1 Chronicles 23:9

KJV

The sons of Shimei; Shelomith, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These [were] the chief of the fathers of Laadan.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Shimei {H8096}; Shelomith {H8019}{H8013}, and Haziel {H2381}, and Haran {H2039}, three {H7969}. These were the chief {H7218} of the fathers {H1} of Laadan {H3936}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Shim'i: Shlomit, Hazi'el and Haran - three. These were the heads of the clans of La'dan.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran—three in all. These were the heads of the families of Ladan.

American Standard Version

The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the heads of the fathers’housesof Ladan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 23:9 meticulously records the lineage of specific Levitical families, identifying Shelomith, Haziel, and Haran as the three sons of Shimei, who held the esteemed position of "chief of the fathers of Laadan." This verse is an integral part of King David's comprehensive and divinely inspired organization of the Levites, preparing them for their essential roles in the future temple service, thereby ensuring the continuity and order of worship in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 23, a chapter dedicated to King David's detailed preparations for the temple service, even though his son Solomon would ultimately build the temple. Having been forbidden to build the temple himself due to his involvement in warfare, David, in his old age, meticulously organized the Levites into divisions, assigning them specific duties (as seen in [1 Chronicles 23:4-5](/1-chronicles/23-4 "1 Chronicles 23:4-5 - Levitical Duties")). Chapters 23-26 of 1 Chronicles provide an exhaustive account of these arrangements, demonstrating David's profound commitment to establishing a structured and orderly system for worship. The listing of specific families and their heads, such as the sons of Shimei in this verse, underscores the importance of lineage and appointed leadership within the Levitical structure, ensuring the proper administration and sacred worship of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Levites were set apart for service to God, specifically for the tabernacle and later the temple. Their tribal and family lineage was paramount, determining their specific duties and privileges. The designation "chief of the fathers" (Hebrew: *rashei ha'avot*) was a significant title, indicating a position of leadership and authority within a particular family or clan. These individuals were responsible for overseeing their respective family divisions, ensuring the proper execution of their sacred duties. David's organization reflects a period of national consolidation and religious reform, where the future of Israel's worship life was being carefully planned and institutionalized under the monarchy, transitioning from a more nomadic tabernacle worship to a centralized temple system.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record in 1 Chronicles 23:9 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles. First, it highlights **Divine Order and Preparation**, demonstrating David's profound commitment to establishing a structured and orderly system for worship, reflecting God's desire for order in all things. This preparation ensured the continuity of service for future generations, even beyond David's lifetime, anticipating the construction of the temple by Solomon (as mentioned in [1 Chronicles 22:7-10](/1-chronicles/22-7 "1 Chronicles 22:7-10 - David's Desire and God's Promise to Solomon")). Second, it emphasizes the **Importance of Lineage and Role** within God's covenant people; for the Levites, their tribal and family lineage was crucial for their assigned duties in the temple, and the designation "chief of the fathers" indicates a position of authority and responsibility essential for the efficient functioning of the temple administration. Finally, there is a theme of **Stewardship and Legacy**, as David faithfully prepared for what was to come, ensuring a spiritual legacy passed down through families dedicated to God's service, laying the groundwork for a flourishing worship life in the future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shimei (Hebrew, שִׁמְעִי, _Shim'i_):** Shimei was a son of Gershon, who was a son of Levi (see [1 Chronicles 6:17](/1-chronicles/6-17 "1 Chronicles 6:17 - Lineage of Gershon")). This identifies the specific branch of the Levites to which Shelomith, Haziel, and Haran belonged. The name itself means "my renown" or "renowned." In the context of Chronicles, the precise genealogical details are not merely historical records but serve to validate the legitimacy and divine appointment of those serving in the temple, emphasizing continuity and adherence to the Mosaic law regarding Levitical service.
* **Chief of the fathers (Hebrew, רָאשֵׁי הָאָבוֹת, _rashei ha'avot_):** This phrase literally translates to "heads of the fathers" or "heads of the ancestral houses." It signifies leaders or prominent individuals within a particular family or clan. In the Levitical context, these were the designated leaders of specific family divisions, responsible for organizing, overseeing, and ensuring the proper execution of their family's duties in the temple service. Their role was crucial for the efficient and orderly functioning of the complex temple administration, bridging the gap between the high priests and the general body of Levites.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Shimei; Shelomith, and Haziel, and Haran, three."**: This clause precisely identifies three individuals—Shelomith, Haziel, and Haran—as the direct descendants of Shimei. The explicit mention of "three" emphasizes the exact number, reflecting the meticulous nature of David's census and organization. This genealogical detail is foundational, establishing their identity and their place within the Levitical structure, which was crucial for their assigned roles in the temple.
* **"These [were] the chief of the fathers of Laadan."**: This declarative statement assigns a specific, authoritative role to the three sons of Shimei. It clarifies that they were not merely members of the clan but held a leadership position—"chief of the fathers." Laadan was another son of Gershon, making him a brother to Shimei (as seen in [1 Chronicles 23:7](/1-chronicles/23-7 "1 Chronicles 23:7 - Sons of Gershon")). This indicates that Shimei's sons were appointed to lead a division within the broader clan of Laadan, possibly due to their prominence, capability, or a specific arrangement by David. This appointment highlights the importance of leadership and delegation in the complex organization of sacred service.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 23:9, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. The detailed listing of names and lineages serves not just as a historical record but as a theological statement, emphasizing continuity, divine election, and the legitimacy of the Levitical priesthood and service. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the importance of order and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises through specific families. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis** placed on the leadership role of these individuals, highlighted by the specific title "chief of the fathers," which elevates their status beyond mere lineage and points to their functional significance in the temple administration. The precise enumeration ("three") also contributes to a sense of **Precision** and divine intentionality in the organization.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 23:9, though a seemingly minor genealogical detail, speaks volumes about God's character and His desire for ordered worship. It reveals a God who is not chaotic but meticulous, who values structure and intentionality in the service rendered to Him. David's careful organization of the Levites, down to specific family heads, reflects a profound understanding that God's work requires diligent preparation, faithful leadership, and every member knowing their appointed place and purpose. This principle extends beyond ancient temple service to the New Testament church, where God calls believers to serve in various capacities, each contributing to the edification of the body of Christ. The emphasis on lineage and appointed leadership also foreshadows the importance of spiritual authority and accountability within God's people.

* [Numbers 3:24](/numbers/3-24 "Numbers 3:24 - Families of Gershonites")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1-corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This detailed account of Levitical organization, including the specific mention of Shelomith, Haziel, and Haran as "chief of the fathers," offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God values order, preparation, and faithful stewardship in all aspects of our lives and service. Just as David meticulously prepared for the temple, we are called to bring diligence and intentionality to our spiritual responsibilities, whether in our homes, workplaces, or churches. Every role, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes, is vital in God's grand design. The emphasis on leadership also prompts us to pray for and support those whom God has appointed to lead, recognizing their significant responsibility in guiding God's people. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to consider our own place within the body of Christ, seeking to serve faithfully and contribute to the overall health and mission of the church, building a legacy of devotion for future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 23:9 challenge my perception of "small" or "insignificant" roles in God's kingdom?**
* **In what areas of my life or service can I apply the principle of diligent preparation and order, as exemplified by David's organization of the Levites?**
* **How can I better support and honor the "chiefs of the fathers" (spiritual leaders) in my own community of faith?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy am I building for those who will come after me, and how does this verse inspire me to be more intentional about it?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such seemingly minor genealogical details like those in 1 Chronicles 23:9?**

Answer: Such genealogical details are far from minor; they are foundational to understanding God's covenant faithfulness and the meticulousness of His divine plan. In ancient Israel, lineage was critical for establishing identity, tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and, most importantly, eligibility for sacred service, particularly for the Levites and priests. This verse, by naming specific individuals and their leadership roles, validates their divine appointment and ensures that the temple service would be carried out by those legitimately called and organized according to God's will. It underscores the biblical emphasis on order, accountability, and the continuity of God's work through specific individuals and families, ensuring that the worship of God was not arbitrary but structured and legitimate.

**What was the practical significance of being a "chief of the fathers" in the Levitical system?**

Answer: Being a "chief of the fathers" (Hebrew: _rashei ha'avot_) was a position of significant authority and responsibility within the Levitical tribal structure. Practically, these individuals were the heads of specific ancestral houses or family divisions. They were responsible for organizing, delegating, and overseeing the duties of their respective families in the temple service. This included ensuring that the Levites performed their assigned tasks—whether assisting priests, serving as gatekeepers, musicians, or officers (as described in [1 Chronicles 23:4-5](/1-chronicles/23-4 "1 Chronicles 23:4-5 - Levitical Duties"))—with precision and faithfulness. Their leadership was crucial for maintaining the complex logistical and spiritual operations of the temple, ensuring that worship was conducted in an orderly and acceptable manner before God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 23:9 details the meticulous organization of the Levitical priesthood for the earthly temple, it ultimately points forward to the perfect and eternal High Priesthood of Jesus Christ. The careful selection and appointment of "chiefs of the fathers" for specific roles in the temple service foreshadows God's ultimate plan for a perfect mediator and the establishment of a new, spiritual temple. Unlike the Levitical priests, who were numerous and served in shifts because of their mortality and sinfulness, Jesus is the one, perfect [High Priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Jesus, a Priest Forever"). His single, [once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-all Sacrifice") on the cross fulfilled all the Old Testament sacrificial systems and the need for a Levitical priesthood. Through Christ, believers are now constituted as a "[royal priesthood](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")" and "[holy priesthood](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood") in a spiritual temple, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. The divine order and preparation seen in David's organization find their ultimate perfection and purpose in Christ, who is the [Head of the Church](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head of the Church"), perfectly ordering His body for service and worship, a service that is no longer bound by lineage or physical temple but by faith in 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.