1 Chronicles 24:15

KJV

The seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Aphses,

KJV (with Strong's)

The seventeenth {H7651}{H6240} to Hezir {H2387}, the eighteenth {H8083}{H6240} to Aphses {H6483},

Complete Jewish Bible

the seventeenth for Hezir, the eighteenth for HaPitzetz

Berean Standard Bible

the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez,

American Standard Version

the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 24:15 is a precise enumeration within King David's divinely inspired organization of the Aaronic priesthood, assigning the seventeenth and eighteenth courses of temple service to the priestly families headed by Hezir and Aphses, respectively. This verse underscores the meticulous planning and divine order established for the future temple worship, ensuring that all priestly duties were systematically and impartially fulfilled for the generations to come.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 24 is situated within a larger section of Chronicles (chapters 23-27) that details David's extensive preparations for the building and operation of the temple, a task he was not permitted to undertake himself but for which he laid meticulous groundwork. Chapter 23 outlines the divisions of the Levites and their various duties. Chapter 24 then narrows the focus specifically to the descendants of Aaron, who alone were permitted to serve as priests. This chapter meticulously details the division of these priests into twenty-four courses or "watches," established by lot to ensure divine impartiality and fairness. Verses 7-18 systematically list these twenty-four courses, with verse 15 specifically naming the seventeenth and eighteenth courses, demonstrating the comprehensive and orderly nature of this divinely ordained administration. The entire chapter serves to emphasize the importance of order, structure, and divine appointment in the sacred service of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Aaronic priesthood was central to the nation's covenant relationship with God, serving as mediators through sacrifices, offerings, and the administration of the Law. The tabernacle, and later the temple, was the focal point of Israelite worship, requiring continuous, organized service. David's organization into twenty-four courses was a practical necessity to manage the large number of priests and ensure that temple duties, including daily sacrifices, incense offerings, and maintenance, could be performed efficiently year-round without overwhelming any single group. The use of lots (mentioned in [1 Chronicles 24:5](/1_chronicles/24-5 "1 Chronicles 24:5 - Priestly Divisions by Lot")) was a recognized method in ancient Israel for discerning God's will and ensuring an unbiased outcome, reflecting a profound trust in divine providence in even administrative matters. This structured approach ensured that the sacred duties were performed with reverence and continuity, reflecting the high value placed on temple worship and the precise requirements of the Mosaic Law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader enumeration, contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Order and Organization**, demonstrating God's desire for meticulous structure in His worship and service. The detailed assignments prevented chaos and ensured that all necessary functions were performed, mirroring the principles of order found throughout scripture, such as in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in the Church"). Secondly, the underlying method of **Divine Providence** through the casting of lots (as seen in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")) underscores that even seemingly administrative details were seen as part of God's sovereign plan, ensuring fairness and divine approval. Thirdly, the naming of each family head, including Hezir and Aphses, emphasizes the importance of **Faithful Service** in one's appointed duties. Every part of the system, no matter how specific, was essential for the whole to function properly. Finally, the meticulous record-keeping facilitated the **Continuity of Priesthood**, preserving lineage and ensuring the ongoing function of the Aaronic priesthood, which was central to Israel's covenant relationship with God until the coming of the ultimate High Priest.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hezir (Hebrew, _Ḥezîr_):** This proper noun identifies the head of the seventeenth priestly course. While the literal meaning of the name ("pig" or "boar") is not directly relevant to the theological message of the verse, its inclusion here is crucial for its function. It signifies a specific, identifiable family line among the descendants of Aaron who were designated by divine lot to serve in the temple. The naming underscores the historical precision and the personal accountability associated with these sacred duties.
* **Aphses (Hebrew, _ʼAfsēs_):** Similarly, this proper noun designates the head of the eighteenth priestly course. The name's literal meaning ("the end," "disappearance," or "cessation") is also not directly theologically significant in this context. Its importance lies solely in its role as a precise identifier for another distinct priestly family. The inclusion of both Hezir and Aphses, along with the other twenty-two names, demonstrates the comprehensive nature of David's organization and the divine sanction behind each specific assignment, ensuring that no family was overlooked and every designated course had a clear leader.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The seventeenth to Hezir":** This clause indicates the specific numerical order of the priestly course and the family head to whom that course was assigned. "The seventeenth" refers to the chronological turn of duty for one of the twenty-four divisions established by lot. The service was rotational, ensuring that each family had its designated period to serve in the temple. "To Hezir" specifies that the family line descended from Hezir was responsible for this particular period of service, highlighting the hereditary nature of the Aaronic priesthood and the importance of family identity within this structure.
* **"the eighteenth to Aphses":** This clause continues the systematic enumeration, assigning the subsequent, eighteenth course of service to the family line of Aphses. The parallel structure emphasizes the methodical and complete nature of the organization. Each assignment was distinct and divinely sanctioned, contributing to the overall efficiency and sacredness of the temple operations. These specific designations ensured that all duties would be covered throughout the year by different, appointed groups of priests.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary devices at play in 1 Chronicles 24:15, and indeed throughout the entire enumeration in this chapter, are **Enumeration** and **Precision**. The text meticulously lists each of the twenty-four priestly courses by number and by the name of its family head, demonstrating a highly organized and detailed record-keeping. This precise listing serves to underscore the divine order and thoroughness with which God's worship was to be conducted. It also functions as a **Historical Record**, validating the legitimacy and divine appointment of these priestly lines for future generations. The repetitive structure of "The [number] to [name]" creates a sense of **Rhythm and Authority**, reinforcing the systematic and unalterable nature of these divisions. Furthermore, the very act of naming each individual family head, even those whose names hold no particular theological significance in themselves, highlights the **Personal Accountability** and specific roles assigned to each part of the larger priestly body.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous organization of the Aaronic priesthood, exemplified by the precise assignments in 1 Chronicles 24:15, reveals profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. God is a God of order, not chaos, and He delights in worship that is conducted with reverence, structure, and intentionality. This detailed system ensured that the sacred duties of the temple were performed consistently and faithfully, reflecting the gravity of approaching a holy God. It also underscores the principle that every role, no matter how seemingly small or administrative, is vital in the divine economy and contributes to the overall functioning of God's purposes. The emphasis on divine appointment through lots highlights God's sovereign hand in directing even the specific details of His service, inviting His people to trust in His wisdom and provision for their spiritual life. This Old Testament blueprint for structured worship foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the church as a body with diverse, divinely appointed gifts and functions, all working together for the glory of God.

* [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Appointment of Aaron and Sons for Priesthood")
* [Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - Levites Appointed to Serve the Priests")
* [Hebrews 7:11-14](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11-14 - Change of Priesthood Foreshadowed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific priestly courses of Hezir and Aphses are no longer directly relevant for Christian worship today, the enduring principles embedded in 1 Chronicles 24:15 offer profound insights for contemporary believers. This verse reminds us that God values order, intentionality, and faithfulness in all aspects of our lives, especially in our worship and service to Him. Just as each priestly course had its divinely appointed time and task, every believer in the body of Christ is gifted and called to a unique role. No task is insignificant when done for the Lord, whether it's a prominent leadership position or a quiet act of service behind the scenes. We are encouraged to embrace our specific callings with diligence and excellence, recognizing that our contributions, however small they may seem, are vital to the flourishing of God's kingdom. Furthermore, the reliance on divine providence through the casting of lots invites us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereign guidance in our own decisions and life paths, believing that He orchestrates details even beyond our full comprehension. Our service should flow from a heart that acknowledges God's overarching plan and seeks to align with His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of the Old Testament priesthood inform our understanding of God's character and His desire for order in our lives and communities?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, embrace our specific roles and gifts within the body of Christ, recognizing their divine appointment and importance, even if they seem small?**
* **How does the principle of divine providence, seen in the casting of lots, encourage us to trust God's sovereignty in the details of our lives and ministries?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of names and numbers included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of such detailed lists, like the priestly courses in 1 Chronicles 24, serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores God's profound attention to detail and His desire for order in worship and service. It demonstrates that sacred duties were not to be performed haphazardly but with precision and structure. Secondly, it provides a **historical record** of the legitimate priestly lines, ensuring that only those divinely appointed served in the temple, thus preserving the purity and integrity of the Aaronic priesthood. This meticulous record-keeping was vital for the continuity of temple service across generations. Finally, it highlights the **divine providence** at work; even the seemingly administrative details were orchestrated by God, emphasizing that every part of His plan, down to the specific individuals and their turns of service, was important and divinely sanctioned.

**What was the purpose of these priestly "courses" or divisions?**

Answer: The primary purpose of dividing the priests into twenty-four courses was to ensure continuous, orderly, and efficient service in the temple throughout the entire year. With a large number of priests, a rotational system prevented overcrowding and ensured that all necessary duties—such as offering daily sacrifices, burning incense, maintaining the temple, and teaching the Law—were consistently performed. Each course would serve for a specific period (likely a week, twice a year), allowing priests to return to their homes and families for the rest of the year. This system, established by King David under divine inspiration (as implied in [1 Chronicles 28:11-13](/1_chronicles/28-11 "1 Chronicles 28:11-13 - David's Plans for the Temple")), prevented burnout, ensured fairness, and maintained the sacredness and functionality of the temple worship. It was a practical and divinely guided administrative solution for a complex and vital religious institution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the Aaronic priesthood in 1 Chronicles 24, with its detailed courses and specific family assignments, ultimately points forward to the ultimate and perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament priests served in shifts and were subject to death and sin, requiring constant succession and repeated sacrifices, Christ's priesthood is eternal and flawless. He is the [great High Priest who has passed through the heavens](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), having offered [one sacrifice for sins forever](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's One Sacrifice"). The Old Testament system, with its order and precision, served as a shadow of the perfect reality found in Him. Through Christ, the need for a rotating, earthly priesthood has been fulfilled, as believers now have [direct access to God through His blood](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God through Christ"). He is not merely a priest for a "course" but our [High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ, a Priest Forever"). Thus, the detailed administrative arrangements of 1 Chronicles 24 ultimately highlight the temporary and preparatory nature of the Old Covenant, beautifully setting the stage for the glorious and complete work of our Lord Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills all priestly functions and grants us eternal access to God.

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.