1 Chronicles 24:24

KJV

[Of] the sons of Uzziel; Michah: of the sons of Michah; Shamir.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the sons {H1121} of Uzziel {H5816}; Michah {H4318}: of the sons {H1121} of Michah {H4318}; Shamir {H8053}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of 'Uzi'el: Mikhah; of the descendants of Mikhah, Shamir.

Berean Standard Bible

From the sons of Uzziel: Micah; from the sons of Micah: Shamir.

American Standard Version

The sons of Uzziel, Micah; of the sons of Micah, Shamir.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 24:24 is a concise genealogical entry within a detailed record of the Levitical divisions established by King David for the future temple service. This verse specifically names Michah as a son of Uzziel, and Shamir as a son of Michah, thereby extending the lineage within the Kohathite clan of the Levites. It serves as a testament to the meticulous organization and divine order that underpinned Israel's worship system, underscoring the importance of every individual's place within God's comprehensive plan for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously details King David's organization of the priests and Levites for their duties in the tabernacle, anticipating the construction of Solomon's Temple. Following the consolidation of his kingdom and the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, David devoted significant attention to establishing a systematic and orderly approach to worship and service. Chapter 24 specifically focuses on the divisions of the priests (sons of Aaron) and then transitions to the Levites, ensuring that all necessary roles for the temple's operation were assigned and accounted for, even before the temple's physical construction. These lists are not merely historical records but serve a theological purpose for the post-exilic community, emphasizing continuity with their past, the legitimacy of their worship practices, and the importance of proper service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, lineage and tribal affiliation were paramount, especially for those involved in religious service. The Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart by God for specific tasks related to the tabernacle and later the temple. Uzziel was one of the four sons of Kohath, who was a son of Levi ([Exodus 6:18](/exodus/6-18 "Exodus 6:18 - Lineage of Kohath")). The Kohathites held a uniquely sacred responsibility: they were charged with transporting the most holy articles of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, once these items had been covered by the priests ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Duties of the Kohathites")). This verse, therefore, places Michah and Shamir within a lineage of significant, divinely ordained responsibility. The careful recording of these names underscores the societal and religious importance of every individual within the divine administration of temple duties, reflecting a culture where identity and function were deeply intertwined with one's ancestral line.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of names and lineages in 1 Chronicles 24:24 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights God's profound desire for **order and organization** in the worship and service of His people. David's efforts to systematically arrange the Levitical duties ensured a smooth, consistent, and reverent flow of worship for generations to come. Secondly, the inclusion of seemingly minor figures like Michah and Shamir emphasizes the theme of **faithfulness in seemingly small details**. While these individuals may not be prominent figures in grand narratives, their very inclusion signifies that every role, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is valued and recorded by God, underscoring the importance of diligence and faithfulness in one's assigned duties. Thirdly, these genealogical records ensure the **continuity of service**, guaranteeing that the vital functions of the temple would be passed down through generations, maintaining the integrity and unbroken tradition of worship and service to God. Finally, the careful preservation of these records speaks to **divine providence**, demonstrating God's overarching care and meticulous attention to the details of His covenant people and their spiritual responsibilities, ensuring that His purposes for worship are upheld across time.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Uzziel (Hebrew, _ʿUzzîʾēl'_):** This name means "My strength is God" or "God is my strength." As one of the sons of Kohath, Uzziel's lineage was central to the Kohathite clan responsible for the most sacred duties of the tabernacle. The meaning of his name subtly points to the divine empowerment necessary for such holy service, a strength that originates from God Himself.
* **Michah (Hebrew, _Mîḵāh'_):** A shortened form of Micaiah, this name means "Who is like Yahweh?" or "Who is like the Lord?" This rhetorical question serves as a profound theological statement, emphasizing God's incomparable uniqueness and sovereignty. Its presence in a genealogical list, even without further narrative, reflects a deep theological conviction within the family or community from which the name originated.
* **Shamir (Hebrew, _Šāmîr'_):** This name has several possible meanings, including "thorn," "brier," or "diamond/adamant." The latter suggests something hard, sharp, or unyielding. While the specific significance of this name to the individual's life is not given, such names often reflected the circumstances, hopes, or character traits associated with the family or the individual, adding a subtle layer of meaning to the otherwise straightforward genealogical record.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Of] the sons of Uzziel; Michah:** This clause establishes the paternal lineage, identifying Michah as a direct descendant of Uzziel. In the context of Levitical genealogies, this connection immediately places Michah within the Kohathite clan, signifying his inherited right and responsibility to participate in the sacred duties associated with that lineage. The phrase "Of the sons of" is a common genealogical marker, indicating descent and tribal affiliation.
* **of the sons of Michah; Shamir:** This second clause further extends the lineage, naming Shamir as a son of Michah. This demonstrates the generational continuity within the Levitical service, highlighting how duties and responsibilities were passed down through families. The meticulous recording of these successive generations underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on the unbroken chain of legitimate service to God, ensuring that the divine administration of the temple would persist through time.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 24:24, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 23-26, is **Genealogy** or **List**. These detailed lists serve several crucial functions within biblical literature. They establish legitimacy, particularly for those holding positions of religious authority like the Levites and priests, by tracing their descent from divinely appointed ancestors. They also provide historical continuity, linking the present community (the post-exilic audience of Chronicles) to their foundational past and the covenant promises made to their forefathers. Furthermore, the very act of listing names, even without accompanying narratives, subtly employs **Metonymy**, where the names stand not just for individuals but for their collective roles, responsibilities, and the divine order they represent within the larger Israelite community. The **Repetition** of phrases like "of the sons of" reinforces the generational succession and the enduring nature of the Levitical service. This meticulous record-keeping is a theological statement in itself, emphasizing God's attention to detail and His desire for an ordered and faithful worship system.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 24:24, when viewed through a theological lens, reveals profound truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. It underscores God's nature as a God of order, who meticulously plans and orchestrates every detail of His kingdom and its service. The careful preservation of these lineages reflects His covenant faithfulness, ensuring that the roles necessary for proper worship would be maintained across generations. This attention to detail in the Old Covenant temple service foreshadows God's equally meticulous work in the New Covenant, where every believer is assigned a place and purpose within the body of Christ. It teaches us that no part of God's divine design is insignificant, and every individual, regardless of their perceived prominence, plays a vital role in His overarching plan of redemption and worship.

* [Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Duties of the Kohathites")
* [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Exclusion from the Priesthood")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - One Body, Many Members")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 24:24 might appear to be a mere historical record of names, it offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose, who values every individual and every task, no matter how seemingly small. Just as Michah and Shamir were meticulously recorded within the divine administration of temple duties, so too are our lives and our service known and valued by God. This verse challenges us to embrace diligence and faithfulness in whatever roles we are called to, recognizing that our contributions, however humble, are integral to God's larger work. It encourages us to find significance not in worldly recognition, but in the knowledge that we are part of God's grand design, contributing to His kingdom with the same care and intentionality that characterized the Levitical service. Our faithfulness in the "small things" reflects God's own meticulous care and builds His kingdom with integrity and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this seemingly dry list challenge our perception of "insignificant" roles in God's kingdom today?**
* **In what specific ways can we demonstrate faithfulness and diligence in the "small details" of our own service to God and others?**
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in these genealogies encourage us in our own lives, knowing He cares about every aspect of our existence and service?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so extensive and seemingly repetitive in Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive and sometimes repetitive genealogies in Chronicles serve a crucial theological and historical purpose, especially for the post-exilic community to whom the book was primarily addressed. They were not merely historical records but functioned to establish legitimacy for the returning community, particularly for the priests and Levites, by tracing their lineage back to their divinely appointed ancestors. This reinforced the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, validated the Davidic monarchy (even if only symbolically in the absence of a king), and underscored the importance of proper temple worship and Levitical service. The Chronicler emphasized order, continuity, and the divine mandate for worship, providing a foundational identity for a people rebuilding their nation and spiritual life. These lists reassured them that their current practices were rooted in God's ancient commands and promises.

**What was the primary role of the Kohathites, to whom Uzziel's lineage belonged?**

Answer: The Kohathites, as descendants of Kohath (son of Levi), were assigned one of the most sacred and sensitive responsibilities among the Levites. Their primary role was to carry the holy furnishings of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, the Altars, and the sacred vessels, whenever the Israelites moved camp. This duty was performed only after the priests (sons of Aaron) had covered these sacred objects to prevent direct contact, which could result in death ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Duties of the Kohathites") and [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites Carrying Sacred Objects")). Their role was vital for maintaining the sanctity and mobility of Israel's central place of worship during their wilderness wanderings and beyond.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous order, divinely appointed service, and generational continuity evident in 1 Chronicles 24:24 and the broader Levitical divisions find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament system, with its detailed genealogies and prescribed roles, pointed forward to the perfect order established by God through His Son. Jesus, as the true and ultimate [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), fulfills the Davidic covenant, not merely as an earthly king but as the King of kings who establishes an eternal spiritual kingdom. He is also our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who perfectly mediates between God and humanity, offering a once-for-all sacrifice that supersedes all Levitical offerings ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The "service" of the Levites foreshadows the spiritual service of believers in Christ, who are now 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 good works. Just as every Levitical family had its place, so too in the [body of Christ](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ"), every member is valued and gifted for specific service, contributing to the whole in divine order ([Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-8 - Gifts for Service")). The meticulous attention to detail in these ancient records reflects God's perfect plan of salvation, culminating in Christ, through whom we now offer true worship [in spirit and truth](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers").

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.