1 Chronicles 24:7

KJV

Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the first {H7223} lot {H1486} came forth {H3318} to Jehoiarib {H3080}, the second {H8145} to Jedaiah {H3048},

Complete Jewish Bible

The first lot drawn was for Y'hoyariv, the second for Y'da'yah,

Berean Standard Bible

The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

American Standard Version

Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 24:7 initiates the meticulous enumeration of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by King David for the future Temple. This verse specifically identifies Jehoiarib as the head of the first division and Jedaiah as the head of the second, both chosen by lot from the descendants of Aaron. This divinely ordained and highly structured system ensured an orderly, continuous, and impartial rotation of priestly duties, laying a foundational administrative framework for Israel's worship life and reflecting God's preference for order and excellence in sacred service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 24, a chapter meticulously detailing King David's administrative preparations for the Temple that his son Solomon would ultimately construct. Following chapters that outline the Levites' duties [1 Chronicles 23](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - Divisions of the Levites") and the gatekeepers and treasurers [1 Chronicles 26](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - Divisions of the Gatekeepers and Treasurers"), chapter 24 focuses specifically on the division of the Aaronic priesthood. David, under divine inspiration, organized the priests into twenty-four courses, or divisions, to ensure continuous and orderly service. The preceding verses, particularly [1 Chronicles 24:3-6](/1_chronicles/24-3-6 "1 Chronicles 24:3-6 - David's Organization of Priestly Divisions"), explain the process of dividing the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar and the use of lots to determine their order of service. Verse 7 initiates the enumeration of these divisions, beginning with Jehoiarib and Jedaiah, establishing the precise sequence for their rotational duties in the sanctuary.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC), Israel was transitioning from a nomadic, tabernacle-centered worship to a more settled, Temple-focused system. While the Temple itself was not yet built, David's foresight ensured that its operations would be well-organized from the outset. The Aaronic priesthood held a central, hereditary role in Israelite worship, responsible for sacrifices, offerings, and mediating between God and the people. The practice of "casting lots" was a common and accepted method in ancient Israel for discerning God's will or for impartial decision-making, as seen in various biblical contexts, from the division of the land (e.g., [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Division of the Land by Lot")) to the selection of individuals for specific tasks (e.g., [Acts 1:26](/acts/1-26 "Acts 1:26 - Matthias Chosen by Lot")). This method underscored the belief that the order of service was divinely ordained, not subject to human favoritism or dispute, thereby lending authority and legitimacy to the established system.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous organization described in [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Priestly Divisions") and specifically initiated in verse 7 highlights several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Order and Organization** is paramount; God is a God of order, and He desires His worship and service to be conducted systematically and with excellence. David's detailed plan reflects this principle, ensuring that all priestly functions were systematic and well-managed. Secondly, **Preparation and Foresight** are evident; David's efforts here were foundational for the future Temple, demonstrating a deep understanding of the long-term needs of Israel's spiritual life. He didn't just plan for the present but for generations to come, ensuring the continuity of sacred service. Thirdly, the use of lots emphasizes **Impartiality and Divine Will**; this method ensured that the selection of the priestly courses was seen as impartial and ultimately determined by God, removing any potential for human favoritism or dispute. This method was often used in biblical times to discern God's will, as seen in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap"). Finally, the entire chapter underscores the importance of **Dedicated Priestly Service**, a core aspect of Israelite worship, highlighting the necessity of structured and committed devotion to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lot (Hebrew, _gôwrâl_):** The Hebrew word גּוֹרָל (_gôwrâl_) refers to a small object (like a stone or piece of wood) used for casting, similar to dice, to make decisions or determine allocations. In biblical contexts, casting lots was often seen as a means by which God's will was revealed, removing human bias from the decision-making process. Here, it signifies divine appointment and impartial selection for the priestly courses, ensuring that the order of service was not based on human preference but on a perceived divine decree.
* **Jehoiarib (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôwyârîyb_):** Meaning "Jehovah will contend" or "Yahweh strives," Jehoiarib was a prominent priestly family, descendants of Aaron through Eleazar. This name signifies the first of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by David. The fact that this family was chosen by lot to be the "first" implies a position of honor and initial responsibility in the rotational service of the Temple.
* **Jedaiah (Hebrew, _Yᵉdaʻyâh_):** Meaning "Jah has known" or "Yahweh knows," Jedaiah was another significant priestly family, also descendants of Aaron through Eleazar. As the "second" division, their placement immediately after Jehoiarib highlights the systematic and sequential nature of the priestly service designed by David. Both names reflect a theological understanding of God's active involvement and knowledge in the lives and roles of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib":** This clause signifies the initial outcome of the divinely guided selection process. The "first lot" indicates the preeminent position assigned to the priestly family of Jehoiarib, making them the inaugural course in the rotational system of Temple service. This was not a random assignment but an outcome believed to be directed by God, establishing the order and priority for the sacred duties.
* **"the second to Jedaiah":** This continues the enumeration, identifying Jedaiah as the leader of the second priestly division. The immediate succession underscores the systematic and continuous nature of the twenty-four courses. It emphasizes that the entire system was meticulously planned and executed, ensuring that there would always be a designated group of priests available to perform the necessary rituals and services in the Temple throughout the year, maintaining an unbroken chain of worship.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Enumeration**, systematically listing the priestly divisions chosen by lot. This detailed cataloging emphasizes the meticulous organization and comprehensive nature of David's preparations for Temple service. The use of "first" and "second" clearly establishes a sequential order, highlighting the **Structure** and **Order** inherent in the divine plan for worship. Furthermore, the underlying concept of "casting lots" subtly introduces the device of **Divine Providence**, implying that the order of these divisions was not merely human arrangement but divinely orchestrated. This reinforces the theological conviction that God Himself was presiding over the organization of His sanctuary's service, ensuring impartiality and legitimacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 24:7, by detailing the meticulous organization of the priesthood, underscores God's character as a God of order, not chaos. This divine preference for structure in worship and service is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that our approach to God should be intentional, disciplined, and reverent. The system of rotating priestly courses ensured that the vast and complex duties of the Temple could be performed continuously and efficiently, reflecting a commitment to excellence in God's service. It also highlights the principle that every role, no matter how seemingly minor or behind-the-scenes, is vital for the smooth functioning of God's work, and that divine guidance is sought even in administrative details.

* [Numbers 3:6-10](/numbers/3-6-10 "Numbers 3:6-10 - Appointment of the Levites")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is Not a God of Disorder")
* [Hebrews 7:11-14](/hebrews/7-11-14 "Hebrews 7:11-14 - Change of Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific system of Aaronic priestly divisions is no longer in effect, the principles embedded in 1 Chronicles 24:7 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to consider the importance of order, intentionality, and preparation in our own service to God, whether in our personal spiritual disciplines, our family life, or our participation in the local church. Just as David meticulously planned for the Temple, we are called to be good stewards of the gifts, time, and resources God has given us, ensuring that our efforts contribute to the flourishing of His kingdom. The impartiality of the lot reminds us to trust in God's sovereign hand in our lives and ministries, recognizing that He places us where we are most effective for His purposes. It encourages us to serve faithfully in whatever "course" or role we find ourselves, understanding that every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to the larger tapestry of God's work. Our service should be marked by excellence, not out of a desire for human recognition, but out of reverence for the God we serve, who is worthy of our very best.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I apply the principle of "divine order" to my personal spiritual disciplines or my service within my community?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry do I need to be more intentional and prepared, rather than relying on spontaneity?**
* **How does trusting in God's sovereign placement (like the casting of lots) free me from anxiety about my role or position?**
* **What does "serving with excellence" look like in my current context, and what steps can I take to improve?**

### FAQ
**Why were the priestly divisions determined by casting lots?**

Answer: The casting of lots was a common and accepted method in ancient Israel for discerning God's will and ensuring an impartial decision. By using lots, David ensured that the selection of the priestly courses was seen as divinely ordained rather than based on human preference, favoritism, or political maneuvering. This method removed potential disputes and lent divine authority to the established order, reinforcing the belief that God Himself was overseeing the organization of His sanctuary's service. This practice is also seen in other biblical contexts, such as the division of the land among the tribes in [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Division of the Land by Lot") or the selection of Matthias to replace Judas in [Acts 1:26](/acts/1-26 "Acts 1:26 - Matthias Chosen by Lot").

**Who were Jehoiarib and Jedaiah, and what was their significance?**

Answer: Jehoiarib and Jedaiah were the names of prominent priestly families, descendants of Aaron through his son Eleazar. They were not individuals in this context, but rather the heads of the first two of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by King David. Their significance lies in their position as the inaugural and second courses, respectively, in the meticulously organized system for Temple service. Being chosen by lot for these initial positions indicated their prominence and the honor bestowed upon their family lines to lead the rotational duties in the sanctuary. Their names, meaning "Jehovah will contend" (Jehoiarib) and "Jah has known" (Jedaiah), also carry theological weight, reflecting God's active involvement and knowledge in the structure of His worship.

**Are these 24 priestly divisions still relevant for Christian worship today?**

Answer: While the specific system of 24 Aaronic priestly divisions for Temple service is not literally maintained in Christian worship today, the underlying principles remain highly relevant. The New Testament teaches that through Christ, all believers are 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. The emphasis on order, preparation, and dedicated service to God, as seen in David's organization, continues to be a vital principle for the church. Just as the ancient priests had specific roles, believers today are called to serve in various capacities within the body of Christ, contributing to the overall health and mission of the church in an orderly and Spirit-led manner ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - All Things Done Decently and in Order")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the Aaronic priesthood in 1 Chronicles 24:7, with its emphasis on order, rotation, and divine appointment, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priestly system, though divinely instituted, was inherently temporary and imperfect, requiring continuous sacrifices and a succession of priests due to death and sin ([Hebrews 7:23-24](/hebrews/7-23-24 "Hebrews 7:23-24 - Many Priests Because of Death")). Each priestly course served its turn, pointing to a future reality where one Priest would serve eternally. Jesus, as our great High Priest, fulfills all the functions of the Old Testament priesthood, not through a hereditary line or a system of lots, but by divine oath and His own sinless nature ([Hebrews 7:21-22](/hebrews/7-21-22 "Hebrews 7:21-22 - Jesus Made Priest with an Oath")). His single, perfect sacrifice on the cross abolished the need for repeated offerings, establishing a new covenant and opening direct access to God for all believers ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Thus, the order and preparation seen in 1 Chronicles 24:7 ultimately find their perfect consummation in Christ, who is the divinely appointed, eternal High Priest, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through whom all believers become a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) in the new covenant.

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

Ezra 2:36

¶ The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.

Nehemiah 11:10

Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.

Nehemiah 12:19

And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;

1 Chronicles 9:10

And of the priests; Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin,

Nehemiah 7:39

The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.