1 Chronicles 26:22

KJV

The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, [which were] over the treasures of the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Jehieli {H3172}; Zetham {H2241}, and Joel {H3100} his brother {H251}, which were over the treasures {H214} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the sons of Yechi'eli: Zetam and Yo'el his brother, over the stores in the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

The sons of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel his brother, over the treasures of the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:22 meticulously records the appointment of Zetham and Joel, sons of Jehieli, to the crucial role of overseeing the "treasures of the house of the LORD." This seemingly minor detail underscores King David's comprehensive and divinely inspired organization of the Levitical service, ensuring the faithful and orderly management of all resources dedicated to God's sanctuary in preparation for the future Temple in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously details King David's extensive organization of the Levites. Having been forbidden by God to build the Temple himself, David dedicated his later years to preparing for its construction, which included not only gathering materials but also establishing a highly structured and efficient system for the Levites' service. Chapters 23-24 outline the divisions of priests and Levites, chapter 25 focuses on the musicians, and chapter 26 details the gatekeepers and, significantly, the treasurers and other administrators. Verse 22 specifically falls within the enumeration of the gatekeepers' families and their extended duties, highlighting that some families, like Jehieli's, had responsibilities beyond mere gatekeeping, extending into the financial and material administration of the sanctuary. This meticulous record-keeping emphasizes the divine importance of order and accountability in all aspects of worship and service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During David's reign, the "house of the LORD" primarily referred to the Tabernacle, which served as the central place of worship before the Temple's construction. This mobile sanctuary housed sacred artifacts like the Ark of the Covenant and accumulated vast amounts of consecrated wealth. This wealth included not only monetary contributions but also tithes, dedicated vessels, precious metals, and spoils of war, all considered holy and set apart for God's service. The Levites, as the designated priestly tribe, were responsible for all aspects of the Tabernacle's care and administration, from its physical upkeep to the handling of its sacred contents and material resources. The appointment of specific individuals like Zetham and Joel to manage these treasures reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of meticulous record-keeping and the high value placed on integrity in handling communal or sacred assets, particularly within a theocratic society where such resources were considered God's property.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous organization presented in 1 Chronicles 23-26, and specifically highlighted in this verse, contributes to several overarching themes. First, **Stewardship and Accountability** are paramount; the appointment of specific individuals for the "treasures" underscores the importance of faithful and transparent management of God's resources, a principle echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in the parables of Jesus, such as the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents"). Second, **Order and Organization in Divine Service** is a central theme. David's detailed planning demonstrates that God values structure and intentionality in worship and administration, ensuring the purity and effectiveness of Israel's spiritual life. This foresight ensured that when the Temple was built, the operational framework was already in place. Third, **Faithfulness in All Tasks**, even seemingly administrative ones, is elevated to sacred service. The Levites' diverse roles, from gatekeepers to treasurers, were all considered vital contributions to the functioning of God's house, reinforcing the idea that all work done for the Lord is significant, as taught in [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work Heartily for the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jehieli (Hebrew, _Yeḥi'eli'_):** This name signifies "God lives" or "May God live." Jehieli is identified earlier in 1 Chronicles 26:21 as a descendant of Ladan, a Gershonite Levite. His sons, Zetham and Joel, are here specifically noted for their administrative roles. The emphasis on lineage throughout these chapters highlights the hereditary nature of Levitical service and the importance of family lines in maintaining the integrity and continuity of sacred duties within Israel. The naming of specific individuals, even in what might seem like a dry genealogical list, underscores the personal accountability associated with these significant roles.
* **Treasures (Hebrew, אֹצְרוֹת, _'otsarot'_):** The plural form of _'otsar_ (אוֹצָר), which refers to a storehouse, treasury, or accumulated wealth. In this context, it encompasses not merely monetary funds but a wide array of valuable items consecrated for the maintenance and operation of the sanctuary. This included precious metals (gold, silver), dedicated vessels for worship, tithes of produce, and even spoils of war dedicated to God. These "treasures" were essential for the upkeep of the Tabernacle/Temple, the provision for the priests and Levites, and the general functioning of the national religious life. The term implies a collection of valuable assets carefully preserved and managed for a sacred purpose.
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew, בֵּית יְהוָה, _beit Yahweh_):** This consistent biblical phrase refers to the sacred dwelling place of God among His people. At the time of David, this primarily designated the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that housed the Ark of the Covenant and served as the center of Israelite worship. The phrase also anticipates the future permanent structure, the Temple in Jerusalem, which Solomon would build. The "treasures" were thus dedicated directly to God's presence and His work among Israel, emphasizing their sacred and inviolable nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother,":** This clause precisely identifies the individuals entrusted with this significant responsibility. By naming them specifically and noting their familial relationship, the text emphasizes the meticulous nature of David's organization and the hereditary aspect of Levitical service. It also highlights the personal accountability associated with their roles, as they were not anonymous functionaries but named individuals from a recognized lineage.
* **"[which were] over the treasures":** This phrase denotes their specific administrative authority and responsibility. The preposition "over" (עַל, _'al'_) indicates a position of oversight, management, and control. It implies that Zetham and Joel were not merely custodians but had charge over the collection, storage, and disbursement of these valuable assets. This was a position requiring immense trust, integrity, and organizational skill.
* **"of the house of the LORD.":** This final clause specifies the sacred context and ultimate purpose of the treasures. They were not for personal gain or secular use but were dedicated entirely to the service and upkeep of God's dwelling place. This underscores the holy nature of their task and the profound spiritual significance attached to the material resources of the sanctuary.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though brief, employs several literary devices. **Genealogy** is the overarching device, as the verse is part of a detailed list of names and lineages. This serves to establish legitimacy, continuity, and the divine order within the Levitical priesthood. The meticulous naming of individuals like Zetham and Joel within a family line (sons of Jehieli) underscores the importance of specific roles and responsibilities within the larger structure of God's people. There is also an element of **Emphasis** through enumeration; the sheer volume of names and specific duties listed throughout 1 Chronicles 23-26 emphasizes the comprehensive nature of David's preparations and the divine value placed on order, administration, and dedicated service. The phrase "house of the LORD" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical structure (Tabernacle/Temple) stands for the entire religious institution and the presence of God Himself, highlighting the sacredness of the treasures associated with it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The appointment of Zetham and Joel over the treasures of the house of the LORD is more than a historical footnote; it is a profound theological statement about the nature of stewardship and the sacredness of resources dedicated to God. It teaches us that God cares deeply about how His resources are managed, demanding integrity, order, and accountability from those entrusted with them. This principle extends beyond the material wealth of the ancient sanctuary to encompass all that God entrusts to His people today—time, talents, spiritual gifts, and material possessions. Faithful stewardship is a consistent biblical theme, demonstrating our love and obedience to God, acknowledging His ultimate ownership over all things.

* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the LORD with your wealth")
* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Well done, good and faithful servant")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithful in little, faithful in much")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Zetham and Joel's responsibility serves as a powerful reminder that all work done in the service of God, no matter how seemingly administrative or "behind-the-scenes," is vital and holds spiritual significance. Their role as treasurers was not merely a secular accounting task but a holy duty, directly supporting the worship and ministry of God's house. For believers today, this translates into a call for faithful stewardship in every area of life. Whether managing personal finances, contributing to church ministries, volunteering time, or exercising spiritual gifts, we are all entrusted with "treasures" from the Lord. The integrity and diligence with which we handle these responsibilities reflect our reverence for God and our commitment to His kingdom. This verse encourages us to view every task, especially those supporting the body of Christ, as a sacred trust, performed with excellence, transparency, and a heart devoted to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life (time, talents, finances) do you recognize yourself as a steward of God's "treasures"?**
* **How does the meticulous organization of the Levites, including treasurers, challenge your perspective on the importance of order and integrity in church administration today?**
* **What "behind-the-scenes" roles in your community or church might be overlooked but are essential for the overall health and mission, and how can you affirm or participate in them?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a specific and seemingly minor detail about two individuals managing "treasures" included in the biblical record?**

Answer: This detail is far from minor; it is included to highlight several crucial biblical principles. Firstly, it underscores the divine emphasis on **order and meticulous organization** in God's service. King David's preparations for the Temple were not haphazard but divinely inspired and thoroughly planned, down to the specific roles of individuals. Secondly, it stresses the importance of **faithful stewardship and accountability** for all resources dedicated to God. The "treasures" of the Tabernacle/Temple were sacred, representing the offerings and wealth consecrated to God, and their management required utmost integrity. By naming Zetham and Joel, the text emphasizes personal responsibility. Thirdly, it reveals that **all tasks, even administrative ones, are considered holy service** when performed for the "house of the LORD." This elevates seemingly mundane duties to a sacred calling, demonstrating that God values every contribution to His work. This detailed record serves as a model for how God's people should manage resources and serve within His kingdom, emphasizing that faithfulness in "little things" is significant ([Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithful in that which is least")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:22 speaks of the faithful stewardship of physical treasures for an earthly sanctuary, its deeper fulfillment is found in Christ, the ultimate Steward and the true "House of the LORD." Jesus perfectly managed the "treasures" of His Father's will, faithfully executing His mission to redeem humanity. He Himself is the ultimate "treasure" of God, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ")). Just as Zetham and Joel oversaw the material provisions for the Tabernacle, Christ oversees and embodies all the spiritual provisions for the new covenant people of God, the Church. He is the one who builds His spiritual house, the Church, not with physical treasures, but with living stones, believers who are themselves "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living stones, spiritual house") and [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A chosen race")). Moreover, believers are called to be stewards of the spiritual treasures of the Gospel and the gifts of the Spirit, entrusted with the "ministry of reconciliation" ([2 Corinthians 5:18](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18 - Ministry of reconciliation")). Thus, the meticulous care for physical treasures in the Old Testament foreshadows the immeasurable value and careful stewardship of the spiritual realities and divine mission entrusted to believers in Christ, who is the true and eternal dwelling place of God.

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 23:8

The sons of Laadan; the chief [was] Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three.

1 Chronicles 26:20

¶ And of the Levites, Ahijah [was] over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.

Nehemiah 10:38

And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

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.