families are also listed (vv. 20-31). These include Shubael, Rehabiah, and the sons of Merari. They cast lots similarly to the sons of Aaron for their service (v. 31).

Key verse

“These 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.”
1 Chronicles 24:31 (WEB)

Outline

1 Chronicles 24:1–3 Divisions of Aaron's Sons
1 Chronicles 24:4–6 Division of Duties
1 Chronicles 24:7–19 Casting Lots for Service
1 Chronicles 24:20–31 Other Levite Families

Discussion questions

In v3, who divided the priests according to their service?
What does the phrase 'by drawing lots' in v5 indicate about the selection process?
The divisions listed in vv. 7-19: what might the varied numbers imply about priestly roles?
In v19, why does the text emphasize 'according to the ordinance given to them'?
When have you experienced the need for 'order' in your own responsibilities?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Chronicles 24: 1 Chronicles 23, Luke 1, 1 Chronicles 6.

Before next time: read 1 Chronicles 25.