1 Chronicles 23:22

KJV

And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Eleazar {H499} died {H4191}, and had no sons {H1121}, but daughters {H1323}: and their brethren {H251} the sons {H1121} of Kish {H7027} took {H5375} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

El'azar died without having sons, but daughters only; their cousins, the sons of Kish, married them.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. Eleazar died without having any sons; he had only daughters. Their cousins, the sons of Kish, married them.

American Standard Version

And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters only: and their brethren the sons of Kish took themto wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 23:22 provides a specific detail within King David's meticulous organization of the Levitical tribes for future temple service. It records the death of Eleazar, a Merarite Levite, who had no male heirs but daughters, and how his daughters married their cousins, the sons of Kish. This seemingly minor genealogical note underscores the profound importance of maintaining Levitical lineage and ensuring the continuity of service, even in the absence of direct male succession, highlighting God's providential care for the order and structure of His worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously details King David's extensive preparations for the construction and administration of the future temple, even though his son Solomon would ultimately build it. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 23](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - David Organizes the Levites") focuses on the census and classification of the Levites, assigning them various duties related to temple worship, including assisting the priests, caring for sacred vessels, and leading musical praise. The immediate context of verse 22 is the enumeration of the families within the Merarite branch of the Levites, specifically the descendants of Mahli, where [Eleazar's lineage is first introduced](/1_chronicles/23-21 "1 Chronicles 23:21 - Eleazar's Lineage"). The inclusion of this particular detail about Eleazar's daughters emphasizes the chronicler's deep concern for precise genealogical records and the unbroken continuity of the Levitical service, ensuring that every family line was accounted for in the divine plan for worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was predominantly patriarchal, with lineage and inheritance typically passing through the male line. However, the Law made provisions for instances where there were no male heirs, as seen in the case of [Zelophehad's daughters in Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - Zelophehad's Daughters and Inheritance Law"), allowing daughters to inherit provided they married within their tribe or clan to prevent the loss of tribal land or identity. For the Levites, this was even more critical, as their "inheritance" was not land but their service to the Lord. The practice described in 1 Chronicles 23:22, where Eleazar's daughters married their cousins (the sons of Kish, Eleazar's brother), was a culturally accepted and often preferred method to preserve the family name, property, and, in this unique Levitical context, the continuity of their specific family's role within the tribal structure. This ensured that the Levitical duties assigned to Eleazar's line would not cease but would continue through his daughters' offspring, who would still be considered part of the broader Merarite clan.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of this genealogical detail contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the **importance of order and divine appointment** within God's people, particularly concerning the sacred service of the temple. David's preparations reflect a deep commitment to establishing a structured and enduring system for worship, ensuring that every role, no matter how seemingly minor, was accounted for. Secondly, it highlights the **continuity and preservation of lineage**, especially for the Levites, whose identity and function were intrinsically tied to their ancestry. The narrative demonstrates God's providential care in ensuring that even in challenging circumstances, such as the absence of male heirs, a pathway for continuation was provided. This reinforces the broader theme of God's **faithfulness to His covenant promises**, ensuring that the structures He ordained for His people would endure through generations, preparing the way for future worship and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eleazar (Hebrew, _ʾElʿāzār_):** This name, meaning "God has helped," is common in the Old Testament. Crucially, this Eleazar is *not* Aaron's son and successor as high priest, but rather Eleazar, son of Mahli, from the Merarite branch of the Levites, as established in [1 Chronicles 23:21](/1_chronicles/23-21 "1 Chronicles 23:21 - Eleazar's Lineage within Merari"). The chronicler's precise identification avoids confusion and emphasizes the specific Levitical lineage being discussed, highlighting the detailed genealogical records maintained for temple service.
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bānôṯ_):** In a patriarchal society where male lineage was paramount for inheritance and tribal identity, the mention of "daughters" as the sole offspring is significant. It sets up the unique situation addressed in the latter part of the verse, demonstrating that even female descendants played a crucial role in the preservation of family lines and the continuity of Levitical service, albeit through marriage.
* **took them (Hebrew, _lāqaḥ_):** The verb _lāqaḥ_ literally means "to take," but in this context, it is a common biblical idiom for marriage, signifying that the daughters were "taken" as wives. The specific phrasing "their brethren the sons of Kish took them" indicates marriage within the immediate family or clan (cousins in this case). This practice was vital for keeping property or, as here, Levitical status and responsibilities within the established family line, preventing its dissolution or absorption into another tribal group.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Eleazar died,"**: This clause simply states the fact of Eleazar's death, which is the catalyst for the subsequent genealogical detail. It sets the stage for the issue of succession within his family line.
* **"and had no sons, but daughters:"**: This specifies the nature of Eleazar's offspring. The absence of male heirs presented a challenge to the traditional patrilineal system of inheritance and continuity, especially for a Levite whose family had a designated role in temple service. This detail highlights the meticulousness of the record-keeping and the specific problem that needed to be resolved for the lineage.
* **"and their brethren the sons of Kish took them."**: This is the resolution to the genealogical challenge. "Their brethren" refers to their cousins, the sons of Kish, who was Eleazar's brother (as per [1 Chronicles 23:21](/1_chronicles/23-21 "1 Chronicles 23:21 - Eleazar's Lineage")). The verb "took them" signifies marriage. This arrangement ensured that Eleazar's lineage, though continued through his daughters, remained within the broader Merarite clan, preserving their Levitical identity and the family's place in the divinely ordained structure for temple service.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Precision** and **Detailing** as literary devices, characteristic of the chronicler's overall writing style, especially in genealogical sections. The meticulous recording of Eleazar's specific situation—his death, the absence of sons, the presence of daughters, and the exact familial solution (marriage to cousins)—underscores the profound importance placed on accurate lineage for the Levites. This level of detail emphasizes the chronicler's concern for the integrity and continuity of the divinely ordained temple service. Furthermore, the use of the idiom "**took them**" for marriage is a subtle but effective use of **Figurative Language**, conveying a complex social transaction concisely. This narrative choice highlights the cultural norms surrounding inheritance and family preservation within ancient Israel, particularly as they pertained to the sacred duties of the Levitical priesthood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly minor genealogical entry speaks volumes about God's character and His dealings with His people. It reveals God's profound commitment to order, continuity, and the faithful execution of His purposes. The meticulous recording of Eleazar's lineage and its preservation through his daughters' marriages demonstrates that God is not a God of chaos but of intricate design, ensuring that every detail, even in succession plans, contributes to the larger tapestry of His redemptive work. It underscores the divine providence that guides and sustains the structures He establishes for worship and service, ensuring that His covenant people are equipped to fulfill their roles across generations. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen line, whether for priesthood, kingship, or ultimately, for the Messiah.

* [Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-11 - Inheritance for Daughters")
* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific cultural practices of ancient Israel differ from our modern context, 1 Chronicles 23:22 offers timeless principles for reflection and application. It reminds us of the value of meticulous planning and organization in our service to God, mirroring David's diligence in preparing for the temple. Just as every Levitical family had a designated role, so too does every believer have a unique place and calling within the body of Christ, regardless of their background or perceived limitations. This verse encourages us to recognize and affirm the contributions of all, understanding that God's purposes are often fulfilled through unexpected means and through individuals who might not fit conventional expectations. Ultimately, it reinforces our trust in God's sovereign care, knowing that He faithfully preserves His people and His work across generations, ensuring that His will is accomplished even amidst life's challenges and changes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in this verse encourage us to be thorough and intentional in our own service to God?**
* **In what ways might we, like Eleazar's daughters, be called to contribute to God's work in ways that defy traditional expectations or roles?**
* **How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's faithfulness in preserving His people and His purposes throughout history?**

### FAQ
**Who was Eleazar in 1 Chronicles 23:22, and why is his lineage important?**

Answer: This Eleazar is not the famous Eleazar, son of Aaron, the high priest. Instead, he is Eleazar, a son of Mahli, who was a descendant of Merari, one of the three main branches of the Levites (as detailed in [1 Chronicles 23:21](/1_chronicles/23-21 "1 Chronicles 23:21 - Eleazar's Lineage")). His lineage is important because the Levites were divinely appointed to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple. David's meticulous organization of the Levites required precise genealogical records to ensure that every family line, even those without male heirs, maintained its place and responsibilities within the intricate structure of temple service. This verse highlights the chronicler's emphasis on the continuity and integrity of the Levitical priesthood and its support staff.

**Why did Eleazar's daughters marry their cousins, the sons of Kish?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite society, especially concerning tribal and family inheritance, it was crucial to maintain the integrity of family lines. When a man died without sons, his daughters could inherit, but there was a strong cultural and legal expectation that they would marry within their tribe or clan to prevent the family's inheritance or identity from being lost to another tribe. This principle is clearly articulated in [Numbers 36](/numbers/36 "Numbers 36 - Marriage of Daughters of Inheritors"). For the Levites, whose "inheritance" was their service to the Lord rather than land, marrying within the clan (in this case, to their cousins, the sons of Eleazar's brother Kish) ensured that Eleazar's specific Levitical family line and its associated duties continued to be recognized and fulfilled within the Merarite branch, preserving the order David had established for the temple.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous attention to lineage and the preservation of a line for service in 1 Chronicles 23:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The chronicler's concern for the continuity of the Levitical priesthood, ensuring an unbroken line of service for the earthly temple, powerfully foreshadows God's far greater plan for an eternal priesthood. Eleazar's daughters marrying within their clan to preserve a Levitical line points to God's sovereign hand in preserving the lineage of David, through which the Messiah would come. Jesus, unlike the Levitical priests who "were prevented by death from continuing in office" ([Hebrews 7:23](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23 - The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood")), holds His priesthood permanently because He lives forever ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). He is the true and perfect High Priest, not of an earthly temple, but of the "true tabernacle, which the Lord set up, not man" ([Hebrews 8:1-2](/hebrews/8-1 "Hebrews 8:1-2 - Christ, the High Priest of the New Covenant")). Thus, the careful preservation of a human line for service in 1 Chronicles 23:22 ultimately directs our gaze to the divine, eternal, and perfect service of Christ, who, through His sacrifice, has made all believers a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), building a spiritual temple where He is the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")).

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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 24:28

Of Mahli [came] Eleazar, who had no sons.

Numbers 36:6

This [is] the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry.

Numbers 36:8

And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers.