1 Chronicles 24:25

KJV

The brother of Michah [was] Isshiah: of the sons of Isshiah; Zechariah.

KJV (with Strong's)

The brother {H251} of Michah {H4318} was Isshiah {H3449}: of the sons {H1121} of Isshiah {H3449}; Zechariah {H2148}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The brother of Mikhah: Yishiyah; of the descendants of Yishiyah, Z'kharyahu.

Berean Standard Bible

The brother of Micah: Isshiah; from the sons of Isshiah: Zechariah.

American Standard Version

The brother of Micah, Isshiah; of the sons of Isshiah, Zechariah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse, 1 Chronicles 24:25, is a precise entry within the extensive genealogical records of the Book of 1 Chronicles, specifically detailing a lineage within the Kohathite branch of the Levites. It meticulously identifies Isshiah as the brother of Michah and Zechariah as a son of Isshiah, thereby establishing the family connections of individuals designated for specific roles in the organized service of the tabernacle and future temple during King David's reign. This seemingly brief statement underscores the meticulous divine order and the importance of established lineage for legitimate service within ancient Israel's worship system.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy section (1 Chronicles 23-26) that meticulously details King David's comprehensive organization of the Levites and priests for temple service. Chapter 24 specifically outlines the divisions of the sons of Aaron for priestly duties, followed by the arrangement of the remaining Levites according to their ancestral houses for other temple functions. Verses 20-31 enumerate the descendants of Levi's sons—Kohath, Merari, and Gershon—who were not of the priestly line but were crucial for various support roles. The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 24:25, identifying Michah, Isshiah, and Zechariah, serves to complete the record of the Kohathite families, ensuring that every designated lineage is accounted for in David's administrative preparations for the future temple in Jerusalem, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 23](/1-chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - David Organizes the Levites").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they were vital documents establishing identity, tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and, crucially for the Levites, eligibility for sacred service. Unlike other tribes, the Levites received no territorial inheritance but were instead dedicated to the service of the Lord (see [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Their legitimacy for temple duties depended entirely on their verified lineage. King David's meticulous organization, as recorded in 1 Chronicles, reflects a period of significant administrative reform aimed at establishing a stable and ordered system for worship that would endure into the Solomonic era. This emphasis on precise lineage ensured the purity and proper functioning of the cultic system, preventing unauthorized individuals from performing sacred tasks, a principle deeply rooted in Mosaic law (e.g., [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron and His Sons Appointed to the Priesthood")).
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of lineages, as seen in 1 Chronicles 24:25, contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Chronicles. First, it powerfully underscores **Divine Order and Administration**. The detailed organization of the temple personnel reflects God's character as a God of order, who desires His worship to be conducted with precision and intentionality (cf. [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1-corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order")). Second, it highlights the theme of **Legitimacy and Accountability**. These genealogies served as legal and theological documents, validating the right of individuals to perform specific sacred duties and ensuring accountability within the community of faith. Only those whose lineage could be proven were permitted to serve, as seen in later periods of Israelite history (e.g., [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")). Finally, the inclusion of seemingly minor figures like Michah, Isshiah, and Zechariah speaks to **Faithfulness in Detail**. It demonstrates that every individual, regardless of their prominence, played a part in God's grand plan, and their contributions were not overlooked but meticulously recorded in the divine ledger.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Michah (Hebrew, _Mîḵâ_):** This name, meaning "Who is like Yahweh?", is a rhetorical question that functions as a statement of praise, affirming God's incomparable nature. While the individual Michah in this verse is not prominent, the name itself reflects a common theological sentiment among Israelite parents, embedding a declaration of faith within the very identity of their children. Its presence here, alongside other names, reinforces the pervasive theological worldview of the chronicler.
* **Isshiah (Hebrew, _Yiššîyâ_):** Meaning "Yahweh exists" or "Yahweh is salvation," this name, like Michah, is a theophoric name, incorporating a form of the divine name "Yahweh." It serves as a personal testament to God's enduring presence and saving power. The chronicler's inclusion of such names, even in a genealogical list, subtly reinforces the constant awareness of God's active involvement in the lives and lineage of His people.
* **Zechariah (Hebrew, _Zəḵaryâ_):** This highly significant and frequently occurring name means "Yahweh remembers." It speaks to God's covenant faithfulness and His unfailing memory of His promises to His people. In the context of a genealogical record establishing legitimacy for service, the name Zechariah carries particular weight, implying that God remembers and honors the lineage He has chosen for His sacred duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The brother of Michah [was] Isshiah":** This clause precisely identifies Isshiah's relationship to Michah, establishing a horizontal family connection within the Kohathite lineage. In a genealogical record, such precise relational markers are crucial for tracing descent and ensuring accuracy. It indicates that Isshiah was a contemporary and direct family member of Michah, likely within the same generation or closely related branch.
* **"of the sons of Isshiah; Zechariah":** This second clause then establishes a vertical lineage, identifying Zechariah as a direct descendant (a son) of Isshiah. This progression from brother to son is typical of genealogical lists, systematically mapping out family trees. The specific naming of Zechariah as a son of Isshiah further refines the lineage, pinpointing the exact individual within this branch of the Kohathite family who was part of the Levitical organization.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 24:25, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 23-26, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list but a deliberate literary choice by the chronicler to establish legitimacy, continuity, and divine order. The meticulous detail in naming individuals and their relationships serves to underscore the divine precision in the organization of Israel's worship. Furthermore, there is an underlying sense of **Precision and Detailing** as a rhetorical strategy. By providing such specific names and relationships, the chronicler emphasizes the thoroughness of David's administrative reforms and God's oversight, implying that every person and every role within the temple service was intentionally chosen and recorded. This meticulousness conveys a theological message: God cares about the details, and every part of His plan is carefully orchestrated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of seemingly minor genealogical details like 1 Chronicles 24:25 carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous nature, His commitment to order, and His faithfulness in preserving the lineages necessary for the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The very act of recording these names affirms that every individual, even those not prominent in grand narratives, holds a place in God's sovereign design. This attention to detail in the Old Testament foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on the body of Christ, where every member, regardless of perceived significance, is vital for the proper functioning of the whole.

* [Numbers 3:17-20](/numbers/3-17 "Numbers 3:17-20 - The Families of the Levites")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1-corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple genealogical entry, 1 Chronicles 24:25 offers rich lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose, and He values every individual's place within His grand design, even those whose contributions might seem hidden or minor. Just as Isshiah and Zechariah were meticulously recorded for their specific roles in the temple, so too are we, as members of the body of Christ, uniquely gifted and positioned for service. This verse encourages us to embrace faithfulness in the "small" details of our lives and ministries, trusting that God sees and remembers every act of obedience. It challenges us to appreciate the often unseen but vital roles others play in the church, recognizing that every part contributes to the flourishing of the whole.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this genealogy challenge my perception of "insignificant" roles within God's kingdom?**
* **In what areas of my life or service might I be tempted to overlook the importance of order and faithfulness in small details?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm the "unseen" contributions of others within my community of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so detailed and seemingly repetitive in the Book of Chronicles?**

Answer: The detailed genealogies in Chronicles serve multiple crucial purposes. First, they establish **legitimacy** for those serving in the priesthood and other Levitical roles, ensuring that only authorized individuals performed sacred duties. This was vital for maintaining the purity and integrity of Israel's worship system, especially after the exile when identity and heritage became paramount (see [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")). Second, they underscore **continuity**—connecting the post-exilic community back to their foundational heritage, the covenant promises, and the divinely ordained structures established by Moses and David. Third, they highlight God's **sovereign order and meticulousness**. The chronicler emphasizes that God is a God of precision, who carefully orchestrates every detail of His plan, including the lineage of His chosen people. Finally, they serve as a **historical record** for the nation, preserving the identity and heritage of the tribes of Israel, even those seemingly lost.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 24:25 appears to be a simple genealogical entry, it points forward to Christ in profound ways, particularly in its emphasis on meticulous lineage, divine order, and God's faithful remembrance. The chronicler's careful tracing of family lines, ensuring the legitimacy of those who served in the earthly temple, foreshadows the perfect and undisputed lineage of Jesus, who alone is qualified to serve as our High Priest and King. His genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") meticulously trace His descent, demonstrating His perfect fulfillment of all Old Testament promises concerning the Messiah from the line of David and Abraham. The name "Zechariah" ("Yahweh remembers") in this verse subtly points to God's ultimate remembrance of His covenant promises, culminating in the sending of His Son, Jesus, who perfectly embodies God's faithfulness (cf. [Luke 1:72-73](/luke/1-72 "Luke 1:72-73 - To show the mercy promised to our fathers")). The divine order meticulously laid out for the Levitical service finds its ultimate expression in Christ, who is the true temple (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), the perfect sacrifice (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), and the eternal High Priest (cf. [Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")), through whom all God's purposes for humanity are perfectly fulfilled.

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.