1 Chronicles 23:18

KJV

Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the sons {H1121} of Izhar {H3324}; Shelomith {H8019} the chief {H7218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Yitz'har: Shlomit the chief.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Izhar: Shelomith was the first.

American Standard Version

The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 23:18 details the specific lineage and prominent position of Shelomith, a descendant of Izhar, within King David's meticulous organization of the Levites for service in the future Temple. This verse is a precise entry in a comprehensive census, highlighting David's foresight in establishing a structured and ordered system for worship and administration, ensuring that every family line and individual leader was accounted for in the preparations for God's house.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First Chronicles 23 initiates a significant shift in the Chronicler's narrative, moving from David's military and political achievements to his detailed preparations for the Temple and its service. This chapter, specifically verses [1 Chronicles 23:3-23](/1_chronicles/23-3 "1 Chronicles 23:3-23 - Divisions of the Levites"), meticulously enumerates the Levitical clans and their assigned duties. Verse 18 is embedded within the listing of the Kohathite families, specifically the sons of Izhar. The preceding verses ([1 Chronicles 23:12-17](/1_chronicles/23-12 "1 Chronicles 23:12-17 - Sons of Kohath")) outline the other branches of Kohath's descendants (Amram, Hebron, Uzziel), and verse 18 provides the specific detail for Izhar's line. This precise genealogical and organizational record underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on legitimacy, order, and the divine appointment of roles within Israel's worship life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David, though forbidden from building the Temple himself, dedicated the latter part of his reign to preparing for its construction and operation, a task that would fall to his son Solomon. This involved not only gathering materials but also organizing the vast workforce of the Levites. Historically, the Levites were set apart by God for service to the Tabernacle, assisting the priests in various capacities, from carrying sacred articles during wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Kohathite Duties")) to maintaining the sanctuary. David's reorganization adapted these ancient duties to the needs of a permanent, centralized Temple, anticipating an era of settled worship. The concept of "chief" (Hebrew *ro'sh*) was culturally significant in ancient Israel, denoting a head of a family, clan, or administrative division, reflecting a hierarchical structure vital for managing large-scale communal endeavors like Temple service.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of [1 Chronicles 23](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - Organization of the Levites"), contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Order and Organization**, showcasing David's meticulous planning and God's desire for structured, purposeful worship. The detailed enumeration of families and roles demonstrates that divine service is not chaotic but requires careful arrangement. Secondly, it emphasizes **Levitical Service**, underscoring the vital, dedicated role of the Levites in the spiritual life of the nation, from assisting the priests to overseeing treasures and music. Their service was foundational to the Temple's function, as seen throughout [the book of Chronicles](/1_chronicles "1 Chronicles - David's Reign and Temple Preparations"). Lastly, the identification of Shelomith as "the chief" points to **Leadership and Responsibility**. It illustrates that within God's ordered system, specific individuals were recognized and appointed for their administrative and supervisory capabilities, entrusted with significant duties. This same Shelomith, or a very closely related individual from this family line, is later noted for being in charge of the dedicated treasures of the house of God ([1 Chronicles 26:26](/1_chronicles/26-26 "1 Chronicles 26:26 - Shelomith as Treasurer")), underscoring the trust placed in this family for critical Temple administration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shelomith (Hebrew, _Shĕlōmîth'_):** This name, meaning "peaceful" or "my peace," is derived from the Hebrew root *shalom* (peace, completeness). While the name itself doesn't directly reveal a specific duty, its commonality and meaning suggest a connection to the well-being and order that David sought to establish in the Temple service. The fact that a Shelomith from this line is later entrusted with Temple treasures implies a character of reliability and trustworthiness, consistent with the concept of peace and completeness in administration.
* **Chief (Hebrew, _ro'sh'_):** Literally meaning "head," this term denotes a leader, overseer, or principal figure. In this context, *ro'sh* signifies Shelomith's authoritative position within the family division of Izhar. He was not merely a member but the designated head, likely responsible for coordinating the duties assigned to his family, managing personnel, or overseeing specific aspects of the Temple's operations. This title underscores the hierarchical and organized nature of the Levitical service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the sons of Izhar;":** This initial phrase establishes the genealogical context, identifying Shelomith as belonging to the lineage of Izhar, who was one of the four sons of Kohath, a grandson of Levi. This precise familial designation ensures that the Levitical service is rooted in established, divinely ordained tribal structures, maintaining order and accountability within the vast Levitical body. It places Shelomith within the prominent Kohathite clan, historically responsible for carrying the sacred articles of the Tabernacle.
* **"Shelomith the chief.":** This clause names the specific individual and immediately assigns him a position of prominence and authority. The designation "the chief" (Hebrew *ro'sh*) indicates that Shelomith was the recognized leader or head of his particular family branch within the Izharite division. This highlights David's detailed organizational efforts, not only identifying family lines but also recognizing and appointing specific individuals to leadership roles, ensuring effective administration and oversight of the future Temple duties.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs **Enumeration** and **Emphasis** in this verse and the surrounding chapters. The detailed listing of names and family lines (enumeration) serves to establish the legitimacy and comprehensive nature of David's organizational efforts. It demonstrates a meticulous accounting, ensuring that no family or designated leader is overlooked, thereby reinforcing the divine order being established. The specific mention of "Shelomith the chief" places **Emphasis** on individual leadership and responsibility within this vast structure. It highlights that while the system is broad, specific individuals are entrusted with significant roles, implying a recognition of their capability and the importance of their administrative function in the overall Temple service. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the Chronicler's theological point about God's desire for order and faithful stewardship in worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly brief verse, embedded within a larger organizational record, speaks volumes about God's character and His expectations for His people's service. It reveals a God who values order, structure, and intentionality in worship and ministry. David's meticulous planning for the Temple, down to the specific roles of individuals like Shelomith, reflects a divine principle that service to God is not haphazard but requires careful preparation, delegation, and leadership. This emphasis on organized, faithful service foreshadows the New Testament call for believers to serve in an orderly fashion within the body of Christ, recognizing diverse gifts and leadership roles for the common good. It reminds us that every role, no matter how seemingly administrative, contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of God's work.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "God is a God of Order")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Gifts for Service")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Equipping the Saints for Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed organization of the Levites, exemplified by the mention of Shelomith, provides a powerful model for contemporary faith communities. It challenges us to consider the importance of order, intentionality, and responsible leadership in our own service to God. Just as David prepared for the Temple, we are called to be good stewards of the resources, talents, and opportunities God has given us for the building up of His church and the advancement of His kingdom. This includes recognizing and supporting those in leadership, faithfully executing our own roles with diligence and excellence, and understanding that even seemingly administrative tasks contribute to the spiritual health of the community. Every member of the body of Christ has a vital role, and when each part functions in its proper place, the whole flourishes, reflecting God's desire for harmony and effectiveness in His work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I need to cultivate greater order and intentionality, reflecting God's character?**
* **How can I better recognize, support, and pray for the "chiefs" or leaders within my own spiritual community?**
* **What specific "Levitical service" or administrative role has God called me to, and how can I perform it with greater faithfulness and diligence?**
* **How does the emphasis on detailed organization in the Old Testament inform my understanding of spiritual gifts and roles in the New Testament church?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific role of Shelomith, and why is he singled out?**

Answer: While 1 Chronicles 23:18 identifies Shelomith as "the chief" (*ro'sh*) among the sons of Izhar, indicating a position of leadership or headship within his family division, this specific verse doesn't detail his exact duties. However, the Chronicler later provides more insight in [1 Chronicles 26:26](/1_chronicles/26-26 "1 Chronicles 26:26 - Shelomith's Role as Treasurer"), where a Shelomith from this same lineage is noted as being in charge of the dedicated treasures of the house of God. This suggests that his leadership role was likely administrative, involving the management and oversight of valuable Temple resources. He is singled out because he held a prominent and responsible position within David's meticulously organized Levitical structure, highlighting the importance of individual leadership in the larger system of Temple service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 23:18 is a detailed record of Levitical organization, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ. David's meticulous preparation for a physical Temple and its structured service points forward to Jesus as the ultimate reality of God's dwelling among humanity. Christ is not merely a "chief" among leaders, but the **Chief Cornerstone** ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")), the **Head of the Church** ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ the Head of the Church")), and the **Great High Priest** ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")) who established a new and living way for worship. The Old Testament Temple, with its ordered service and Levitical duties, served as a shadow of the perfect and complete sacrifice and ministry of Christ. Through His atoning work, believers become living stones in a **spiritual house** ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Spiritual House")), a **temple of the Holy Spirit** ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple")), where all are called to serve under His perfect leadership. The order and purpose seen in David's organization find their ultimate meaning in the new covenant, where Christ Himself orchestrates His church, empowering believers with diverse gifts for unified service, ensuring that all things are done decently and in order for His glory ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Everything in Order")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.