1 Chronicles 24:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus were they divided {H2505} by lot {H1486}, one sort {H428} with another {H428}; for the governors {H8269} of the sanctuary {H6944}, and governors {H8269} of the house of God {H430}, were of the sons {H1121} of Eleazar {H499}, and of the sons {H1121} of Ithamar {H385}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were assigned [periods of service] by lot, the one group equally with the other, since both the descendants of El'azar and the descendants of Itamar had officers of the sanctuary and officers of God.

Berean Standard Bible

Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants.

American Standard Version

Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 24:5 describes the meticulous and divinely guided organization of the Levitical priesthood under King David, specifically detailing how the two primary priestly lines, the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar, were impartially assigned their roles as "governors of the sanctuary" and "governors of the house of God" through the casting of lots. This verse underscores David's foresight in preparing for the future Temple service, ensuring order, fairness, and continuity in the administration of sacred duties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger block of text (1 Chronicles 23-26) that meticulously details King David's extensive preparations for the future Temple in Jerusalem, even though his son Solomon would ultimately construct it. Chapters 23 and 24 specifically focus on the organization of the Levites and priests. [1 Chronicles 24:1-4](/1_chronicles/24-1 "1 Chronicles 24:1-4 - Divisions of Aaron's Sons") establishes the two main priestly houses, those of Eleazar and Ithamar, both sons of Aaron, from whom the priestly divisions would be drawn. Verse 5 then explains the method—the casting of lots—by which these families, designated as chief administrators, were assigned their specific responsibilities, ensuring an equitable distribution of duties among the twenty-four divisions that follow in [1 Chronicles 24:7-19](/1_chronicles/24-7 "1 Chronicles 24:7-19 - The Twenty-Four Priestly Divisions"). This systematic approach highlights David's commitment to ordered worship and service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the casting of lots (Hebrew: _goral_) was a widely accepted and often divinely sanctioned method for making crucial decisions, distributing land, or assigning roles, as seen in the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes in [Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Division of Land by Lot"). It was believed that while human hands cast the lot, the ultimate outcome was directed by God, thereby ensuring impartiality and divine approval, as articulated in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast by the Lord"). David's actions here reflect a king deeply committed to establishing a structured and legitimate system for the worship of Yahweh, moving beyond the more fluid arrangements of the tabernacle era. The roles of "governors of the sanctuary" and "governors of the house of God" indicate significant administrative and oversight responsibilities for the sacred space and its operations, anticipating the complex logistical needs of the permanent Temple.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous organization described in [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Priestly Divisions") and particularly highlighted in verse 5 contributes to several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Order and Organization** is paramount; David's detailed structuring of the priesthood reflects a divinely inspired desire for precision and efficiency in worship and service, ensuring that the sacred duties were performed continuously and properly. Secondly, the use of lots emphasizes **Fairness and Impartiality**. This method prevented favoritism and ensured that all qualified priests had an equal opportunity for service, reinforcing the idea that God's will, not human bias, determined the assignments. Lastly, the explicit mention of the "sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar" reinforces the **Hereditary Priesthood**, a foundational principle of the Aaronic line established in [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Aaron and His Sons for the Priesthood"), ensuring continuity and adherence to established traditions for the worship of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Divided by lot (Hebrew, _goral_):** While the KJV translates "divided by lot," the underlying Hebrew concept here is rooted in the noun _goral_ (גּוֹרָל), meaning "lot" or "portion," and the verb _chalak_ (חָלַק), "to divide." The phrase signifies a method of impartial distribution or assignment of duties, where the outcome was believed to be providentially guided. This practice removed human bias and ensured that the arrangement was perceived as divinely ordained and therefore legitimate and fair. It underscores the belief that God was actively involved in the organization of His worship.
* **Governors of the sanctuary (Hebrew, _sarei haqqodesh_):** The term _sarei_ (שָׂרֵי) translates as "princes," "chiefs," or "officials," indicating positions of significant authority and leadership. _Haqqodesh_ (הַקֹּדֶשׁ) refers to "the holy place" or "the sanctuary" itself. These individuals were therefore the chief administrators or overseers of the sacred space, responsible for its proper maintenance, purity, and the orderly conduct of rituals within it. Their role was crucial for upholding the sanctity and operational integrity of God's dwelling place.
* **Governors of the house of God (Hebrew, _sarei beit ha'elohim_):** Similar to the previous phrase, _sarei_ again denotes chief officials. _Beit ha'elohim_ (בֵית הָאֱלֹהִים) means "the house of God," a broader term encompassing the entire Temple complex and its associated functions beyond just the inner sanctuary. This title suggests responsibility for the overall administration, personnel, and perhaps even the financial and logistical aspects of the Temple's daily operations. The two phrases together emphasize comprehensive oversight of all aspects of divine worship and service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another;":** This clause establishes the method by which the priestly families were organized and assigned their roles. The casting of lots was a common practice in ancient Israel, seen as a way to discern God's will and ensure impartiality in significant decisions. "One sort with another" implies that the divisions were made equitably, without prejudice, ensuring that both major priestly lines received their fair share of responsibilities and opportunities for service, fostering unity and preventing internal strife.
* **"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.":** This second clause clarifies *who* was being organized and *from whom* they originated. The "governors of the sanctuary" and "governors of the house of God" refer to the chief administrators or leaders within the priesthood. The verse explicitly states that these high-ranking officials came exclusively from the two legitimate priestly lines descended from Aaron through his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, reinforcing the hereditary nature of the Aaronic priesthood and its exclusive authority over sacred duties. The repetition of "governors" (or "chiefs") emphasizes the significant administrative authority vested in these families.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle but significant literary devices. **Merism** is evident in the pairing of "governors of the sanctuary" and "governors of the house of God." These two phrases, while distinct, together encompass the totality of the priestly administrative duties, from the inner sacred space to the broader Temple complex, indicating comprehensive oversight. This literary technique highlights the thoroughness of David's organization. The phrase "divided by lot" functions as a form of **Divine Sovereignty** or **Theodicy**, as the seemingly random act of casting lots was understood to be under God's direct control, thereby legitimizing the outcome and attributing the order to divine wisdom rather than human contrivance. This imbues the administrative structure with sacred authority. Furthermore, the meticulous detail in this chapter, including this verse, serves as **Anticipation** for the future Temple's operations, painting a picture of an orderly and divinely sanctioned system ready to be implemented, even before the Temple's construction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The careful organization of the priesthood in 1 Chronicles 24:5 reflects a profound theological principle: God is a God of order, not of chaos. This divine characteristic is mirrored in the meticulous arrangements for worship and service, underscoring that sacred duties are to be performed with precision, reverence, and fairness. The use of lots, while a practical method, also served as a theological statement, affirming God's ultimate sovereignty and His direct involvement in establishing the structure of His people's worship. This principle of divine order and the importance of proper administration for spiritual functions resonates throughout scripture, emphasizing that effective ministry flows from intentional, God-honoring preparation and structure.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Priestly Responsibilities")
* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of priestly organization in 1 Chronicles 24:5 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us that God values order, intentionality, and fairness in all aspects of our service to Him. Just as David meticulously prepared for the Temple's operations, we are called to be diligent and thoughtful in our spiritual lives and corporate ministries. This involves not only personal discipline but also a commitment to establishing structures that promote equity, transparency, and the effective use of gifts within the community of faith. The principle of impartial assignment, guided by divine wisdom, challenges us to seek God's will in leadership selection and task distribution, ensuring that opportunities for service are accessible and based on calling and gifting rather than favoritism or human ambition. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to embrace a posture of humble stewardship, recognizing that all our abilities and roles are divinely appointed for the building up of God's "house" today—the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "order" in this verse challenge or affirm the way you approach your personal spiritual disciplines or involvement in church ministry?**
* **In what ways can modern church leadership emulate the impartiality demonstrated by the casting of lots in assigning roles and responsibilities?**
* **How does the concept of a "governor of the sanctuary" translate into the responsibilities of believers today in stewarding the presence of God in their lives and communities?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of "casting lots" in ancient Israel, and why was it used here?**

Answer: Casting lots (Hebrew: _goral_) was a common and divinely sanctioned practice in ancient Israel for making important decisions, distributing land, or assigning duties. It was not seen as random chance but as a means by which God's will could be discerned, as highlighted in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast by the Lord"). In 1 Chronicles 24:5, its use ensured impartiality and prevented human favoritism in the assignment of crucial priestly roles. It legitimized the divisions, making them appear as a divine arrangement rather than a human political one, thus fostering unity and acceptance among the priestly families.

**Who were Eleazar and Ithamar, and why were their descendants so important?**

Answer: Eleazar and Ithamar were two of the four sons of Aaron, the first High Priest of Israel, as recorded in [Exodus 6:23](/exodus/6-23 "Exodus 6:23 - Aaron's Sons"). The other two, Nadab and Abihu, were consumed by fire for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord ([Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Sin")). Therefore, only the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar were legitimate heirs to the Aaronic priesthood. Their lineages formed the two primary branches from which all subsequent priests were drawn, ensuring the continuity and purity of the priestly service throughout Israel's history, as detailed in [Numbers 3:2-4](/numbers/3-2 "Numbers 3:2-4 - Sons of Aaron").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the Old Testament priesthood, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 24:5, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Aaronic priests, including the "governors of the sanctuary" and "governors of the house of God," served as types and shadows, pointing to the perfect and eternal priesthood of Christ. Unlike the Levitical priests who were "divided by lot" and served based on their hereditary lineage and human appointments, Jesus's priesthood is "not by a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life" ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Priesthood")). He is the great High Priest, appointed by God Himself, who entered the true, heavenly sanctuary "once for all" to secure eternal redemption, making the elaborate earthly system obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, High Priest of Good Things to Come")). Furthermore, through Christ, the concept of a select priesthood is expanded to include all believers. We are now a "royal priesthood," called to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). Thus, the order and purpose of the Old Covenant priesthood are fulfilled in Christ, who establishes a new spiritual order where all believers participate in His priestly ministry.

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.

Cross-References

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.

Joshua 18:10

And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

1 Chronicles 9:11

And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;

Matthew 27:1

¶ When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

Jonah 1:7

And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil [is] upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

Acts 4:1

¶ And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

Acts 1:26

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.