1 Chronicles 23:7

KJV

Of the Gershonites [were], Laadan, and Shimei.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the Gershonites {H1649} were, Laadan {H3936}, and Shimei {H8096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the Gershuni: La'dan and Shim'i.

Berean Standard Bible

The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.

American Standard Version

Of the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 23, a pivotal chapter that meticulously details King David's preparations for the construction and administration of the Temple. Recognizing his advanced age and the impending reign of his son Solomon, David undertakes a comprehensive reorganization of the Levites, transitioning their traditional roles from carrying the mobile tabernacle to fixed duties within the permanent Temple structure. Chapter 23 begins with a general overview of the Levites' new responsibilities, including assisting the priests, overseeing treasures, serving as gatekeepers, musicians, and officers, as outlined in [1 Chronicles 23:4-5](/1_chronicles/23-4 "1 Chronicles 23:4-5 - Levitical Duties and Ages"). Verse 7 specifically initiates the detailed listing of the Gershonite divisions, following the general introduction, and precedes the enumeration of their sons and sub-branches in [1 Chronicles 23:8-11](/1_chronicles/23-8 "1 Chronicles 23:8-11 - Sons of Laadan and Shimei"), thereby establishing the genealogical and structural framework for their future service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign marked a period of significant national consolidation and religious centralization for Israel. The shift from a nomadic tabernacle, which had served Israel since the Exodus, to a permanent Temple in Jerusalem represented a major cultural and religious transition. In ancient Israel, the role of the Levites was hereditary and divinely ordained, making precise genealogical records (as seen in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Census of the Levites")) absolutely crucial for establishing legitimacy and ensuring proper function within the sacred service. The Gershonites, one of the three main branches of the Levites (descended from Levi's son Gershon, alongside the Kohathites and Merarites), had historically been responsible for the care and transport of the tabernacle's coverings and curtains, as detailed in [Numbers 4:21-28](/numbers/4-21 "Numbers 4:21-28 - Duties of the Gershonites"). David's meticulous organization reflects the immense scale of the Temple project and the need for an unprecedented level of administrative and liturgical structure to maintain the purity and order of divine worship.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in 1 Chronicles 23:7, within its broader context, contributes to several overarching themes. **Order and Organization** is paramount, reflecting God's character as a God of order and David's wisdom in establishing a structured system for sacred service. This detailed planning ensured the smooth and effective operation of the Temple's complex functions. **Preparation for the Future** is also a significant theme, as David, recognizing his mortality, diligently prepared the next generation of Levites for their sacred duties, ensuring the continuity of worship and service beyond his own lifetime, a foresight echoed in [1 Chronicles 22:5](/1_chronicles/22-5 "1 Chronicles 22:5 - David's Preparations for the Temple"). Furthermore, the **Importance of Every Role** is subtly highlighted; while specific duties for Laadan and Shimei are not detailed in this particular verse, their inclusion as foundational family heads emphasizes that every individual, regardless of their specific task, played a vital and recognized part in the collective service of God's people. Finally, **Genealogy and Identity** remain crucial, as the meticulous record-keeping of lineages was fundamental in ancient Israel for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and qualification for specific sacred roles, especially for the Levites who were set apart for divine service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gershonites (Hebrew, _Gershuni'_):** This term refers to the descendants of Gershon, the eldest son of Levi. As one of the three main Levitical clans (alongside the Kohathites and Merarites), the Gershonites had specific duties related to the care and transport of the Tabernacle's coverings and curtains during Israel's wilderness wanderings. In 1 Chronicles, their role is being re-envisioned for the fixed Temple service, demonstrating continuity of lineage but a transformation of function.
* **Laadan (Hebrew, _La'dan'_):** One of the two prominent family heads or ancestral lines identified within the Gershonite clan. The name itself can mean "for judgment" or "for arrangement," possibly hinting at a role in the orderly administration of the Levitical duties. His inclusion signifies a major division within the Gershonites.
* **Shimei (Hebrew, _Shim'i'_):** The other significant family head listed alongside Laadan. The name means "my fame" or "renowned," indicating a respected and established lineage within the Gershonite clan. Together with Laadan, Shimei represents the primary subdivisions of Gershon, whose descendants would be organized for Temple service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the Gershonites":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the specific Levitical clan that is the subject of this verse. It narrows the focus from the general Levitical census and reorganization to a particular branch, indicating that the subsequent names belong to this specific lineage.
* **"[were], Laadan, and Shimei":** This clause identifies the two primary family heads or ancestral lines within the Gershonite division that King David is now organizing. These names are not merely individuals but represent the foundational units for the subsequent enumeration of their sons and sub-branches, forming the basis for the detailed assignments within the new Temple structure.

#### 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.

### 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.

* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Equipping the Saints for Ministry")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Gifts Differing According to Grace")

### 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
* **How does David's meticulous organization of the Levites inspire or challenge your approach to service and stewardship in your own life or community?**
* **In what ways do you recognize and value the diverse contributions of every member within the body of Christ, even those whose roles may seem less prominent?**
* **How can we, like David, intentionally prepare the next generation for faithful service and worship of God?**

### 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](/1_chronicles/23-8 "1 Chronicles 23:8-11 - Sons of Laadan and Shimei").

**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](/numbers/3-21 "Numbers 3:21-26 - Duties of the Gershonites") and [Numbers 4:21-28](/numbers/4-21 "Numbers 4:21-28 - Duties of the Gershonites"), 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](/1_chronicles/23-4 "1 Chronicles 23:4-5 - New Levitical Duties").

### 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](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the Temple"), the place where God's presence truly dwells among humanity, transcending any earthly structure. He is our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). 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](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood"), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifices of Praise")). 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](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The 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](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Sons of God Through Faith")). 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.

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 26:21

[As concerning] the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, [even] of Laadan the Gershonite, [were] Jehieli.

1 Chronicles 6:17

And these [be] the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei.

1 Chronicles 6:20

Of Gershom; Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

Exodus 6:17

The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.

1 Chronicles 15:7

Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and thirty: