1 Chronicles 26:21

KJV

[As concerning] the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, [even] of Laadan the Gershonite, [were] Jehieli.

KJV (with Strong's)

As concerning the sons {H1121} of Laadan {H3936}; the sons {H1121} of the Gershonite {H1649} Laadan {H3936}, chief {H7218} fathers {H1}, even of Laadan {H3936} the Gershonite {H1649}, were Jehieli {H3172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of La'dan, the descendants of the Gershuni belonging to La'dan, the heads of clans belonging to La'dan the Gershuni: Yechi'eli;

Berean Standard Bible

From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli,

American Standard Version

The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers’ houses belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:21 is a succinct genealogical entry within a larger section detailing King David's meticulous organization of the Levites for temple service. It specifically identifies Jehieli as a "chief father" among the descendants of Laadan, a Gershonite Levite, highlighting the precise and ordered structure established for the administration and treasury roles within the House of God. This verse underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on legitimate lineage and the divine value placed on every aspect of sacred service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles 26, a chapter dedicated to outlining the divisions and duties of the Levitical gatekeepers and treasurers for the temple. Following the detailed account of the gatekeepers (1 Chr 26:1-19), verses 20-28 shift focus to the Levites responsible for the "treasures of the house of God" and the "treasures of the dedicated things." Laadan's descendants, specifically Jehieli, are listed here as part of this administrative and financial oversight. The Chronicler's placement of this seemingly minor detail within the broader narrative of David's preparations for the temple (see [1 Chronicles 22](/1-chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David Prepares for the Temple")) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine blueprint for worship and service, where every role, no matter how administrative, was carefully assigned and recorded.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the reign of King David, a pivotal era when Israel transitioned from a nomadic tabernacle worship to the preparations for a permanent temple in Jerusalem. This period saw a significant reorganization of the Levitical duties, moving beyond their traditional roles of carrying tabernacle components (as described in [Numbers 3:21-26](/numbers/3-21 "Numbers 3:21-26 - Duties of the Gershonites")) to encompass more settled administrative, musical, and gatekeeping functions within the burgeoning temple structure. For the Chronicler, writing centuries later, likely after the Babylonian exile, these detailed genealogies and organizational charts served a crucial purpose: to re-establish the legitimate lines of priests and Levites for the restored temple worship, ensuring continuity with the divinely ordained practices of the past. The emphasis on "chief fathers" reflects the patriarchal structure of Israelite society, where family heads held significant authority and responsibility for their clan's duties.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of lineages and roles in 1 Chronicles 26:21 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Chronicles. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Order and Organization**. David's administration of the temple service was not haphazard but divinely inspired and meticulously structured, reflecting God's character as a God of order (compare [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1-corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")). Second, the verse highlights the **Importance of Lineage and Legitimacy**. For the Levites, one's genealogical purity was paramount for holding sacred office, ensuring that only those divinely appointed could serve. This emphasis is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, particularly after the exile, as seen in [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Importance of Genealogical Records for Priests")). Finally, even in a seemingly dry list, the inclusion of Jehieli as a "chief father" speaks to the **Value of Faithful Service in All Capacities**. It suggests that every role, from the most prominent to the most administrative, was significant in God's eyes and worthy of careful record.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Laadan (Hebrew, _La'adan_):** A Gershonite Levite, whose descendants are listed among those responsible for the temple treasures. The repetition of his name and lineage ("the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan... of Laadan the Gershonite") underscores the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail and the importance of precise identification within the Levitical families.
* **Gershonite (Hebrew, _Gershuni_):** Referring to a descendant of Gershon, the eldest son of Levi (see [Genesis 46:11](/genesis/46-11 "Genesis 46:11 - Sons of Levi")). The Gershonites constituted one of the three main branches of the Levites, traditionally responsible for the tabernacle's coverings and curtains. By David's time, their roles had expanded to include various administrative and organizational duties within the permanent temple structure, demonstrating the evolving nature of sacred service.
* **Chief fathers (Hebrew, _rashei avot_):** This phrase literally means "heads of fathers" or "heads of ancestral houses." It designates the leading men or patriarchs of the various family clans within the larger tribal structure. These individuals held significant authority and responsibility, overseeing the duties assigned to their respective family groups within the temple administration, including the management of the sacred treasures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[As concerning] the sons of Laadan;":** This introductory phrase immediately directs the reader's attention to a specific lineage within the Levitical structure, signaling that the following information will detail the descendants and organization of Laadan's family. The bracketed words in the KJV indicate that they are supplied for clarity, reflecting the concise nature of the original Hebrew.
* **"the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, [even] of Laadan the Gershonite, [were] Jehieli.":** This clause precisely identifies Jehieli as a prominent leader ("chief father") within the family line of Laadan, who belonged to the Gershonite branch of the Levites. The repetition of "Laadan the Gershonite" serves to firmly establish the specific identity and legitimate standing of this family within the larger Levitical organization. It emphasizes that Jehieli was not just any descendant, but one recognized as a significant head of a paternal house, likely entrusted with considerable responsibility in the temple's treasury or administration.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 26:21 is **Genealogy** or **List**, a common feature throughout the book of Chronicles. This detailed listing of names and lineages serves to establish historical continuity, legitimate authority, and a divinely ordained order for the people of Israel, particularly for those involved in sacred service. The specific **Repetition** of "Laadan the Gershonite" within such a short verse is a deliberate stylistic choice, emphasizing clarity, precision, and the specific identity of the family being discussed. It acts as a form of **Anaphora** or **Epizeuxis** within the clause, reinforcing the exact branch of the Levites to which Jehieli belonged and highlighting the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping. The verse also utilizes **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "the sons of Laadan" stands for the entire family or clan descended from him, indicating a collective identity and inherited responsibility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly obscure genealogical entry in 1 Chronicles 26:21, like many others in the Old Testament, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's inherent nature as a God of order, precision, and intentionality. The meticulous organization of the Levitical service, down to the naming of specific "chief fathers" like Jehieli, demonstrates that God values every detail and every role within His kingdom. It underscores the principle that all aspects of worship and service, even the administrative and financial, are sacred and require diligent, legitimate oversight. This emphasis on structure and accountability ensures that God's work is carried out with integrity and according to His divine design, reflecting His character to His people.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1-corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Equipping the Saints for Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age that often prioritizes visible impact and prominent roles, 1 Chronicles 26:21 offers a quiet but powerful reminder of the divine value placed on order, diligence, and faithfulness in every capacity—even those that seem administrative or behind-the-scenes. The inclusion of Jehieli, a "chief father" in charge of temple treasures, in the sacred record signifies that God sees and values the meticulous work of organization, stewardship, and foundational support just as much as the more public acts of worship. This verse challenges us to consider how we approach our own responsibilities, whether in our homes, workplaces, or churches. Are we faithful in the "small things," recognizing that our diligence in seemingly mundane tasks contributes to the larger, beautiful tapestry of God's work? It encourages us to appreciate and affirm those who serve faithfully in less visible roles, for their contributions are indispensable to the flourishing of any community, especially the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's value for order and detail, as seen in this verse, influence our approach to our own responsibilities and tasks, both spiritual and secular?**
* **In what ways might we be overlooking or underappreciating those who serve faithfully in "behind-the-scenes" or administrative roles within our communities or churches?**
* **What "seemingly small" tasks or responsibilities has God entrusted to you, and how can you perform them with a heart of faithfulness, knowing He values every detail?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Chronicler include such detailed genealogies and administrative lists like 1 Chronicles 26:21?**

Answer: The Chronicler's primary audience was the post-exilic community returning to Judah. These detailed genealogies and administrative lists served several crucial purposes. First, they established **legitimacy and continuity** for the re-established temple worship, ensuring that only those with proper lineage could serve in priestly and Levitical roles (as seen in [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Importance of Genealogical Records for Priests")). Second, they emphasized God's preference for **order and structure** in worship and national life, demonstrating that David's organization was divinely inspired. Third, they provided a sense of **identity and heritage** for a people rebuilding their national and spiritual life, connecting them to their covenantal past and God's faithfulness through generations.

**What was the significance of "chief fathers" in ancient Israel, and what might Jehieli's role have entailed?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, "chief fathers" (Hebrew: *rashei avot*) were the heads of patriarchal families or clans, holding significant leadership and administrative authority within their respective tribal or Levitical divisions. They were responsible for overseeing their family's assigned duties, maintaining order, and ensuring the proper execution of responsibilities. In the context of 1 Chronicles 26:21, Jehieli, as a "chief father" among the Gershonite Levites, was likely a senior leader entrusted with significant oversight of the temple's treasures and dedicated things, as indicated by the surrounding verses (see [1 Chronicles 26:20-28](/1-chronicles/26-20 "1 Chronicles 26:20-28 - Levites in Charge of the Treasures")). His role would have involved meticulous record-keeping, management of temple resources, and ensuring the integrity of the sacred offerings, highlighting the vital importance of financial stewardship in God's house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:21 details the meticulous organization of the Old Covenant temple service, its underlying principles find profound fulfillment in Christ and the New Covenant. The Old Testament's emphasis on lineage, order, and faithful service points forward to Jesus, who is the ultimate "chief father" and head of a new spiritual family, the Church (see [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body")). Unlike the Levitical priests whose lineage was determined by physical descent, Christ's priesthood is eternal and based on His divine nature (as explained in [Hebrews 7:14](/hebrews/7-14 "Hebrews 7:14 - Christ's Tribe")). He perfectly fulfilled all the requirements of service, not by inheriting a role, but by becoming the ultimate servant who came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Through Christ, the meticulous order of the temple finds its spiritual counterpart in the Church, which is God's new dwelling place, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of God's Dwelling")). Every believer, regardless of earthly status or visible role, is now part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to faithfully serve God and one another, empowered by the Spirit, reflecting the divine order and purpose established in Christ.

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 23:7

Of the Gershonites [were], Laadan, and Shimei.

1 Chronicles 29:8

And they with whom [precious] stones were found gave [them] to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.

1 Chronicles 6:17

And these [be] the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei.