1 Chronicles 6:13

KJV

And Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shallum {H7967} begat {H3205} Hilkiah {H2518}, and Hilkiah {H2518} begat {H3205} Azariah {H5838},

Complete Jewish Bible

Shalum fathered Hilkiyah, Hilkiyah fathered 'Azaryah,

Berean Standard Bible

Shallum was the father of Hilkiah, Hilkiah was the father of Azariah,

American Standard Version

and Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:13 is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the extensive genealogies of the Chronicler, specifically tracing a vital segment of the high priestly lineage from Shallum to Hilkiah and then to Azariah. While seemingly a simple list of names, this verse serves as a crucial link in demonstrating the unbroken continuity and divine appointment of the Aaronic priesthood, particularly highlighting Hilkiah, whose discovery of the Book of the Law played a pivotal role in Israel's spiritual renewal under King Josiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with nine chapters of detailed genealogies, a unique feature that sets the stage for the Chronicler's theological agenda. These lists are not merely historical records but serve to establish identity, legitimate claims to land and office, and, most importantly, the continuity of God's covenant with His people, particularly through the Davidic monarchy and the Aaronic priesthood. Chapter 6 is dedicated entirely to the descendants of Levi, emphasizing the tribe chosen for sacred service. Within this chapter, 1 Chronicles 6:13 falls within the specific lineage of Aaron's descendants who served as high priests, underscoring the divine order and succession of those entrusted with mediating between God and Israel in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The meticulous tracing of this line prepares the reader for the Chronicler's subsequent narrative focus on the Temple, its worship, and the proper functioning of the priesthood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, genealogies were vital documents, validating social status, land ownership, and political or religious authority. For post-exilic Israel, for whom the Chronicler primarily wrote, these records were even more critical. The return from Babylonian exile necessitated a re-establishment of national identity, religious order, and legitimate leadership. The high priesthood, in particular, was central to Israel's spiritual life, responsible for the sacrificial system, interpreting the Law, and maintaining the sanctity of the Temple. The high priest served as the nation's chief mediator before God, especially on the Day of Atonement. Thus, proving an unbroken, legitimate high priestly lineage, as seen in this verse, was paramount for the spiritual and social stability of the returned community, assuring them of God's continued faithfulness to His covenant promises and the validity of their worship.
* **Key Themes:** This seemingly simple genealogical entry contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Continuity**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises by preserving the divinely appointed line of the high priesthood despite national apostasy and exile. Secondly, the inclusion of Hilkiah implicitly highlights the **Centrality of God's Word** and its transformative power. Hilkiah's discovery of the Book of the Law, detailed in [2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Hilkiah Discovers the Book of the Law") and [2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law"), led to a profound national repentance and revival under King Josiah, underscoring the high priest's responsibility for preserving and upholding divine revelation. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Legitimacy and Order** in worship, emphasizing that proper service to God requires adherence to His established structures and appointed personnel, ensuring the purity and effectiveness of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Hebrew, _yālad_):** This verb, a fundamental term in biblical genealogies, literally means "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to beget." Its repeated use throughout the genealogies in Chronicles emphasizes direct paternal descent, establishing an unbroken and legitimate lineage. In the context of the high priesthood, it signifies the meticulous record-keeping necessary to validate claims to this sacred office, ensuring that only those divinely appointed through the proper line could serve. It underscores the concept of inherited spiritual authority and the continuity of God's covenant promises through successive generations.
* **Hilkiah (Hebrew, _Ḥilqiyyāhū_):** The name Hilkiah means "My portion is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my portion." This name is highly significant, especially given the historical role of this particular Hilkiah. As the high priest during the reign of King Josiah, his most notable act was the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple (2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34). The meaning of his name resonates with his actions: his "portion" was indeed the very word of Yahweh, which he brought forth to the nation, leading to a profound spiritual reformation. His name thus subtly foreshadows his pivotal role in restoring Israel's covenant relationship with God through the rediscovery of His Law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shallum begat Hilkiah":** This clause establishes Shallum as a crucial link in the high priestly chain. While Shallum himself is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion validates the direct paternal descent leading to Hilkiah. This emphasizes the Chronicler's concern for the unbroken continuity of the priestly line, ensuring the legitimacy of those who served in the Temple. It highlights that even seemingly minor figures play an essential role in God's overarching plan and the preservation of His appointed structures.
* **"and Hilkiah begat Azariah":** This second clause continues the lineage, marking Hilkiah's place as a father in the priestly succession and introducing Azariah, who would continue the line. The juxtaposition of Hilkiah's name, implicitly recalling his monumental discovery of the Book of the Law, within this otherwise terse genealogical statement, elevates his significance. It subtly reminds the reader of his pivotal role in national revival, even as it confirms the ongoing, divinely ordained nature of the high priestly office through his son, Azariah, ensuring the continuation of sacred service for future generations.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's use of **Genealogy** is the primary literary device in 1 Chronicles 6:13. Far from being a mere list, it functions as a theological and historical argument. It establishes **Legitimacy** for the post-exilic community, affirming the rightful claims to priestly office and land. The **Repetition** of the verb "begat" (יָלַד - _yalad_) creates a rhythmic pattern that emphasizes direct descent and the unbroken chain of succession, underscoring the divine faithfulness in preserving the lineage. The **Conciseness** of the verse, typical of genealogical entries, serves to highlight the individual names as crucial links in a larger, divinely orchestrated tapestry. Furthermore, the mention of "Hilkiah" functions as a powerful **Allusion**, implicitly referencing his well-known discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34). This subtle literary cue invites the knowledgeable reader to recall Hilkiah's pivotal role in national repentance and revival, thereby imbuing the otherwise simple genealogical entry with profound theological weight and historical significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:13, though brief, is deeply embedded in the Chronicler's theological framework, affirming God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the preservation of the Aaronic priesthood. This continuity was essential for the proper functioning of the sacrificial system and the maintenance of Israel's relationship with Yahweh. The high priest, as the chief mediator, prefigured the ultimate High Priest to come. The verse's implicit reference to Hilkiah's discovery of the Law underscores the vital connection between the priesthood, God's Word, and national spiritual health. It teaches that divine order and the faithful handling of sacred texts are paramount for true worship and communal flourishing, reflecting God's commitment to providing a means of atonement and access to His presence.

* [2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "Hilkiah Discovers the Book of the Law")
* [2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law During Temple Renovation")
* [Hebrews 7:23-24](/hebrews/7-23 "The Perpetuity of Christ's Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a genealogical entry might seem distant from modern life, 1 Chronicles 6:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It calls us to appreciate the spiritual heritage passed down through generations of faithful individuals, recognizing that our faith is not isolated but stands on the shoulders of those who came before us, much like Hilkiah stood in a long line of priests. The implicit story of Hilkiah's discovery of the Book of the Law serves as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of God's Word. It challenges us to actively seek, read, and apply the Scriptures in our own lives, allowing its truth to bring about personal and communal revival, just as it did for ancient Israel. Furthermore, this verse encourages us to recognize that even seemingly "small" or unheralded roles within God's larger plan are significant. Like Shallum, who is simply a link, our faithfulness in our current sphere of influence contributes to the ongoing spiritual continuity for future generations, building a legacy of faith for those who will follow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing our spiritual heritage and the faithfulness of past generations impact our present faith and future actions?**
* **In what ways can we, like Hilkiah, prioritize and "rediscover" God's Word in our own lives and communities, allowing it to spark renewal?**
* **What does it mean to be a faithful "link" in God's ongoing story, even in seemingly ordinary or unheralded roles, for the benefit of future generations?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible, particularly in Chronicles, serve multiple crucial functions beyond mere historical record-keeping. They establish **legitimacy** for claims to land inheritance, tribal identity, and, most importantly, the right to hold specific offices like kingship (Davidic line) and the priesthood (Aaronic line). For the post-exilic community, these lists provided **reassurance** of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating the unbroken continuity of His chosen lines for leadership and worship. They also served as a **theological statement**, showing how God works through generations, preserving His people and His plan despite human failings. The meticulous detail, as seen in [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "The Lineage of Levi and the High Priests"), reinforced the divine order and the sacredness of the priestly office.

**What was the significance of Hilkiah's discovery of the Book of the Law?**

Answer: Hilkiah's discovery of the Book of the Law (likely a portion of Deuteronomy) in the Temple during its renovation, as recorded in [2 Kings 22](/2_kings/22 "King Josiah's Reforms and the Discovery of the Book of the Law") and [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "Josiah's Reign and the Discovery of the Book of the Law"), was a watershed moment for ancient Israel. Its significance lies in the profound **spiritual revival and national reformation** it sparked under King Josiah. The rediscovery of God's forgotten commands exposed the nation's idolatry and disobedience, leading to widespread repentance, the destruction of pagan altars, and the re-establishment of the Passover celebration. This event underscored the **transformative power of God's Word** to convict, guide, and restore a people to covenant faithfulness, highlighting the high priest's critical role in preserving and proclaiming divine truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The high priestly lineage, meticulously recorded in 1 Chronicles 6:13 and throughout the Old Testament, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Aaronic priesthood, with its succession of high priests like Hilkiah and Azariah, was a temporary and imperfect system, requiring continuous generations of mediators because of death and sin. Each high priest served as a type, pointing forward to the one who would truly bridge the gap between God and humanity. Jesus, however, is the eternal and perfect High Priest, not according to the Levitical order, but according to the order of Melchizedek ([Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "The Priesthood of Melchizedek")). Unlike the earthly priests who offered repeated sacrifices for their own sins and the sins of the people, Jesus offered Himself as the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice, rendering all subsequent sacrifices and the need for a continuous priestly succession obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His priesthood is unchangeable and eternal, meaning He "always lives to intercede for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Thus, the long, divinely preserved line of high priests culminating in Hilkiah and Azariah ultimately serves to magnify the singular, superior, and everlasting priesthood of Christ, through whom we have direct and permanent access to God ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Boldness to Enter the Sanctuary")).

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

2 Kings 22:4

Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people:

2 Kings 22:12

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,

2 Kings 22:14

So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.

2 Chronicles 35:8

And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred [small cattle], and three hundred oxen.

2 Chronicles 34:14

¶ And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the LORD [given] by Moses.

2 Chronicles 34:20

And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,