1 Chronicles 24:9

KJV

The fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,

KJV (with Strong's)

The fifth {H2549} to Malchijah {H4441}, the sixth {H8345} to Mijamin {H4326},

Complete Jewish Bible

the fifth for Malkiyah, the sixth for Miyamin,

Berean Standard Bible

the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,

American Standard Version

the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 24:9 is a succinct but significant verse within a detailed account of King David's meticulous organization of the Aaronic priesthood into twenty-four divisions. This specific verse names Malchijah as the head of the fifth division and Mijamin as the head of the sixth, continuing the precise enumeration of priestly families chosen by lot for service in the future Temple. It underscores the profound importance of order, divine appointment, and faithful administration in the worship life of ancient Israel, ensuring continuous and systematic service before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles 24, which meticulously details David's organization of the descendants of Aaron into twenty-four courses for Temple service. The preceding verses establish the two main priestly lines through Eleazar and Ithamar, and the method of casting lots to determine the order of their service, as described in [1 Chronicles 24:5](/1_chronicles/24-5 "1 Chronicles 24:5 - David's Organization of Priestly Divisions"). This process, designed to prevent favoritism and ensure divine impartiality, highlights David's foresight and commitment to establishing a structured and perpetual system for worship before the Temple was even built. The verses immediately following continue this precise enumeration, listing each of the twenty-four divisions, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this administrative undertaking. The entire chapter serves as a testament to the order and divine intentionality behind Israel's worship life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The organization of the priesthood was crucial for the functioning of the Tabernacle and, later, the Temple. In ancient Israelite society, the priesthood was not merely a religious office but a foundational pillar of national identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh. Only direct descendants of Aaron could serve as priests, and their duties included offering sacrifices, maintaining the sacred space, teaching the Law, and mediating between God and the people. David's organization, though recorded long after his reign (likely during or after the Babylonian exile), reflects a deep concern for legitimate worship and the restoration of proper religious practice. The detailed lineage and administrative structure would have been vital for post-exilic communities seeking to re-establish their identity and worship according to Mosaic Law, ensuring that the Temple service could resume with the necessary personnel and order. The casting of lots was a common ancient Near Eastern practice believed to reveal divine will, lending authority and legitimacy to the chosen order.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in 1 Chronicles 24:9 contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Primarily, it underscores **Order and Organization** in divine worship, reflecting God's character as a God of order, not chaos (cf. [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")). David's detailed planning for the priesthood demonstrates a commitment to **Faithful Administration** and stewardship of God's commands regarding the Tabernacle and future Temple service, a theme echoed in the broader account of [David's preparations for the Temple](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple"). Furthermore, the inclusion of specific names like Malchijah and Mijamin highlights the **Importance of Lineage and Meticulous Record-Keeping**, which was essential for validating priestly claims and ensuring the continuity of the Aaronic priesthood, as seen throughout the genealogical records in [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies"). These themes collectively emphasize the divine blueprint for worship and the human responsibility to uphold it with precision and faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Malchijah (Hebrew, _malkîyāh_):** This name is a theophoric compound, meaning "My King is Yah" or "Yahweh is King." The name itself serves as a miniature theological statement, acknowledging God's sovereignty. In this context, it identifies the head of the fifth priestly division, a significant role in the structured service of the Temple. The name's meaning subtly reinforces the idea that even the administrative details of worship ultimately point to God's supreme authority.
* **Mijamin (Hebrew, _mîyāmîn_):** This name means "from the right hand" or "from the south." While less overtly theological than Malchijah, its meaning might subtly allude to strength, favor, or a specific geographical or tribal origin. In the context of the priestly divisions, it serves primarily as an identifier for the head of the sixth course, further emphasizing the precise and individual designation of each family for their sacred duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fifth to Malchijah":** This phrase designates the fifth priestly division, established by lot, to the family headed by Malchijah. It signifies a specific, divinely appointed turn of service within the Temple calendar. The use of "fifth" emphasizes the systematic and sequential nature of David's organization, ensuring that each priestly family had an assigned period to minister before God, preventing overlap or neglect.
* **"the sixth to Mijamin":** Similarly, this clause assigns the sixth division to the family led by Mijamin. It continues the precise enumeration, reinforcing the comprehensive and orderly nature of the priestly roster. The repetition of the pattern ("the X to Y") highlights the meticulous record-keeping and the equal importance given to each designated family in the grand scheme of Temple service.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 24:9, and indeed throughout much of this chapter, is **Enumeration** and **Listing**. The verse is part of a detailed roster, systematically cataloging the twenty-four priestly divisions. This precise listing serves to establish **Authority** and **Legitimacy**, demonstrating that the Temple service was not arbitrary but meticulously planned and divinely sanctioned. The repetitive structure of "the X to Y" creates a sense of **Order** and **Completeness**, assuring the reader that every necessary role was accounted for. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific names like Malchijah and Mijamin, rather than generic titles, provides **Specificity** and **Historical Authenticity**, grounding the theological principles in concrete historical figures and events. This literary approach emphasizes the importance of structure and individual responsibility within the collective worship of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The precise organization of the priesthood in 1 Chronicles 24, exemplified by verse 9, reveals a profound theological truth: God is a God of order, who delights in structured and intentional worship. This divine preference for order extends beyond mere administration; it reflects His character and ensures the sanctity and effectiveness of service. The casting of lots, though seemingly random, was understood as a means by which God revealed His specific will, underscoring divine sovereignty in the appointment of roles. This passage teaches that every part of God's work, even the seemingly mundane or administrative, is significant and requires faithful stewardship. It foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on the body of Christ, where each member has a unique, divinely appointed function for the common good and the glory of God.

* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "Let all things be done decently and in order.")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Many members, one body.")
* [Hebrews 3:1-2](/hebrews/3-1 "Christ's faithfulness as High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 24:9 might seem like a mere historical record of names, its context offers profound principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God values order, intentionality, and faithfulness in all aspects of our lives, especially in our worship and service. Just as Malchijah and Mijamin were assigned specific, vital roles in the Temple, every believer in Christ is gifted and called to contribute to the body of Christ. No task, no matter how seemingly small or administrative, is insignificant when done for God's glory. This passage encourages us to embrace our unique callings with diligence and integrity, understanding that our individual faithfulness contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of the church. It challenges us to consider how we can bring more order and intentionality into our spiritual disciplines, our service within our communities, and our collective worship, reflecting the divine blueprint for a flourishing spiritual life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on order in 1 Chronicles 24:9 challenge or affirm your approach to personal spiritual disciplines or church ministry?**
* **In what ways can you apply the principle of "faithfulness in the mundane" to your daily life or your service to God?**
* **Do you see your specific gifts and roles within the body of Christ as divinely appointed, similar to the priestly divisions? How does this perspective impact your commitment?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of names and divisions important in the Bible?**

Answer: The detailed list of names and divisions in 1 Chronicles 24, including Malchijah and Mijamin in verse 9, is important for several reasons. First, it underscores the meticulousness of God's design for worship and the importance of order in sacred service. It demonstrates that the Temple's functioning was not arbitrary but precisely planned. Second, for the original audience, particularly those returning from exile, these genealogies and administrative records were crucial for re-establishing legitimate priestly lines and ensuring that Temple worship could be resumed according to divine command. It validated who was authorized to serve. Third, it highlights the historical continuity and divine faithfulness to the covenant with Aaron, ensuring that the priestly duties were carried out by the rightful descendants. Finally, it serves as a testament to David's faithful leadership in preparing for the Temple, showing his commitment to God's commands even in administrative details, as seen in [1 Chronicles 22:19](/1_chronicles/22-19 "David's call to build the Temple").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The elaborate priestly system organized by David, with its precise divisions and appointed roles, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament priesthood served as a shadow, pointing to a greater reality, Christ is the [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, our Great High Priest") who perfectly fulfills all priestly functions. Unlike the Levitical priests who served in shifts and were limited by their mortality and sin, Jesus offered a [single, perfect sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Sanctified through the offering of Jesus Christ") for sins, entering the true heavenly sanctuary [once for all](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ entered once for all"). Through His work, the need for a human, intercessory priesthood is superseded, as all believers are now part of a "[royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "A Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation")" in Christ, able to draw near to God directly. The order and intentionality seen in 1 Chronicles 24:9 are thus not abolished but elevated, as Christ establishes a new covenant where every believer is consecrated for spiritual service, offering up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Him ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifices")).

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.