1 Chronicles 24:17

KJV

The one and twentieth to Jachin, the two and twentieth to Gamul,

KJV (with Strong's)

The one {H259} and twentieth {H6242} to Jachin {H3199}, the two {H8147} and twentieth {H6242} to Gamul {H1577},

Complete Jewish Bible

the twenty-first for Yakhin, the twenty-second for Gamul,

Berean Standard Bible

the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul,

American Standard Version

the one and twentieth to Jachin, the two and twentieth to Gamul,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 24:17 meticulously records the assignment of the twenty-first priestly division to Jachin and the twenty-second to Gamul, continuing the detailed enumeration of the twenty-four courses established by King David. This verse, embedded within a comprehensive account of priestly organization, highlights the precise and divinely ordained system put in place to ensure continuous, orderly, and faithful service in the tabernacle, anticipating the future Temple. It underscores the importance of structure, divine appointment through lots, and the dedication of specific families to the sacred duties of worship in ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 24 is part of a larger section (1 Chronicles 23-26) that meticulously details King David's administrative and organizational efforts, particularly concerning the Levites and priests, in preparation for the building of the Temple by Solomon. Chapter 23 outlines the divisions of the Levites and their duties, while Chapter 24 specifically focuses on the priestly divisions, the descendants of Aaron. The chapter begins by distinguishing Aaron's sons into two main lines, Eleazar and Ithamar, from whom the twenty-four courses are derived. Verses 1-19 systematically list these divisions, determined by lot, to ensure impartiality and divine appointment. Verse 17, naming Jachin and Gamul, is simply two entries in this exhaustive list, demonstrating the thoroughness of David's preparations and the divine order he sought to establish for Israel's worship. The preceding verses (e.g., [1 Chronicles 24:7-16](/1_chronicles/24-7 "1 Chronicles 24:7-16 - List of Priestly Divisions")) establish the pattern of listing the heads of the courses, making verse 17 a continuation of this precise enumeration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David, though forbidden to build the Temple himself, devoted significant energy to preparing for its construction and operation. This included not only gathering materials but also establishing a highly organized system for its future service. The concept of priestly "courses" or "divisions" (מַחֲלְקוֹת, _machalqôth_) was crucial for managing the large number of priests and ensuring that sacred duties were performed continuously throughout the year. Each course would serve for a week at a time, twice a year, with all courses serving during the major festivals. The use of lots (as mentioned in [1 Chronicles 24:5](/1_chronicles/24-5 "1 Chronicles 24:5 - Division by Lot")) was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, understood in Israel as a means of discerning God's will and ensuring fair, divinely sanctioned appointments. The meticulous record-keeping reflects a society that valued lineage, order, and the precise fulfillment of religious obligations as central to its identity and relationship with God.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in 1 Chronicles 24, including [1 Chronicles 24:17](/1_chronicles/24-17 "1 Chronicles 24:17 - The Twenty-First and Twenty-Second Priestly Divisions"), contributes to several overarching themes within the Chronicler's work. Firstly, **Divine Order and Organization** is paramount; David's actions demonstrate a profound commitment to establishing a structured and efficient system for worship, reflecting God's own character of order. Secondly, **Faithful Service and Stewardship** is emphasized, as the detailed assignments ensured that the sacred duties were consistently and diligently performed, highlighting the importance of every individual's role within the larger divine plan. This echoes the broader Chronicler's concern for covenant faithfulness. Thirdly, **Divine Providence and Appointment** is evident in the use of lots, signifying that these roles were not merely human arrangements but divinely ordained positions, underscoring God's active involvement in the details of Israel's spiritual life. Finally, the entire chapter, including this verse, serves as a testament to **David's Legacy and Preparation for the Future**, as his foresight laid the foundational administrative and spiritual groundwork for the Temple and the ongoing worship of God for generations to come, as seen in the broader narrative of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "The Book of 1 Chronicles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jachin (יָכִין, _yakhin'_):** This Hebrew name means "He will establish." In the context of the priestly divisions, the name itself carries a subtle theological resonance. It suggests God's active role in establishing and upholding the priestly order. While the name's meaning is not explicitly commented upon in the text, its presence as a head of a priestly course, divinely appointed, subtly reinforces the theme of divine establishment and stability within God's chosen system of worship.
* **Gamul (גָּמוּל, _gamul'_):** This Hebrew name means "Recompensed" or "Weaned." Similar to Jachin, the meaning of Gamul is not directly expounded upon in the narrative. However, its inclusion within the divinely appointed list of priestly leaders, alongside a name like Jachin, serves to underscore the thoroughness and divine sanction of the entire system. The very act of naming these individuals, regardless of the specific meaning of their names, validates their significant role in the divinely ordered service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The one and twentieth to Jachin,":** This phrase precisely identifies the twenty-first priestly course, indicating that Jachin was the head or representative of this particular family or clan. The ordinal numbering emphasizes the systematic and sequential nature of the divisions, which were determined by lot. This was not a random assignment but a meticulously recorded and divinely sanctioned order, ensuring that each family had its turn in the sacred service. It underscores the principle of order and accountability within the Levitical priesthood.
* **"the two and twentieth to Gamul,":** Following the same pattern, this clause names Gamul as the head of the twenty-second priestly course. The continuation of the enumeration highlights the comprehensive scope of David's organization, which encompassed all twenty-four divisions. The inclusion of Gamul's name, like Jachin's, serves as a historical record of the specific families entrusted with the vital duties of ministering before the Lord, ensuring continuity and proper succession in the service of the tabernacle and future Temple.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 24:17, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 24, is **Enumeration** or **Listing**. The chapter is essentially a detailed roster, and verse 17 is a continuation of this precise cataloging of priestly divisions. This meticulous **Structure** serves to emphasize the comprehensive and orderly nature of David's preparations for the Temple. The **Repetition** of the ordinal numbers ("one and twentieth," "two and twentieth") reinforces the systematic and sequential assignment of duties, highlighting the divine order and thoroughness. This detailed listing also lends an air of **Historical Accuracy** and authenticity to the Chronicler's account, demonstrating the meticulous record-keeping of the Israelite monarchy and the importance placed on lineage and sacred roles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 24:17, by naming two specific priestly divisions, contributes to the overarching biblical themes of divine order, the sanctity of worship, and the importance of faithful service within God's covenant community. The detailed organization of the priesthood under David foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the church as a structured body, where every member has a vital role. Just as God meticulously ordered the service of the Old Testament priests, He orchestrates the spiritual gifts and ministries within the New Covenant, ensuring that His work is carried out effectively and harmoniously. The continuity of the priestly courses also points to the enduring nature of God's covenant and His desire for perpetual worship.

* [Numbers 3:6-7](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6-7 - Duties of the Levites")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Hebrews 7:23-24](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-24 - The Permanent Priesthood of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 24:17 details an ancient system of priestly organization, its underlying principles resonate deeply with contemporary faith and practice. It reminds us that God is a God of order, and that intentionality, structure, and preparation are valuable in our spiritual lives and corporate ministries. Just as David meticulously planned for the future of Israel's worship, we are called to be diligent in preparing for the spiritual growth of ourselves and future generations, whether through discipleship, teaching, or establishing healthy rhythms of prayer and study. Furthermore, the emphasis on every division, even those listed sequentially like Jachin and Gamul, underscores that every role within the body of Christ is significant and divinely appointed. No task is too small or seemingly insignificant when performed faithfully for God's glory. Our faithfulness in seemingly mundane or behind-the-scenes tasks contributes to the larger work of God, just as each priestly course contributed to the continuous worship in the Temple.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of the Old Testament priesthood challenge or inspire my approach to order and planning in my personal spiritual disciplines or church involvement?**
* **In what ways might I be overlooking the importance of "behind-the-scenes" or seemingly ordinary tasks in my service to God or others?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm the unique, divinely appointed roles of others within my faith community, knowing that every part contributes to the whole?**
* **What steps can I take today to "prepare for the future" in my faith, laying a foundation for my own continued spiritual growth or for the next generation?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names and divisions, like in 1 Chronicles 24:17?**

Answer: The inclusion of such detailed lists serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it emphasizes the **divine order and meticulous planning** that God desired for the worship and service of His people. It demonstrates that God is not a God of chaos but of structure and intentionality. Secondly, these lists provide **historical accuracy and authenticity**, validating the Chronicler's account and showing the precise lineage and roles of those entrusted with sacred duties. In ancient Israel, lineage was paramount for identity and legitimacy, especially for the priesthood. Thirdly, it underscores the **importance of every individual and family** within God's plan; even names that might seem obscure to us were vital components of a larger, divinely orchestrated system. This meticulous record-keeping ensures accountability and continuity, reflecting God's commitment to His covenant people and their organized worship.

**What was the practical purpose of these twenty-four priestly divisions?**

Answer: The practical purpose of the twenty-four priestly divisions was to ensure **continuous and orderly service** in the tabernacle and, later, the Temple. With a large number of priests, a rotating system was essential to manage their duties efficiently. Each division, like those of Jachin and Gamul mentioned in [1 Chronicles 24:17](/1_chronicles/24-17 "1 Chronicles 24:17 - The Twenty-First and Twenty-Second Priestly Divisions"), would serve for a specific week at a time, twice a year, ensuring that the sacred rituals—such as offering sacrifices, burning incense, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the law—were always attended to without interruption. This system also allowed priests to return to their homes and livelihoods for much of the year, balancing their sacred duties with their family responsibilities. It was a highly organized system designed to maintain the sanctity and continuity of worship for the entire nation of Israel, as detailed throughout [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Divisions of the Priests").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the Old Testament priesthood, highlighted by verses like [1 Chronicles 24:17](/1_chronicles/24-17 "1 Chronicles 24:17 - The Twenty-First and Twenty-Second Priestly Divisions"), finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly priesthood, with its rotating courses and temporary service, pointed to the need for a perfect, permanent High Priest. While the sons of Aaron served in their appointed turns, their service was finite and their sacrifices incomplete, requiring daily repetition and a continuous succession of priests (as noted in [Hebrews 7:23](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23 - Many Priests Because of Death")). Jesus, however, is our High Priest "forever after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Jesus, a Priest Forever")), whose single, perfect sacrifice on the cross atoned for sin once for all ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). His priesthood is eternal and unchanging, meaning He continually intercedes for us before God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Furthermore, in Christ, the concept of a select priesthood is expanded to include all believers, who are now part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")). Thus, the order and purpose of the Old Testament priestly divisions are not abolished but transformed and perfected in Christ, who is both our ultimate Priest and the Head of His new covenant people, enabling every believer to draw near 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.