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In the KJVVerse 10,991 of 31,102
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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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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 23:7 serves as a concise yet foundational verse, initiating the detailed enumeration of the Gershonite clan's family heads, Laadan and Shimei, within King David's extensive reorganization of the Levites. This verse marks the commencement of their specific assignments and divisions, meticulously prepared for the administration and service of the future Temple in Jerusalem, thereby underscoring the divine emphasis on order, lineage, and dedicated worship.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 23:7, and indeed throughout much of Chronicles, is Genealogy. This is more than a simple list of names; it serves to legitimize the individuals and groups for their sacred roles, establish continuity from past generations to the present, and underscore the divine election and covenant faithfulness associated with the Levitical lineage. Coupled with genealogy is Enumeration/Listing, the systematic cataloging of individuals and groups, which reflects the meticulous order and comprehensiveness of David's preparations for the Temple. The verse itself also exhibits Conciseness, acting as a brief, almost heading-like introduction to the detailed Gershonite section that follows, efficiently conveying the essential information before delving into further specifics, thereby guiding the reader into the subsequent organizational details.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous organization of the Levites, as exemplified by the naming of Laadan and Shimei in 1 Chronicles 23:7, underscores profound theological truths about God's nature and His expectations for His people's service. It reveals a God who values order, precision, and dedicated worship, ensuring that His house and its functions are carried out with reverence and efficiency. This Old Testament emphasis on structure and lineage for sacred service foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the Church as the body of Christ, where every member, regardless of perceived prominence, has a vital and unique role to play in the collective service of God's kingdom. Just as David prepared for future generations, so too are believers called to steward their gifts and prepare the way for those who will follow.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 23:7, though seemingly a dry genealogical listing, carries profound implications for contemporary believers. David's meticulous planning for the Temple, even for future generations he would not see, challenges us to consider our own stewardship and foresight in serving God. It reminds us that God is a God of order, and our worship, service, and even our personal lives can benefit from thoughtful organization and intentional preparation. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific names like Laadan and Shimei, representing whole families and their contributions, emphasizes that every role within God's kingdom is significant. No task is too small, no individual too obscure, to be valued in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan. We are called to recognize and affirm the diverse gifts and contributions of every member of the body of Christ, fostering an environment where all feel valued and empowered to serve according to their God-given abilities.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these specific names, Laadan and Shimei, important in 1 Chronicles 23:7?
Answer: Laadan and Shimei are important because they represent the foundational family heads or ancestral lines of the Gershonite clan. Their listing here signifies the beginning of King David's detailed enumeration and organization of this specific Levitical branch for its new duties in the future Temple. In ancient Israel, precise genealogical records were crucial for establishing legitimacy and ensuring proper assignment within the divinely ordained Levitical system. Thus, Laadan and Shimei are not just random names; they are key figures representing the major divisions of Gershonites whose descendants would be integrated into the elaborate structure of Temple administration, as further detailed in 1 Chronicles 23:8-11.
What was the primary role of the Gershonites before David's reorganization?
Answer: Prior to King David's preparations for the permanent Temple, the Gershonites, as one of the three main Levitical clans, had a distinct and vital role in the service of the mobile Tabernacle. Their primary responsibility, as detailed in Numbers 3:21-26 and Numbers 4:21-28, was the care and transport of the Tabernacle's coverings, curtains, and cords. This involved disassembling, carrying, and reassembling these components as the Israelites moved from place to place during their wilderness wanderings and subsequent nomadic period. David's reorganization marked a significant shift from this mobile service to fixed, administrative, and liturgical duties within the permanent Temple structure in Jerusalem, as outlined in 1 Chronicles 23:4-5.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the Levites, including the Gershonites through their family heads Laadan and Shimei, for Temple service in 1 Chronicles 23:7, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system, with its specific lineages, physical Temple, and detailed ritual duties, was a shadow pointing to the perfect reality to come. Christ Himself is the true Temple, the place where God's presence truly dwells among humanity, transcending any earthly structure. He is our great High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:12). In Christ, the need for a specific earthly lineage like that of the Gershonites for access to God is abrogated, as all believers are now made part of a royal priesthood, called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service (Hebrews 13:15). The detailed lists of names once crucial for identifying those qualified for Temple service now find their ultimate spiritual counterpart in the Lamb's Book of Life, where all who are in Christ are eternally inscribed, not by earthly descent but by divine grace and adoption into God's family (Galatians 3:26). Thus, the order, preparation, and dedication to God's service seen in 1 Chronicles 23:7 point forward to the perfect, inclusive, and eternal service made possible through Christ's finished work, where every believer is a vital member of His spiritual house.