1 Chronicles 23:31

KJV

And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

And to offer {H5927} all burnt sacrifices {H5930} unto the LORD {H3068} in the sabbaths {H7676}, in the new moons {H2320}, and on the set feasts {H4150}, by number {H4557}, according to the order {H4941} commanded unto them, continually {H8548} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

They were to be present regularly before ADONAI whenever burnt offerings were offered to ADONAI on Shabbat, at Rosh-Hodesh, and at the other designated times, in the numbers required by the rules for sacrifices.

Berean Standard Bible

Whenever burnt offerings were presented to the LORD on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, they were to serve regularly before the LORD in the numbers prescribed for them.

American Standard Version

and to offer all burnt-offerings unto Jehovah, on the sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the set feasts, in number according to the ordinance concerning them, continually before Jehovah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 23:31 meticulously outlines a crucial aspect of the Levites' divinely appointed duties in the future Temple service, specifically their responsibility for facilitating burnt sacrifices during Israel's most sacred calendar observances. This verse underscores the precise, ordered, and continuous nature of their worship and service before the Lord, reflecting King David's meticulous preparations for the sanctuary and the enduring importance of adherence to God's commands in all acts of devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) detailing King David's extensive and highly organized preparations for the Temple, which his son Solomon would ultimately build. Having been forbidden to build the Temple himself, David dedicated his later years to ensuring its proper functioning. Chapter 23 specifically focuses on the census, age for service, and general duties of the Levites, who were central to the Temple's operation. Verse 31 elaborates on their role in assisting the priests with the sacrificial system, emphasizing the regularity and specific timing of these sacred offerings. It highlights a particular aspect of their "standing every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at evening" (1 Chronicles 23:30), detailing the specific sacrificial duties associated with the appointed times.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the end of King David's reign, a period of consolidation and preparation for the future. The Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart by God from the other tribes to serve in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their duties, established under the Mosaic Law, included carrying the Tabernacle, maintaining its sanctity, and assisting the priests (descendants of Aaron) in sacrificial rites. The mention of "sabbaths, new moons, and set feasts" points to the deeply ingrained religious calendar of ancient Israel, which structured their communal and spiritual life. These were not merely religious holidays but divinely instituted appointments (`mo'edim`) for the nation to gather, remember God's covenant faithfulness, and offer atonement and worship. The precision ("by number, according to the order commanded") reflects the high regard for divine instruction in a culture where ritual purity and exact adherence to God's law were paramount.
* **Key Themes:** A primary theme is **Order and Organization in Worship**. David's meticulous structuring of the Levites' duties (as seen throughout [1 Chronicles 23](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - Organization of the Levites")) reflects a profound commitment to conducting divine service with precision and reverence. This was crucial for the efficient and holy operation of the future Temple, ensuring that worship was conducted "by number, according to the order commanded." Another key theme is **Continual Worship and Service**. The phrase "continually before the LORD" emphasizes the unending nature of God's worship and the Levites' constant presence and readiness for service. While specific offerings were tied to fixed times, the spirit of devotion and the presence of the Levites were to be perpetual, mirroring the perpetual covenant relationship between God and Israel. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Observance of Appointed Times and the Sacrificial System**. The explicit mention of "the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts" points to the central role of God's prescribed calendar in Israelite worship, as detailed in [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Lord's Appointed Feasts"). The "burnt sacrifices" (`‘olah`) were central to this system, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, and the Levites were instrumental in facilitating these communal acts of worship in accordance with the [Mosaic Law](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant and Mosaic Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **burnt sacrifices (Hebrew, _‘olah'_):** This term refers to an offering entirely consumed by fire on the altar, ascending as a "sweet savor" to the Lord. Unlike other sacrifices where portions might be eaten by the priests or worshippers, the `‘olah` was wholly given to God, symbolizing complete dedication, devotion, and a comprehensive act of atonement for sin. Its total consumption underscored the worshiper's desire for full reconciliation and surrender to God.
* **continually (Hebrew, _tamid'_):** This adverb denotes regularity, constancy, and perpetuity. It signifies that the Levites' service, particularly in facilitating these sacrifices, was not sporadic but an ongoing, unwavering commitment. While specific offerings occurred at fixed times, the overall presence and readiness for service before the Lord were to be perpetual, reflecting a constant state of worship and readiness to fulfill divine commands.
* **set feasts (Hebrew, _mo'ed'_):** This word literally means "appointed time," "assembly," or "meeting place." In this context, it refers to the divinely ordained festivals and sacred assemblies that punctuated Israel's year, such as Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. These were not merely holidays but God's designated times for His people to gather, remember His acts of salvation, and renew their covenant relationship with Him through prescribed rituals and sacrifices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD":** This clause specifies the primary duty: facilitating the `‘olah` offering. The emphasis on "all" highlights the comprehensive nature of this responsibility, covering every instance of this particular sacrifice. The recipient, "unto the LORD," underscores the theological purpose – these acts of worship were directed solely to God as acts of devotion, propitiation, and thanksgiving.
* **"in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts":** This segment details the specific, divinely ordained times when these sacrifices were to be offered. The Sabbath was a weekly observance of rest and worship; new moons marked the beginning of each month with special offerings; and the "set feasts" were the major annual festivals. This tripartite listing covers the regular, monthly, and annual cycles of Israel's sacred calendar, demonstrating the pervasive integration of worship into their temporal rhythm.
* **"by number, according to the order commanded unto them":** This phrase emphasizes the meticulous precision and divine authority governing these duties. "By number" implies specific quantities of sacrifices or participants, ensuring nothing was arbitrary. "According to the order commanded unto them" highlights that these were not human innovations but strict adherence to God's revealed will, likely referring to the detailed instructions in the Mosaic Law (e.g., Numbers 28-29). This speaks to the importance of obedience and reverence in sacred service.
* **"continually before the LORD":** This concluding phrase encapsulates the spirit of the Levites' service. "Continually" (as discussed above) denotes an ongoing, unwavering commitment. "Before the LORD" signifies their constant presence in God's immediate presence, serving as His ministers in the sanctuary. It implies not just physical presence but a spiritual posture of readiness and devotion in the sacred space.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Emphasis**. The enumeration of "sabbaths, new moons, and set feasts" clearly lists the specific times for sacrificial service, providing a comprehensive overview of the Levites' calendar-bound duties. This technique ensures clarity and highlights the structured nature of Israelite worship. **Emphasis** is achieved through phrases like "by number, according to the order commanded unto them," which underscores the precision and divine authority behind the Levites' tasks. The concluding phrase "continually before the LORD" further emphasizes the perpetual and devoted nature of their service, reinforcing the idea of an unbroken connection between the Levites' work and God's presence. The **Symbolism** of the burnt sacrifice itself, representing total dedication and atonement, is also a key underlying literary and theological element.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 23:31 provides a window into the meticulous nature of Old Covenant worship, emphasizing order, obedience, and the centrality of sacrifice in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Levites' dedicated service, particularly in facilitating the burnt offerings at prescribed times, points to God's holiness and the necessity of atonement for sin. This structured approach to worship was not merely ritualistic but was designed to foster a perpetual awareness of God's presence and His covenant demands. The regularity of these sacrifices, tied to the rhythm of Israelite life, served as a constant reminder of God's provision and the people's dependence on His grace, mediated through the sacrificial system. The verse thus highlights the divine initiative in establishing the means of worship and the human responsibility to adhere to it faithfully.

* [Leviticus 23:1-44](/leviticus/23-1 "Leviticus 23:1-44 - The Lord's Appointed Feasts")
* [Numbers 28:1-31](/numbers/28-1 "Numbers 28:1-31 - Daily, Sabbath, and Monthly Offerings")
* [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific duties of the Levites and the Old Testament sacrificial system have been fulfilled in Christ, the principles embedded in 1 Chronicles 23:31 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The emphasis on "order commanded" encourages us to approach our worship and service with intentionality, discipline, and reverence, recognizing that God is a God of order, not chaos. Just as the Levites had specific times for their duties, we are called to cultivate regular, dedicated times for prayer, Bible study, and corporate worship, allowing these rhythms to shape our spiritual lives. Furthermore, the concept of serving "continually before the LORD" challenges us to view every aspect of our lives – our work, relationships, and daily routines – as opportunities for worship and service, living in constant awareness of God's presence and for His glory. This verse reminds us that true worship is not confined to specific rituals or times but is a holistic, ongoing posture of the heart that seeks to honor God in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "order commanded" in the Levites' duties inform our approach to personal devotion and corporate worship today?**
* **In what practical ways can we embody the spirit of serving "continually before the LORD" in our daily lives, beyond formal worship times?**
* **How does understanding the meticulous nature of the Old Testament sacrificial system, as described here, deepen your appreciation for the simplicity and completeness of Christ's ultimate sacrifice?**

### FAQ

**Why was such detailed organization necessary for the Levites and the Temple service?**

Answer: The detailed organization of the Levites, as seen in 1 Chronicles 23:31 and surrounding chapters, was crucial for several reasons. First, it reflected God's own character as a God of order and holiness; His worship required precision and reverence. Second, it ensured the purity and sanctity of the sacred space and rituals, as any deviation could be seen as an affront to God's holiness (cf. [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu")). Third, it provided a clear structure for the immense logistical undertaking of maintaining the Tabernacle and later the Temple, which served as the spiritual center of the nation. Finally, this meticulous order foreshadowed the perfect, orderly plan of salvation that would be fully revealed in Christ, demonstrating God's sovereign control over all things, including the means of approaching Him.

**What is the significance of "burnt sacrifices" compared to other offerings in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The "burnt sacrifice" (`‘olah`) was unique among the Old Testament offerings because the entire animal (except for the hide, which went to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar, ascending as a "sweet savor" to the Lord. This complete consumption symbolized total dedication, surrender, and atonement. Unlike peace offerings (where portions were eaten by the worshiper) or sin offerings (which dealt with specific sins), the burnt offering was often a general offering for atonement, expressing complete devotion and seeking comprehensive reconciliation with God. It represented the worshiper's desire for full acceptance and communion with God, signifying that the offerer was wholly given over to the Lord, just as the sacrifice was wholly consumed.

**How do "sabbaths, new moons, and set feasts" relate to Israel's sacred calendar and their worship life?**

Answer: These three categories represent the fundamental rhythms of Israel's divinely instituted sacred calendar, each requiring specific offerings and observances. The "sabbaths" were weekly days of rest and worship, commemorating creation and God's covenant with Israel. "New moons" marked the beginning of each month, signifying a fresh start and requiring special communal sacrifices. The "set feasts" (`mo'edim`) were the annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, etc.) that gathered the entire nation for extended periods of worship, remembrance of God's mighty acts, and covenant renewal. Together, they structured the spiritual life of the nation, ensuring regular, communal, and divinely appointed times for worship, atonement, and celebration of God's faithfulness, as detailed in [Numbers 28-29](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28 - Offerings for Various Occasions").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 23:31, with its emphasis on the Levites' meticulous and continual service in offering burnt sacrifices at appointed times, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, though divinely ordained, was ultimately a shadow pointing to a greater reality. The "burnt sacrifices" that symbolized complete dedication and atonement are perfectly and eternally fulfilled in Christ, who offered Himself as the [ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") for the sins of the world. He is not merely a participant in the ritual but the perfect Lamb of God, whose blood truly takes away sin, unlike the blood of bulls and goats which could only cover it (cf. [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

Furthermore, Jesus is our true [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), belonging to a superior order (that of Melchizedek, [Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - A Priest Like Melchizedek")). Unlike the Levites and Aaronic priests who served temporarily and continually offered sacrifices, Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary once and for all, securing eternal redemption (cf. [Hebrews 9:24-28](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24-28 - Christ's Heavenly Priesthood")). The "continual" service of the Levites foreshadows Christ's perpetual intercession for us at the right hand of God (cf. [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). The "sabbaths, new moons, and set feasts" find their ultimate meaning in Him; He is the reality to which these types pointed, bringing true rest, new beginnings, and the ultimate celebration of God's salvation (cf. [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance")). In Christ, believers are now part of a [royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood"), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds (cf. [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")), living lives of continual worship "before the LORD" through Him.

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.