TRV
Translation
King James Version
Of the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.
Complete Jewish Bible
The sons of Hevron: Yeriyahu the chief, Amaryah the second, Yachzi'el the third and Y'kam'am the fourth
Berean Standard Bible
The sons of Hebron: Jeriah was the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.
American Standard Version
The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.
World English Bible Messianic
The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The sonnes of Hebron were Ieriah the first, Amariah the second, Iahaziel the third, and Iekamiam the fourth.
Young's Literal Translation
Sons of Hebron: Jeriah the head, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23 verses 1–23
1 ¶ So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.
2 And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.
3 Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.
4 Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges:
5 Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.
6 And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
7 Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei.
8 The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three.
9 The sons of Shimei; Shelomith, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the chief of the fathers of Laadan.
10 And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.
11 And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house.
12 The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.
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.
14 Now concerning Moses the man of God, his sons were named of the tribe of Levi.
15 The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer.
16 Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief.
17 And the sons of Eliezer were, Rehabiah the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.
18 Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief.
19 Of the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.
20 Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah the first, and Jesiah the second.
21 The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish.
22 And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them.
23 The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.
Here we have, I. The crown entailed, according to the divine appointment, Ch1 23:1. David made Solomon king, not to reign with him, or reign under him, but only to reign after him. This he did, 1. When he was old and full of days. He was but seventy years old when he died, and yet he was full of days, satur dierum - satisfied with living in this world. When he found himself going off, he made provision for the welfare of the kingdom after his decease, and pleased himself with the hopeful prospect of a happy settlement both in church and state. 2. He did it in parliament, in a solemn assembly of all the princes of Israel, which made Adonijah's attempt to break in upon Solomon's title and set it aside, notwithstanding this public recognition and establishment of it, the more impudent, impious, and ridiculous. Note, The settling or securing of the crown in the interests of the temple is a great blessing to the people and a great satisfaction to those who are themselves leaving the world.
II. The Levites numbered, according to the rule in Moses's time, from thirty years old to fifty, Num 4:2, Num 4:3. Their number in Moses's time. by this rule, was 8580 (Num 4:47, Num 4:48), but now it had increased above four-fold, much more in proportion than the rest of the tribes; for the serviceable men of Levi's tribe were now 38,000, unless we suppose that here those were reckoned who were above fifty, which was not the case there. Joab had not numbered the Levites (Ch1 21:6), but David now did, not in pride, but for a good purpose, and then he needed not fear wrath for it.
III. The Levites distributed to their respective posts (Ch1 23:4, Ch1 23:5), that every hand might be employed (for, of all men, an idle Levite makes the worst figure), and that every part of the work might be carefully done. Now it was for the honour of God that so great a number of servants attended his house and the business of it. Much of the state of great men consists in the greatness of their retinue. When God kept house in Israel see what a great household he had, and all well fed and well taught. But what were these to the attendants of his throne above, and the innumerable company of angels? It was the happiness of Israel that they had among them such a considerable body of men who were obliged by their office to promote and keep up religion among them. If the worship of God go to decay in Israel, let it not be said that it was for want of due provision for the support of it, but that those who should have done it were careless and false. The work assigned the Levites was four-fold: - 1. Some, and indeed far the greater number, were to set forward the work of the house of the Lord: 24,000, almost two-thirds, were appointed for this service, to attend the priests in killing the sacrifices, flaying them, washing them, cutting them up, burning them, to have the meat-offerings and drink-offerings ready, to carry out dirt, and keep all the vessels and utensils of the temple clean, and every thing in its place, that the service might be performed both with expedition and with exactness. These served 1000 a-week, and so went round in twenty-four courses. Perhaps while the temple was in building some of these were employed to set forward that work, to assist the builders, at least to quicken them, and keep good order among them, and the decorum which became temple-work. 2. Others were officers and judges, not in the affairs of the temple, and in the controversies that arose there (for there, we may suppose, the priests presided), but in the country. They were magistrates, to give the laws of God in charge, to resolves difficulties, and to determine controversies that arose upon them. Of these there were 6000, in the several parts of the kingdom, that assisted the princes and elders of every tribe in the administration of justice. 3. Others were porters, to guard all the avenues of the house of God, to examine those that desired entrance, and to resist those that would force an entrance. These were the life-guards of the temple, and probably were armed accordingly. 4. Others were singers and players on instruments, whose business it was to keep up that part of the service; this was a new-erected office.
IV. The Levites mustered, and disposed of into their respective families and kindreds, that an account of them might the better be kept, and those that neglected their duty might be the more easily discovered, by calling over the roll, and obliging them to answer to their names, which each family might do for itself. When those of the same family were employed together it would engage them to love and assist one another. When Christ sent forth his disciples two and two he put together those that were brethren. Two families were here joined in one (Ch1 23:11) because they had not many sons. Those that are weak and little, separately, may be put together and appear considerable. That which is most observable in this account of the families of the Levites is that the posterity of Moses (that great man) stood upon the level with common Levites, and had no dignities or privileges at all peculiar to them; whilst the posterity of Aaron were advanced to the priest's office, to sanctify the most holy things, Ch1 23:13. It is said indeed of the grandson of Moses, Rehabiah, that his sons were highly multiplied, Ch1 23:17, margin. When God proposed to him that, if he would let fall his intercession for Israel, he would make of him a great nation, he generously refused it, in recompence for which his family is here greatly increased, and makes up in number what it wants in figure, in the tribe of Levi. Now, 1. The levelling of Moses' family with the rest is an evidence of his self-denial. Such an interest had he both with God and man that if he had aimed to raise his own family, to dignify and enrich that, he might easily have done so; but he was no self-seeking man, as appears from his leaving to his children no marks of distinction, which was a sign that he had the spirit of God and not the spirit of the world. 2. The elevation of Aaron's family above the rest was a recompence for his self-denial. When Moses (his younger brother) was made a god to Pharaoh, and he only his prophet or spokesman, to observe his orders and do as he was bidden, Aaron never disputed it, nor insisted upon his seniority, but readily took the inferior post God put him in, submitted to Moses, and, upon occasion, called him his lord; and because he thus submitted himself, in his own person, to his junior, in compliance with the will of God, God highly exalted his family, even above that of Moses himself. Those that are content to stoop are in the fairest way to rise. Before honour is humility.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–23. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 23:19 precisely enumerates four prominent sons of Hebron—Jeriah, Amariah, Jahaziel, and Jekameam—who belonged to the Kohathite clan within the Levitical tribe. This verse is integral to King David's extensive and divinely inspired reorganization of the Levites, a meticulous preparatory measure for the future Temple service under his son Solomon. It profoundly underscores God's deep emphasis on order, established lineage, and the precise assignment of roles, all essential for the proper, reverent, and continuous functioning of worship in ancient Israel.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The predominant literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 23:19, and indeed throughout much of the Chronicler's work, is Genealogy or List-Making. This is not merely a dry enumeration but a purposeful literary choice that serves several critical functions. Firstly, it establishes Legitimacy and Authority, demonstrating unequivocally that those appointed for sacred service were indeed from the correct, divinely ordained lineage. This was crucial for maintaining the integrity of the priesthood and Temple service. Secondly, it powerfully conveys Order and Structure, reflecting the meticulous planning and organization that King David implemented for the Temple service, which was understood as a reflection of God's own orderly and intentional character. The precise numbering of the sons ("the first," "the second," etc.) further reinforces this profound sense of systematic arrangement and divine design. Thirdly, the detailed listing highlights Continuity and Inheritance, showing how the sacred duties and responsibilities were faithfully passed down through generations, thereby ensuring the perpetuation of reverent worship. Finally, the very act of naming each individual, even within a long and extensive list, implicitly conveys an Emphasis on Detail and the profound theological truth that every person, no matter how seemingly minor their role, was known, valued, and had a specific place within God's grand design for His people and their worship.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 23:19, though a seemingly simple list of names, offers profound theological insights into God's character as a God of order, purpose, and meticulous care. The detailed organization of the Levites for Temple service reveals that divine worship is not haphazard but requires thoughtful preparation, clear assignments, and faithful execution. This principle extends far beyond ancient Israel's cultic practices, teaching us that God values intentionality, diligence, and structure in all forms of service and community life. The recognition of each individual within a structured system underscores the biblical truth that every member of God's people has a unique and valued role, contributing to the larger corporate body. This verse, therefore, serves as a testament to the divine blueprint for community, where individual identity is affirmed within a collective purpose, all directed towards the glory of God and the flourishing of His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous record-keeping and organizational efforts described in 1 Chronicles 23:19 might initially seem like a dry historical detail, yet they offer profound and enduring spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. This verse powerfully reminds us that God is deeply invested in the order, effectiveness, and integrity of His work, valuing not only the grand acts of worship but also the foundational, administrative, and seemingly mundane details that make them possible. It challenges us to consider how we approach our own "service"—whether in our homes, workplaces, communities, or churches. Are we diligent in the seemingly small or unseen tasks? Do we recognize the importance of structure, preparation, and faithful execution in our spiritual lives and ministries? Just as each Levite, from the most prominent to those in seemingly minor roles, was meticulously accounted for and had a vital part in God's grand plan for His Temple, so too does every member of God's people today have a unique and valued role in the body of Christ. Our faithfulness in "small" things contributes significantly to a greater, divine purpose, and God sees, values, and rewards every contribution, no matter how unseen or unappreciated by human eyes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is such a detailed list of names important in the Bible, especially in a historical book like 1 Chronicles?
Answer: Detailed lists of names, like the one in 1 Chronicles 23:19, serve several crucial purposes in the biblical narrative. Firstly, they establish legitimacy and historical accuracy, validating the lineage and authority of those appointed for sacred service. In ancient Israel, one's tribal and family identity was paramount, especially for roles within the priesthood or government. Secondly, these lists demonstrate God's meticulous attention to detail and His profound value for order. They show that even administrative tasks are integral to God's divine plan for His people's worship and governance. Thirdly, they emphasize that every individual is known and valued by God. While we may perceive a mere list, the Bible presents each name as a person with a unique identity and a specific role, reflecting God's personal knowledge of His creation, as beautifully articulated in Psalm 139:1-4. Finally, such records ensure continuity and accountability for future generations, preserving the integrity of the divine institutions and the purity of worship.
What was the specific significance of the "sons of Hebron" within the broader Levitical structure?
Answer: The "sons of Hebron" were a prominent family within the Kohathite clan, one of the three main divisions of the Levites (along with Gershon and Merari), as detailed in Numbers 3. Historically, the Kohathites had the most sacred duties related to the Tabernacle, specifically being responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant and other holy vessels, as outlined in Numbers 4:1-15. As Israel transitioned from a nomadic existence to a settled kingdom with a permanent Temple, the roles of the Levites, including the Hebronites, evolved significantly. Under King David's comprehensive reorganization, their duties expanded to include assisting the priests, serving as gatekeepers, treasurers, and musicians, ensuring the smooth operation of the future Temple. The specific mention of Jeriah, Amariah, Jahaziel, and Jekameam in 1 Chronicles 23:19 highlights their leadership or significant standing within this important Levitical family, ensuring their continued and vital contribution to the meticulously planned Temple service.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the Levitical priesthood, as exemplified by the detailed listing of the sons of Hebron in 1 Chronicles 23:19, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament Levitical system, with its intricate rules, sacrificial rituals, and designated priestly lineage, served as a divine shadow, meticulously pointing to the reality and perfection found in Christ. Jesus is not merely another priest; He is the perfect, eternal, and superior High Priest, from a divine order—the order of Melchizedek—not limited by human lineage, physical weakness, or death (Hebrews 7:11-17). His single, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice on the cross superseded all the temporary Levitical offerings, providing complete and eternal atonement for sin (Hebrews 9:11-14). Furthermore, in Christ, the concept of sacred service is democratized and spiritualized. While the Old Covenant had a designated priestly tribe, the New Covenant establishes a "royal priesthood" for all believers (1 Peter 2:9), enabling every follower of Christ to draw near to God with confidence and offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds (Hebrews 13:15-16). Thus, the order, purpose, and attention to detail evident in David's preparation for the earthly temple find their perfect, eternal, and all-encompassing expression in Christ, who is the cornerstone of the spiritual Temple, His Church, where every believer is a living stone, perfectly fitted into God's eternal design and built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22).