1 Chronicles 23:13

The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.

The sons {H1121} of Amram {H6019}; Aaron {H175} and Moses {H4872}: and Aaron {H175} was separated {H914}, that he should sanctify {H6942} the most {H6944} holy things {H6944}, he and his sons {H1121} for {H5704} ever {H5769}, to burn incense {H6999} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, to minister {H8334} unto him, and to bless {H1288} in his name {H8034} for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

The sons of 'Amram: Aharon and Moshe. Aharon was set apart to be consecrated as especially holy, he and his sons forever; so that they might bring offerings before ADONAI, perform the service for him and bless in his name forever.

The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.

The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons, for ever, to burn incense before Jehovah, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, for ever.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 23:13 introduces the distinguished lineage of Aaron and Moses, specifically highlighting the unique and perpetual role assigned to Aaron and his descendants within the Levitical priesthood. This verse is part of David's comprehensive organization of the Levites for service in the future Temple, ensuring order and continuity in worship.

Context of 1 Chronicles 23:13

Chapter 23 of 1 Chronicles details King David's meticulous preparations for the construction and operation of the Temple, even though he would not build it himself. He organized the Levites, dividing them into courses for various duties, including assisting the priests, serving as gatekeepers, musicians, and officers. Verse 13 specifically carves out the unique and foundational role of the descendants of Amram, particularly Aaron, underscoring their distinct priestly responsibilities within the larger Levitical framework. This organization ensured that the sacred duties of the tabernacle, soon to be transferred to the Temple, would continue with precision and reverence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Separation and Appointment: Aaron was "separated," meaning set apart or distinguished for a sacred purpose. This was not a self-appointed role but a divine call to an exclusive ministry, emphasizing God's sovereign choice for leadership in worship. This divine appointment is fundamental to understanding the legitimacy of the priesthood, as seen in Exodus 28:1.
  • The Enduring Aaronic Priesthood: The phrase "for ever" underscores the perpetual nature of this priestly lineage and its duties under the Old Covenant. This highlights God's covenant faithfulness and the enduring need for mediation between God and His people.
  • Sacred Duties of the Priesthood: The verse outlines three primary functions:
    1. Sanctifying the Most Holy Things: This involved handling and caring for the sacred objects and areas within the Tabernacle and later the Temple, ensuring their holiness was maintained.
    2. Burning Incense Before the LORD: The daily offering of incense symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God, a crucial aspect of worship and intercession (Exodus 30:7-8).
    3. Ministering and Blessing in God's Name: The priests served as mediators, carrying out rituals and offering blessings, most notably the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:23-27, which invoked God's favor upon the people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "separated" is badal (Χ‘ΦΈΦΌΧ“Φ·Χœ), which conveys the idea of distinction, division, or setting apart. This emphasizes that Aaron's role was uniquely designated and distinct from that of other Levites, even Moses, who was a prophet and lawgiver but not a priest in the same sense. The term "sanctify" comes from the Hebrew qadash (קָדַשׁ), meaning to make holy, consecrate, or set apart for sacred use. This highlights the priests' responsibility to maintain the holiness of God's presence and the objects associated with His worship.

Practical Application and Significance

While the Aaronic priesthood has been fulfilled and superseded by the perfect and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:24-25), this verse still offers valuable insights for believers today:

  • God's Call to Service: Just as Aaron was separated for a specific purpose, God calls every believer to serve Him in unique ways, using their gifts for His glory (1 Peter 2:9).
  • Holiness in Ministry: The emphasis on "sanctifying the most holy things" reminds us that those who serve God must approach their calling with reverence, purity, and dedication.
  • Intercession and Blessing: The roles of burning incense (prayer) and blessing remind us of the importance of intercessory prayer and being channels of God's blessing to others in our own lives.
  • Foreshadowing Christ: The perpetual nature of Aaron's priesthood foreshadows Christ's eternal high priesthood, through whom we now have direct access to God and receive ultimate blessing and sanctification.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 6:20

    And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram [were] an hundred and thirty and seven years.

  • Deuteronomy 21:5

    And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be [tried]:

  • Exodus 30:6

    And thou shalt put it before the vail that [is] by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that [is] over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.

  • Exodus 30:10

    And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.

  • 1 Samuel 2:28

    And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel [to be] my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?

  • Revelation 8:3

    And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

  • Exodus 30:34

    And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; [these] sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like [weight]:
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