1 Chronicles 26:25

KJV

And his brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.

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}.

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.

Berean Standard Bible

His relatives through Eliezer included Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:25 is a precise genealogical entry documenting five generations of descendants from Eliezer, one of Moses' sons: Rehabiah, Jeshaiah, Joram, Zichri, and Shelomith. This verse 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 in the organized worship life of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles 26, a chapter dedicated to detailing the divisions of the gatekeepers and the officers responsible for the treasuries of the house of God and the dedicated things. The broader context of 1 Chronicles 23-27 outlines King David's meticulous organization of the Levitical services, including priests, musicians, gatekeepers, and treasurers, in preparation for the future temple. 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 mention of Shelomith in this verse directly precedes and sets up the more detailed account of his significant role over the treasuries in [1 Chronicles 26:26-28](/1_chronicles/26-26 "1 Chronicles 26:26-28 - Shelomith's Role Over Treasuries").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, emphasizes the continuity of legitimate priestly and Levitical service through detailed genealogies. King David's foresight in organizing these divisions before the temple's construction (which Solomon would oversee) ensured order and efficiency in worship. The role of managing the "treasuries" was immensely important, as these contained not only financial contributions but also consecrated vessels, offerings, and dedications from kings, commanders, and heads of families ([1 Chronicles 26:26-28](/1_chronicles/26-26 "1 Chronicles 26:26-28 - Dedicated Things")). This required individuals of utmost integrity and trustworthiness, reflecting the high value placed on the sacredness of God's house and its resources in ancient Israelite culture.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in this verse contributes to several overarching themes in 1 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 ([1 Chronicles 23](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - David Organizes the Levites")). Second, **Stewardship and Responsibility** is highlighted, as the descendants of Eliezer were entrusted with the sacred treasures, underscoring the gravity of managing God's resources and the call for 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 ([1 Chronicles 23:15-17](/1_chronicles/23-15 "1 Chronicles 23:15-17 - Sons of Moses")) and David. Finally, the theme of **Divine Appointment** is subtly 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, _'achim'_):** While literally meaning "brothers," in this context, "brethren" refers to the wider familial group or kinsmen associated with Eliezer, indicating the collective lineage rather than just immediate siblings. This term emphasizes the communal and familial nature of the Levitical service.
* **Eliezer (Hebrew, _'Eli'ezer'_):** Meaning "My God is help," Eliezer was one of Moses' two sons. Tracing this specific lineage underscores the Chronicler's intent to connect the post-exilic Levitical administration directly to the foundational figures of Israel's past, providing historical and theological legitimacy to their roles.
* **Shelomith (Hebrew, _'Shelomith'_):** Meaning "peaceful" or "my peace," this name concludes the direct lineage listed. Shelomith is particularly significant because the subsequent verses ([1 Chronicles 26:26-28](/1_chronicles/26-26 "1 Chronicles 26:26-28 - Shelomith's Role")) explicitly detail his prominent role as the chief officer over the treasuries, making this genealogical entry a direct precursor to a concrete administrative function.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his brethren by Eliezer;":** This clause establishes the specific branch of the Levitical family being detailed. "His brethren" refers to the wider family group or clan descended from Eliezer, Moses' son, who are the focus of this particular genealogical record concerning the temple treasuries.
* **"Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.":** This is a straightforward, linear enumeration of five successive generations from Eliezer. The repeated phrase "his son" 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 provides a direct link to the subsequent verses that elaborate on his significant responsibilities in managing the sacred treasuries.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 26:25 is **Genealogy**, which serves to establish and validate the lineage of individuals appointed to specific roles within the temple administration. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping underscores the importance of legitimate descent for those serving in sacred capacities. Furthermore, the use of **Enumeration** and **Listing** is evident in the straightforward presentation of names, providing a factual and detailed account of the generational succession. The subtle **Repetition** of "his son" (בן, _ben_) 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.

### 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.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order, Not Confusion")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Body's Building Up")

### 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 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.

#### 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 [1 Chronicles 26:26-28](/1_chronicles/26-26 "1 Chronicles 26:26-28 - Shelomith's Responsibilities").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:25 details a specific Old Testament lineage for temple administration, it points forward to Christ in profound ways. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all divine order and administration, the one through whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")). He is the true and greater "treasurer" of God's kingdom, entrusted with all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Furthermore, Christ Himself is the ultimate Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus as the Temple")). Through His sacrifice, believers become part of His spiritual lineage, adopted as sons and daughters of God ([Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Sons of God Through Faith")). No longer are specific family lines required for service; rather, all who are "in Christ" are 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 ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Dwelling")). 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 ([1 Peter 5:2-4](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2-4 - Shepherd the Flock 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 23:17

And the sons of Eliezer [were], Rehabiah the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.

1 Chronicles 23:18

Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief.

1 Chronicles 23:15

The sons of Moses [were], Gershom, and Eliezer.

Exodus 18:4

And the name of the other [was] Eliezer; for the God of my father, [said he, was] mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh: