1 Chronicles 23:4

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Of which {H428}, twenty {H6242} and four {H702} thousand {H505} were to set forward {H5329} the work {H4399} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}; and six {H8337} thousand {H505} were officers {H7860} and judges {H8199}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Of these, 24,000 were to oversee the work on the house of ADONAI, while 6,000 were officials and judges

Berean Standard Bible

“Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges,

American Standard Version

Of these, twenty and four thousand were to oversee the work of the house of Jehovah; and six thousand were officers and judges;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 23:4 meticulously details King David's strategic organization of the Levites, anticipating their essential roles in the future temple service. This verse provides a precise numerical division, allocating twenty-four thousand Levites to the direct, hands-on work of the Lord's house and an additional six thousand to crucial administrative and judicial functions. It highlights David's profound foresight and commitment to establishing a divinely ordered and efficient system for worship and governance, ensuring the continuity and integrity of Israel's sacred and civil life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger section (1 Chronicles 23-26) that meticulously outlines King David's comprehensive preparations for the construction and ongoing service of the future temple in Jerusalem. Having been forbidden by God to build the temple himself, as recorded in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1-chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Forbidden to Build Temple"), David dedicates his final years to ensuring that his son Solomon inherits a fully organized and resourced plan. Chapter 23 specifically focuses on the Levites, detailing their census from thirty years old and upward, as noted in [1 Chronicles 23:3](/1-chronicles/23-3 "1 Chronicles 23:3 - Levite Census"), and their subsequent division into various service categories. Verse 4, therefore, serves as a foundational statement regarding the sheer scale and dual nature of the Levitical workforce, setting the stage for the detailed assignments that follow in the subsequent verses and chapters (e.g., specific duties of priests, gatekeepers, treasurers, and musicians). The Chronicler emphasizes order, continuity, and the fulfillment of God's will through meticulous planning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Levites, descendants of Levi, were divinely appointed to serve the Lord, initially in the tabernacle and later in the temple. Their roles evolved from carrying the tabernacle during wilderness wanderings to a more settled, comprehensive service in Jerusalem. David's organization reflects a significant transition from a more mobile, less structured system to a highly formalized, permanent temple service. The age of thirty for service, mentioned in [1 Chronicles 23:3](/1-chronicles/23-3 "1 Chronicles 23:3 - Levite Census"), echoes earlier Mosaic law concerning Levitical service, as found in [Numbers 4:3](/numbers/4-3 "Numbers 4:3 - Age for Levitical Service"). The concept of a dedicated, organized workforce for a central religious institution was common in the ancient Near East, but Israel's system was unique in its divine consecration and focus on Yahweh. The inclusion of "officers and judges" among the Levites underscores their integrated role in Israelite society, where religious and civil life were not strictly separated but intertwined under God's covenant law.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Order and Organization:** David's meticulous structuring of the Levite service, down to specific numbers and roles, powerfully conveys the Chronicler's emphasis on order, planning, and preparation in serving God. This precise division of labor for the "work of the house of the LORD" reflects a divine principle of good management and stewardship, essential for the effective functioning of a sacred institution. It suggests that God is a God of order, and His people are called to reflect that order in their worship and service, as seen in the New Testament's call for things to be done "decently and in order" in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1-corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship").
* **Dedicated and Diverse Service to God:** The allocation of twenty-four thousand Levites directly to the temple's work highlights the centrality of worship, maintenance, and sacred duties. This large number underscores the value of focused, consecrated effort in direct spiritual service. Simultaneously, the six thousand Levites designated as "officers and judges" demonstrate that service to God extends beyond ritual to encompass administration, governance, and the upholding of justice. These diverse roles were crucial for the smooth functioning of both the religious and civil life of Israel, reflecting the integrated nature of their society under God's law. This foreshadows the New Testament concept of the church as a body with many members and diverse gifts, all contributing to the common good, as described in [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4-8 "Romans 12:4-8 - Many Members, One Body").
* **Foresight and Legacy:** David's actions in this chapter, including the detailed organization of the Levites, exemplify a profound sense of foresight and a commitment to establishing a lasting spiritual legacy. Though he would not build the temple, he ensured its future operation would be well-ordered and effective. This theme emphasizes the importance of preparing the next generation for faithful service and ensuring the continuity of God's work beyond one's own lifetime.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** This term (H4399) refers broadly to "employment" or "ministry," encompassing both abstract and concrete labor. In the context of the "house of the LORD," it denotes the practical, hands-on tasks and duties required for the daily operation, maintenance, and sacred functions of the temple. This includes everything from preparing sacrificial animals and vessels to maintaining the temple grounds and assisting the priests in their various rituals. It signifies active, dedicated service to the sanctuary.
* **officers (Hebrew, _shôṭêr'_):** As an active participle (H7860), this word literally means "a scribe" but implies an "official superintendent or magistrate." These Levites were administrators, overseers, and record-keepers. Their role involved managing the logistics of the temple service, ensuring compliance with regulations, scheduling personnel, and maintaining order within the Levitical ranks. They provided the crucial administrative backbone necessary for the efficient functioning of such a large and complex religious institution.
* **judges (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** This primitive root (H8199) means "to judge," "pronounce sentence," "vindicate," or "govern." These Levites were responsible for administering justice, settling disputes, and upholding God's law within the community, especially in matters pertaining to religious ordinances or conflicts that arose among the people or within the Levitical body itself. Their inclusion highlights the Levites' dual role in both sacred worship and the maintenance of societal righteousness, rooted in the Mosaic command for the appointment of judges and officers throughout the land, as seen in [Deuteronomy 16:18](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18 - Appointment of Judges and Officers").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of which, twenty and four thousand [were] to set forward the work of the house of the LORD":** This clause identifies the largest contingent of Levites, numbering twenty-four thousand, whose primary responsibility was direct engagement in the operational and maintenance aspects of the temple. This highlights the immense scale of the future temple's needs and the significant manpower required to facilitate daily worship, rituals, and the upkeep of God's dwelling place. It underscores the centrality of the temple as the hub of Israelite religious life and the dedication of a vast workforce to its sacred service.
* **"and six thousand [were] officers and judges":** This second clause details a distinct, yet equally vital, group of six thousand Levites assigned to administrative and judicial roles. This demonstrates that the service of God extended beyond ritualistic duties to encompass the practical governance, order, and justice within the community. These individuals were responsible for the smooth functioning of the Levitical system itself, ensuring accountability, resolving conflicts, and upholding the principles of God's law among the people. Their inclusion signifies the holistic nature of divine service, integrating spiritual and civil responsibilities.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's account in 1 Chronicles 23:4 prominently employs **Numerical Precision** and **Categorization**. The exact figures of "twenty and four thousand" and "six thousand" are not merely statistics but serve to emphasize David's meticulous planning and the divine order inherent in the organization of sacred service. These precise numbers convey a sense of completeness, intentionality, and a well-structured system, reinforcing the Chronicler's overarching theme of God's desire for order in worship. The **Categorization** of the Levites into those performing direct temple work and those serving as "officers and judges" highlights the diverse yet complementary nature of service within God's kingdom. This division illustrates that while ritual and worship are central, administrative oversight and the administration of justice are equally essential for the flourishing of God's people. The verse also uses **Juxtaposition** to contrast the two main categories of service, showing both the practical, hands-on work and the vital, foundational roles of governance and arbitration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed organization of the Levites in 1 Chronicles 23:4 reveals profound theological truths about the nature of God and the character of service. It underscores that God is a God of order, not chaos, and that His work is best accomplished through thoughtful planning, clear delegation, and dedicated execution. The division of labor among the Levites, encompassing both direct worship and administrative/judicial roles, illustrates the comprehensive scope of service to God—it is not confined to the "spiritual" but extends to every aspect of life, including governance and justice. This ancient blueprint for sacred service foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the church as the body of Christ, where diverse gifts and functions are essential for the health and growth of the whole, with every member contributing uniquely to the common good and the advancement of God's kingdom.

* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1-corinthians/12-4-7 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity of Spirit")
* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts for Service")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 23:4 offers timeless principles for believers today, reminding us that God values organized, dedicated, and diverse service. Whether our role in the body of Christ involves direct "spiritual" work, administrative support, leadership, or upholding justice and order in our communities, every function is vital and contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of God's people. This verse challenges us to consider our own unique gifts and callings, encouraging us to identify where we can best contribute to the "work of the house of the LORD" in our contemporary context—be it in local church ministry, community outreach, or professional life lived for God's glory. It underscores the need for preparation, accountability, and the recognition that all service, even seemingly "secular" roles like administration and justice, can be performed with excellence and dedication as an act of worship to God. We are called to serve faithfully, in unity and order, for the advancement of God's kingdom, just as the Levites were.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's meticulous organization of the Levites challenge our own approach to planning and preparation in service to God?**
* **In what ways do we sometimes compartmentalize "spiritual" work from "administrative" or "judicial" work, and how might this verse encourage a more holistic view of service?**
* **Considering the diverse roles of the Levites, what are your unique gifts, and how can you faithfully contribute them to the "work of the house of the LORD" in your current sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why did David organize the Levites so meticulously if he wasn't going to build the temple himself?**

Answer: David's actions demonstrate extraordinary foresight and a deep commitment to God's future worship. Although God forbade him from building the temple due to his involvement in warfare, as mentioned in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1-chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Forbidden to Build Temple"), David dedicated his remaining years to preparing everything for his son Solomon. This included not only amassing materials and resources, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 22:5](/1-chronicles/22-5 "1 Chronicles 22:5 - David's Preparations for the Temple"), but also establishing a divinely ordered structure for the temple's personnel. His meticulous organization of the Levites ensured a smooth transition, efficient operation, and continuity of sacred service for generations, reflecting his desire for God's house to be established with excellence and order.

**What was the significance of the numbers (24,000 and 6,000) of Levites?**

Answer: The numbers in 1 Chronicles 23:4 (24,000 for temple work and 6,000 for administration/justice) are significant for several reasons. Firstly, they highlight the sheer scale of the Levitical workforce required for the extensive operations of the future temple, emphasizing the importance and complexity of its service. Secondly, the precise figures (totaling 30,000 Levites aged 30 and above, as per [1 Chronicles 23:3](/1-chronicles/23-3 "1 Chronicles 23:3 - Levite Census")) underscore the Chronicler's emphasis on divine order, meticulous planning, and a well-structured system for God's worship. These numbers likely represent a highly organized system of rotating shifts and specialized departments, ensuring that all duties were covered efficiently and continuously. They symbolize completeness and the careful allocation of resources for God's glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the Levites for the "work of the house of the LORD" in 1 Chronicles 23:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His new covenant work. While the Levitical system served as a shadow of things to come, with its priests, sacrifices, and temple service, as explained in [Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow"), Christ is the reality. He is the great High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, establishing a new and living way to God, as proclaimed in [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"). The "house of the LORD" is no longer a physical temple but the spiritual body of Christ, the Church, built on Him as the cornerstone, where believers themselves are "living stones" forming a "spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood," as taught in [1 Peter 2:5](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Holy Priesthood") and [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling"). The diverse roles of the Levites—from direct service to administration and judgment—are now fulfilled and transformed in Christ's reign. He is the ultimate Judge and King, establishing perfect order and justice in His eternal kingdom, as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace"). Moreover, in the New Covenant, all believers are called to diverse forms of service within the body of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, reflecting the multifaceted contributions seen in the Levites, but now under the headship of Christ, for the building up of His church and the glory of God, as articulated in [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4-8 "Romans 12:4-8 - Many Members, One Body") and [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Church's Growth").

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

2 Chronicles 19:8

Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and [of] the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.

Deuteronomy 16:18

¶ Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

1 Chronicles 23:28

Because their office [was] to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;

1 Chronicles 23:32

And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the holy [place], and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 17:8

¶ If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, [being] matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;

Deuteronomy 17:10

And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee:

1 Chronicles 26:29

¶ Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons [were] for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.