1 Chronicles 24:31

These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.

These likewise cast {H5307} lots {H1486} over against {H5980} their brethren {H251} the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175} in the presence {H6440} of David {H1732} the king {H4428}, and Zadok {H6659}, and Ahimelech {H288}, and the chief {H7218} of the fathers {H1} of the priests {H3548} and Levites {H3881}, even the principal {H7218} fathers {H1} over against {H5980} their younger {H6996} brethren {H251}.

These likewise cast lots, as had their kinsmen the descendants of Aharon, in the presence of David the king, Tzadok, Achimelekh, and the clan leaders of the cohanim and of the L'vi'im; with the senior and junior clans casting lots equally.

As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike.

These likewise cast lots even as their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the priests and of the Levites; the fathers’ houses of the chief even as those of his younger brother.

Commentary

Context

First Chronicles, particularly chapters 23-26, meticulously details King David's extensive organization of the Levites and priests for future temple service. Though David would not build the temple himself, he laid the groundwork for its orderly operation, ensuring that when his son Solomon completed the structure, the personnel and their duties were already assigned and established. This verse, 1 Chronicles 24:31, concludes the account of the division of the priests, the sons of Aaron, into 24 courses or divisions. It highlights the final act of this intricate process: the casting of lots to determine the order of service for these priestly families, ensuring fairness and divine appointment in the presence of key leaders like King David, Zadok, and Ahimelech.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: The elaborate system of dividing the priests and Levites into courses underscores the importance of order, structure, and preparation in serving God. David's foresight ensured a systematic and efficient worship experience for generations.
  • Fairness and Impartiality: The act of "casting lots" was a well-established method in ancient Israel for making impartial decisions, believed to reveal God's will. This ensured that both older and younger brethren, and various family lines within the sons of Aaron, received their assignments without favoritism, as seen in Proverbs 16:33, "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD."
  • Leadership and Preparation: David's active role in overseeing this process, alongside the high priests Zadok and Ahimelech, demonstrates his commitment to preparing for the future temple. This meticulous planning reflects a deep devotion to God and His worship.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "cast lots" (Hebrew: גּוֹרָל, goral) refers to a common practice in ancient Israel for discerning God's will or making equitable divisions. It was not seen as a game of chance but a sacred method for obtaining divine direction when human wisdom was insufficient.
  • "Over against their brethren" and "principal fathers over against their younger brethren" emphasizes the systematic and comparative nature of the division, ensuring that every family and generation had its place and turn in service, fostering unity rather than competition.

Significance and Application

This verse, while describing an administrative act from ancient Israel, carries timeless principles. It reminds us of God's desire for order and excellence in worship and service. Just as David meticulously organized the priestly duties for the temple, believers today are called to serve God with intentionality and preparation, whether in their personal walk or within the church community. The principle of fairness and the equal value of all members, regardless of age or status, remains vital for healthy spiritual communities. It speaks to the importance of recognizing and utilizing diverse gifts within the body of Christ, ensuring that all may contribute to orderly and effective ministry, much like the call for order in 1 Corinthians 14:40, "Let all things be done decently and in order."

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 24:5

    Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors [of the house] of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:6

    And Shemaiah the son of Nethaneel the scribe, [one] of the Levites, wrote them before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and [before] the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites: one principal household being taken for Eleazar, and [one] taken for Ithamar.

  • 1 Chronicles 25:8

    ¶ And they cast lots, ward against [ward], as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:13

    And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.

  • Numbers 26:56

    According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few.
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