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Translation
King James Version
And his brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And his brethren H251 by Eliezer H461; Rehabiah H7345 his son H1121, and Jeshaiah H3470 his son H1121, and Joram H3141 his son H1121, and Zichri H2147 his son H1121, and Shelomith H8019 H8013 his son H1121.
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Complete Jewish Bible
His kinsmen: from Eli'ezer: Rechavyahu his son, Yesha'yahu his son, Yoram his son, Zikhri his son and Shlomit his son.
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Berean Standard Bible
His relatives through Eliezer included Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.
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American Standard Version
And his brethren: of Eliezer came Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomoth his son.
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World English Bible Messianic
His brothers: of Eliezer, Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomoth his son.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And of his brethren which came of Eliezer, was Rehabiah his sonne, and Ieshaiah his sonne, and Ioram his sonne, and Zichri his sonne, and Shelomith his sonne.
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Young's Literal Translation
And his brethren, of Eliezer, are Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.
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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 26:25 precisely details five generations of descendants from Eliezer, one of Moses' sons: Rehabiah, Jeshaiah, Joram, Zichri, and Shelomith. This genealogical entry serves to meticulously trace the lineage of a specific Levitical family appointed by King David to oversee the sacred treasuries and consecrated items within the tabernacle, a critical administrative role that ensured order and integrity in the organized worship life of Israel.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is intricately woven into the broader fabric of 1 Chronicles 26, a chapter dedicated to the meticulous organization of the gatekeepers and the officers responsible for the treasuries of the house of God and the dedicated items. The larger narrative of 1 Chronicles 23-27 portrays King David's foresight and diligence in establishing detailed divisions for Levitical services—including priests, musicians, gatekeepers, and treasurers—in preparation for the future temple, which his son Solomon would construct. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 26:20-28 focuses on the Levitical treasurers, with verses 24-25 highlighting the descendants of Gershom and Eliezer (Moses' sons) who were entrusted with this vital stewardship. The explicit mention of Shelomith in this verse is particularly significant, as it directly precedes and sets the stage for the more detailed account of his prominent role as chief officer over the treasuries in 1 Chronicles 26:26-28.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, meticulously records these genealogies to emphasize the continuity and legitimacy of priestly and Levitical service, providing a vital link to their heritage and divine appointments. King David's comprehensive organization of these divisions, even before the temple's construction, underscores the ancient Israelite value placed on order, efficiency, and sacredness in worship. The role of managing the "treasuries" was of immense importance, as these contained not only financial contributions but also consecrated vessels, offerings, and items dedicated from kings, commanders, and heads of families, as further elaborated in 1 Chronicles 26:26-28. This responsibility demanded individuals of the highest integrity and trustworthiness, reflecting the profound reverence for God's house and its resources within ancient Israelite culture.
  • Key Themes: The meticulous listing of names in 1 Chronicles 26:25 contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Chronicles. First, Order and Administration is paramount, demonstrating God's desire for structured and purposeful service in His house, a principle meticulously implemented by David, as seen in his comprehensive organization of the Levites in 1 Chronicles 23. Second, Stewardship and Responsibility is profoundly highlighted, as the descendants of Eliezer were entrusted with the sacred treasures, underscoring the gravity of managing God's resources and the call for unwavering faithfulness in handling what belongs to Him. Third, Lineage and Legacy is a central concern for the Chronicler, emphasizing the continuity of divine appointments through specific family lines and connecting the post-exilic community's roles directly back to foundational figures like Moses, whose sons are detailed in 1 Chronicles 23:15-17, and King David. Finally, the theme of Divine Appointment is subtly yet powerfully present, as these roles were not arbitrary but part of God's design for the temple's function, demonstrating that every position, even seemingly minor, serves a divine purpose within His overarching plan.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • brethren (Hebrew, ʼâch', H251): Derived from a primitive word, this term signifies a brother or kinsman, used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity. In this context, "brethren" refers to the wider familial group or collective lineage associated with Eliezer, emphasizing the communal and familial nature of the Levitical service and the shared responsibility within the clan.
  • Eliezer (Hebrew, ʼĔlîyʻezer', H461): Meaning "God of help," Eliezer was one of Moses' two sons. The Chronicler's specific tracing of this lineage underscores his intent to connect the post-exilic Levitical administration directly to the foundational figures of Israel's past, thereby providing historical and theological legitimacy to their roles in the temple.
  • son (Hebrew, bên', H1121): From the root meaning "to build," this word denotes a son in the widest sense, including grandson or descendant, as one who builds the family name. Its repeated use in this verse ("Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son...") emphatically reinforces the direct paternal lineage and the unbroken generational continuity of this family line, highlighting the inherited nature of their designated responsibilities.
  • Shelomith (Hebrew, Shᵉlômîyth', H8019): Meaning "peaceableness" or "peaceful," this name concludes the direct lineage listed. Shelomith is particularly significant because the subsequent verses (1 Chronicles 26:26-28) explicitly detail his prominent role as the chief officer over the treasuries, making this genealogical entry a direct precursor to a concrete and vital administrative function.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And his brethren by Eliezer;": This initial clause establishes the specific branch of the Levitical family that is the focus of this genealogical detail. "His brethren" refers to the wider family group or clan descended from Eliezer, Moses' son, indicating that the subsequent names are part of this particular lineage entrusted with responsibilities concerning the temple treasuries.
  • "Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.": This segment provides a clear, linear enumeration of five successive generations directly descended from Eliezer. The consistent repetition of the phrase "his son" (Hebrew, bên) after each name emphatically reinforces the direct paternal lineage, underscoring the continuity and legitimacy of this family line in their designated roles. The inclusion of Shelomith as the final name is crucial, as it serves as a direct link to the subsequent verses that elaborate on his significant responsibilities in managing the sacred treasuries, thereby connecting the genealogical record to practical administrative duties.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 26:25 is Genealogy, which serves as a foundational method for establishing and validating the lineage of individuals appointed to specific and crucial roles within the temple administration. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping through this device underscores the paramount importance of legitimate descent for those serving in sacred capacities, ensuring continuity and divine sanction. Furthermore, the use of Enumeration and Listing is evident in the straightforward, almost formulaic, presentation of names, providing a factual and detailed account of the generational succession. The subtle yet powerful Repetition of "his son" (Hebrew, bên) after each name reinforces the direct paternal link, emphasizing the unbroken continuity of the family line and its inherited responsibilities, particularly those related to the stewardship of the temple's treasures. This repetition also lends a rhythmic quality to the otherwise dry list, subtly reinforcing the unwavering progression of the lineage.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This seemingly dry genealogical list carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's character as a God of order and His expectation of faithful stewardship from His people. The careful organization of the Levitical roles, including the management of sacred treasuries, reflects a divine principle that all aspects of worship and ministry should be conducted with intentionality, integrity, and accountability. It highlights that no task, however mundane it may appear, is insignificant when it contributes to the functioning of God's house and the advancement of His purposes. The continuity of this lineage emphasizes the importance of generational faithfulness and the passing down of a legacy of service and devotion, reminding us that God's work is often built incrementally through the diligent efforts of successive generations.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1 Chronicles 26:25, while a simple list of names, serves as a powerful reminder that God values order, accountability, and faithful stewardship in all areas of life, especially in service to Him. The meticulous recording of these lineages for specific administrative roles in the temple challenges us to consider the profound significance of our own seemingly "small" contributions within the body of Christ. Every role, every gift, and every act of service, no matter how hidden or mundane, is vital for the effective functioning of God's kingdom. This verse calls us to embrace our responsibilities with integrity, recognizing that we are stewards of God's resources—whether they be time, talents, or material possessions. It also encourages us to consider the legacy of faith we are building and passing on to future generations, ensuring that the work of God continues with diligence and devotion, reflecting the same care and intentionality seen in the ancient temple administration.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the meticulous detail of this genealogy challenge my perception of "small" or "insignificant" roles within God's kingdom today?
  • In what specific areas of my life am I called to exercise faithful stewardship, reflecting the care shown for the temple treasuries and dedicated items?
  • What legacy of faith and service am I intentionally building for future generations, both within my family and the broader community of faith?

FAQ

Why does the Chronicler include such detailed genealogies for seemingly minor roles?

Answer: The Chronicler's inclusion of detailed genealogies, even for roles like treasurers, served several crucial purposes for his post-exilic audience. Firstly, it provided legitimacy and validation for those currently serving in the temple, demonstrating their rightful claim to their positions through direct lineage from foundational figures like Moses and David. Secondly, it underscored the divine appointment and continuity of these roles, emphasizing that the temple service was not arbitrary but part of God's enduring plan for His people. Thirdly, it highlighted the importance of order, structure, and accountability within the sacred administration. Every position, no matter how seemingly "minor," was vital for the proper functioning of the worship system, and knowing the lineage ensured clear lines of responsibility and integrity, especially for those handling the sacred treasuries, as seen in the detailed account of Shelomith's responsibilities in 1 Chronicles 26:26-28.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 26:25 details a specific Old Testament lineage appointed for temple administration, it profoundly points forward to Christ. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all divine order and administration, the one through whom all things hold together and find their purpose, as beautifully articulated in Colossians 1:17. He is the true and greater "treasurer" of God's kingdom, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given, a truth declared in Matthew 28:18. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the ultimate Temple, the very dwelling place of God among humanity, a reality Jesus Himself prophesied in John 2:19-21. Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are no longer bound by specific family lines for sacred service; rather, all who are "in Christ" are adopted as sons and daughters of God, as affirmed in Galatians 3:26. We are now called to be faithful stewards of the "treasures" of the gospel and the gifts of the Spirit, building up the new spiritual temple, the Church, which is God's dwelling place by the Spirit, as described in Ephesians 2:19-22. The meticulous care for the physical temple's resources foreshadows the call for believers to faithfully manage the spiritual blessings and ministry entrusted to them by the Chief Shepherd, a charge echoed in 1 Peter 5:2-4.

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26 verses 20–28

Observe, 1. There were treasures of the house of God. A great house cannot be well kept without stores of all manner of provisions. Much was expended daily upon the altar - flour, wine, oil, salt, fuel, besides the lamps; quantities of these were to be kept beforehand, besides the sacred vestments and utensils. These were the treasures of the house of God. And, because money answers all things, doubtless they had an abundance of it, which was received from the people's offerings, wherewith they bought in what they had occasion for. And perhaps much was laid up for an exigence. These treasures typified the plenty there is in our heavenly Father's house, enough and to spare. In Christ, the true temple, are hid treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and unsearchable riches. 2. There were treasures of dedicated things, dedicated mostly out of the spoils won in battle (Ch1 26:27), as a grateful acknowledgment of the divine protection. Abraham gave Melchisedec the tenth of the spoils Heb 7:4. In Moses's time the officers of the army, when they returned victorious, brought of their spoils an oblation to the Lord, Num 31:50. Of late this pious custom had been revived; and not only Samuel and David, but Saul, and Abner, and Joab, had dedicated of their spoils to the honour and support of the house of God, Ch1 26:28. Note, The more God bestows upon us the more he expects from us in works of piety and charity. Great successes call for proportionable returns. When we look over our estates we should consider, "Here are convenient things, rich things, it may be, and fine things; but where are the dedicated things?" Men of war must honour God with their spoils. 3. These treasures had treasurers, those that were over them (Ch1 26:20, Ch1 26:26), whose business it was to keep them, that neither moth nor rust might corrupt them, nor thieves break through and steal, to give out as there was occasion and to see that they were not wasted, embezzled, or alienated to the common use; and it is probable that they kept accounts of all that was brought in and how it was laid out.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–28. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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