1 Chronicles 26:23

KJV

Of the Amramites, [and] the Izharites, the Hebronites, [and] the Uzzielites:

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the Amramites {H6020}, and the Izharites {H3325}, the Hebronites {H2276}, and the Uzzielites {H5817}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Of the 'Amrami, of the Yitz'hari, of the Hevroni, of the 'Uzi'eli,

Berean Standard Bible

From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:

American Standard Version

Of the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, of the Uzzielites:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:23 is a concise genealogical entry within a larger passage detailing King David's meticulous organization of the Levites for future service in the Temple. This verse specifically lists four prominent Kohathite clans—the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites—who were designated for significant administrative and custodial roles, particularly concerning the sacred treasures of the house of God. It underscores the importance of lineage, order, and faithful stewardship in the divinely ordained structure of Israel's worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 26:23 is situated within a comprehensive section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-27) that elaborates on King David's extensive preparations for the construction and operation of the future Temple in Jerusalem. Even though Solomon would build the Temple, David, inspired by divine revelation, meticulously organized the Levites into various divisions: priests, musicians, gatekeepers, and treasurers. Chapter 26 specifically focuses on the divisions of the gatekeepers and treasurers, detailing their assignments and the families from which they originated. Verse 23, therefore, serves as a specific enumeration of the Kohathite families who were entrusted with pivotal roles as officers and judges, particularly overseeing the sacred and valuable items dedicated to the Lord's house, as further detailed in [1 Chronicles 26:20-28](/1-chronicles/26-20 "1 Chronicles 26:20-28 - Treasurers of the House of God"). This meticulous listing highlights the chronicler's emphasis on order, divine appointment, and the continuity of service through established lineages.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the latter part of King David's reign, a period marked by consolidation of the kingdom and extensive preparations for the Temple that his son Solomon would erect. In ancient Israel, the Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart for religious service, distinct from the other tribes. Their roles evolved from serving in the Tabernacle during the wilderness wanderings and conquest (as seen in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - Census and Duties of the Levites")) to more complex, specialized duties in the centralized worship system envisioned for the Temple. Family lineage was paramount in determining roles and responsibilities, ensuring continuity and the preservation of sacred knowledge. The Kohathites, one of the three main Levite branches, traditionally bore the most sacred articles of the Tabernacle. Their descendants, as listed in this verse, were now being organized for administrative and custodial duties, reflecting a shift from transporting the Tabernacle to managing the fixed Temple's resources. This organization was not merely bureaucratic; it was a reflection of the Israelite understanding that all aspects of national life, especially worship, should be ordered according to God's design.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 26:23 contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Administration**. David's detailed organization of the Levites, down to specific family lines and their assigned duties, reveals a profound commitment to establishing a structured and efficient system for worship, reflecting God's own character of order. Secondly, the emphasis on specific family lineages like the Amramites and Izharites highlights **Generational Faithfulness and Continuity of Service**. These families, with their historical connection to figures like Moses and Aaron, represent a legacy of dedication to God, ensuring that the sacred duties would be carried on by those prepared and appointed. Thirdly, the assignment of these families as treasurers and officers emphasizes the theme of **Stewardship**. They were entrusted with the sacred resources of the Lord's house, underscoring the biblical principle that God's people are called to be faithful managers of all that He provides, a concept echoed in [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1-corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Faithful Stewardship"). Finally, this verse is part of the broader theme of **Preparation for Worship and the Temple**. David's foresight and diligent planning ensured that when the Temple was finally built, its operations would be seamless, well-resourced, and dedicated to the glory of God, laying a foundation for future generations to worship faithfully.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amramites (Hebrew, _ʿAmrāmî_):** This term refers to the descendants of Amram, who was the father of Moses and Aaron ([Exodus 6:20](/exodus/6-20 "Exodus 6:20 - Genealogy of Moses and Aaron")). Their inclusion at the head of this list of Kohathite families signifies their historical prominence and continued importance within the Levite structure. As the lineage from which the high priesthood emerged, the Amramites held a revered status, and their appointment to roles of trust and administration over sacred treasures was a natural extension of their heritage of service to God.
* **Izharites, Hebronites, Uzzielites (Hebrew, _Yiṣhārî_, _Ḥeḇrōnî_, _ʿUzzîʾēlî_):** These three terms are patronymic names, denoting the descendants of Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, respectively. These were the other three sons of Kohath, Levi's second son. Together with the Amramites, they constituted the four major branches of the Kohathite clan. Their collective listing in this verse underscores the comprehensive nature of David's organization, ensuring that all significant branches of the Kohathites were integrated into the Temple's administrative structure, leveraging their traditional association with the most sacred elements of Israelite worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the Amramites,"**: This phrase introduces the first and arguably most prominent of the Kohathite families designated for service. The Amramites, being the lineage of Moses and Aaron, held a unique place of honor and responsibility within Israel's religious framework. Their inclusion here signifies the continuation of their sacred duties, now adapted to the administrative needs of the future Temple.
* **"[and] the Izharites,"**: Following the Amramites, the Izharites are listed. As descendants of Kohath's second son, their inclusion demonstrates that David's organization extended to all major branches of the Kohathite family, ensuring a broad and inclusive participation in the Temple's vital functions. This highlights the systematic and comprehensive nature of the Levite assignments.
* **"the Hebronites,"**: The Hebronites, descending from Kohath's third son, are likewise named. Their presence reinforces the pattern of involving all principal Kohathite lines. Historically, the Hebronites were also significant, having responsibilities related to the Tabernacle's furnishings. Their role as officers and treasurers continues this legacy of trust and care for sacred things.
* **"[and] the Uzzielites:"**: Finally, the Uzzielites, from Kohath's fourth son, complete the enumeration of the major Kohathite families. Their inclusion ensures that all four foundational branches of the Kohathites were represented in these crucial administrative and custodial roles. The verse, though simple in its listing, thus conveys a profound sense of order, lineage, and the comprehensive allocation of responsibilities within the Levite service for the house of God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary devices at play in 1 Chronicles 26:23 are **Enumeration** and **Genealogy**, underpinned by the use of **Patronymics**. The verse presents a direct list of four distinct family names, serving as a precise **enumeration** of the Kohathite clans involved in the Temple's administration. This specific listing is part of a broader **genealogical** record throughout 1 Chronicles, emphasizing the importance of lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society, particularly concerning religious roles. The names themselves—Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites—are all **patronymics**, indicating descent from a specific ancestor (Amram, Izhar, Hebron, Uzziel). This device not only identifies the families but also implicitly connects them to their historical roles and the legacy of their forebears, reinforcing the chronicler's interest in continuity and the divinely ordained structure of Israel's worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:23, while seemingly a dry list of names, is deeply significant for understanding the divine emphasis on order, preparation, and faithful stewardship in God's kingdom. The meticulous organization of the Levites, particularly the Kohathite families, for the Temple's administration reveals God's desire for His worship and service to be conducted with excellence and precision. It underscores that every role, no matter how seemingly mundane, contributes to the overall sanctity and functionality of God's house. This detailed allocation of responsibility, rooted in ancient lineage, points to a broader theological truth: God works through appointed individuals and established structures to accomplish His purposes, and faithfulness in small, administrative tasks is just as vital as more visible acts of worship. This verse also implicitly connects to the broader biblical theme of God entrusting His people with resources and responsibilities, calling them to be diligent and trustworthy managers of His provisions.

* [Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Duties of the Kohathites")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1-corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Orderly Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly bureaucratic details of 1 Chronicles 26:23 offer profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as King David meticulously organized the Levite families for the future Temple, ensuring every aspect of worship and administration was covered, so too are we called to bring order, intentionality, and faithfulness to our service within God's kingdom today. This verse reminds us that no role, however behind-the-scenes or administrative, is insignificant in the eyes of God. Whether we are called to lead, teach, serve, or manage resources, our commitment to stewardship and excellence reflects our reverence for God and our desire to see His purposes fulfilled. It challenges us to consider how we are stewarding the gifts, talents, and resources God has entrusted to us, not just for personal gain, but for the flourishing of His church and the advancement of His gospel. Furthermore, the emphasis on generational continuity encourages us to invest in the spiritual development of those who will come after us, passing on a legacy of faith and faithful service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or service are you called to exercise greater order and intentionality, reflecting God's character?**
* **How does the principle of faithful stewardship, as seen in the Levites' role, apply to your personal resources, time, and talents?**
* **Do you recognize the value and significance of every role within the body of Christ, even those that seem less prominent?**
* **What legacy of faith and service are you building for future generations in your family, church, or community?**

### FAQ

**Why are specific family names like Amramites listed in such detail?**

Answer: The detailed listing of specific family names, such as the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites, is crucial because it underscores the importance of lineage and divine appointment in ancient Israel. These were not arbitrary selections but designated families within the Kohathite branch of the Levites, who traditionally had responsibilities related to the most sacred items of the Tabernacle ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Duties of the Kohathites")). By listing them, the chronicler emphasizes continuity with past divine mandates and highlights King David's meticulous and divinely inspired organization for the future Temple. It shows that roles in God's service were often hereditary and rooted in a deep understanding of tribal and familial responsibilities, ensuring that those entrusted with sacred duties were from established, recognized lines.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:23 details the meticulous organization of Levite families for the Old Covenant Temple, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning are found in Christ and the New Covenant. The Old Testament Temple, with its intricate systems of service, was a shadow of the perfect and eternal worship offered through Jesus Christ. No longer are specific family lineages required to serve as "gatekeepers" or "treasurers" of sacred things, for Christ himself is the ultimate [Gate](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Gate") through whom all believers gain access to God. He is the one who holds all the "treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). In the New Covenant, all believers, through faith in Christ, are made part of a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices. The detailed administrative roles of the Kohathites foreshadow the orderly and Spirit-empowered functioning of the church, the body of Christ, where every member is gifted and called to serve for the common good and the glory of God ([Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-8 - Gifts in the Body of Christ")). Christ is the ultimate steward, the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")), and He now entrusts His disciples with the glorious task of proclaiming His gospel and building His spiritual house.

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

Numbers 3:27

And of Kohath [was] the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these [are] the families of the Kohathites.

1 Chronicles 23:12

The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.

Numbers 3:19

And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel.