1 Chronicles 6:24

KJV

Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.

KJV (with Strong's)

Tahath {H8480} his son {H1121}, Uriel {H222} his son {H1121}, Uzziah {H5818} his son {H1121}, and Shaul {H7586} his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

his son Tachat, his son Uri'el, his son 'Uziyah and his son Sha'ul.

Berean Standard Bible

Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.

American Standard Version

Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:24 is a concise but significant entry within the extensive Levitical genealogies, specifically tracing a segment of the Kohathite line that culminates in the prophet Samuel. This verse meticulously records four successive generations—Tahath, Uriel, Uzziah, and Shaul—each identified as "his son," underscoring the direct patrilineal descent crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance, and eligibility for sacred service in post-exilic Israel. It serves as a testament to the continuity of God's covenant people and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving their heritage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 6 is dedicated to the detailed genealogies of the Levites, the tribe set apart for temple service. This chapter meticulously traces the descendants of Levi through his three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—emphasizing their roles in the tabernacle and later the Temple. Verse 24 falls within the Kohathite lineage, specifically a branch leading to Heman, one of David's chief musicians, and ultimately to the prophet Samuel. The meticulous recording of these names, even seemingly minor ones, serves to establish legitimacy, maintain tribal distinctions, and confirm the qualifications for sacred duties, which was paramount for the returning exiles re-establishing their community and worship. This verse is part of a larger, deliberate effort to connect the present community to their foundational past, reaffirming their identity as God's chosen people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled after the Babylonian exile, during a period when the Jewish community was re-establishing itself in Judah. For this returning community, genealogies were not mere historical records but vital documents that confirmed tribal affiliations, justified claims to land, and, most importantly, validated eligibility for priestly and Levitical service in the rebuilt Temple. Without a clear lineage, one could not participate in the sacred functions or claim ancestral land. The Levites, though not priests, had crucial roles in the Temple, including guarding, teaching, and assisting with sacrifices. The precise recording of generations, as seen in this verse, was a cultural imperative to ensure the continuity of their religious and social structure, reflecting a deep concern for order and adherence to ancestral traditions in a time of national rebuilding.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 6:24 contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Continuity and Heritage** are paramount, as the verse highlights the unbroken chain of generations, emphasizing the preservation of Israelite identity through time. This was vital for the post-exilic community to understand their place in God's ongoing plan and their connection to the promises made to their forefathers. Secondly, **Divine Faithfulness** is powerfully demonstrated; the very existence of these detailed genealogies testifies to God's unwavering commitment to maintaining a chosen people and preserving the lines through whom His promises would be fulfilled, even through periods of exile and hardship, as seen in the broader narrative of [God's covenant with Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Call of Abraham"). Thirdly, **Order and Structure** are reflected in the meticulous nature of these lists, underscoring the divine order within the community of Israel, particularly concerning the [Levitical service](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6 - The Levites Given to Aaron") and the priesthood. Every individual had a designated place within the larger divine structure, ensuring the proper functioning of religious life and communal identity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Son" (Hebrew, בֵּן _ben_):** This recurring term is foundational to genealogical lists, signifying direct patrilineal descent. Its repetition in 1 Chronicles 6:24 ("Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son") emphasizes an unbroken, direct succession from father to son. In ancient Israelite society, "son" was not merely a biological descriptor but a legal and social term that established identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliation, and eligibility for specific roles, particularly within the priesthood and Levitical service. The meticulous use of "his son" underscores the legitimacy and continuity of the lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Tahath his son":** This phrase introduces the first individual in this specific four-generation sequence, establishing Tahath as the direct descendant of the previously mentioned individual in the genealogy (likely Assir, though the immediate preceding verse lists Elkanah and Amasai, indicating a branching or summary). It serves as a critical link in the chain, ensuring the precise tracing of the lineage.
* **"Uriel his son":** Continuing the direct patrilineal succession, Uriel is identified as the son of Tahath. This repetitive structure reinforces the unbroken nature of the line, which was essential for validating the identity and roles of individuals within the Levitical framework.
* **"Uzziah his son":** Uzziah follows Uriel, further extending the lineage. The consistent use of "his son" highlights the meticulous record-keeping and the importance placed on direct, verifiable descent for the post-exilic community.
* **"and Shaul his son":** This final phrase in the verse concludes this particular segment of the genealogy, identifying Shaul as the son of Uzziah. While the names themselves are common and their individual meanings are secondary in this context, their inclusion as part of a continuous "son of" chain is paramount for establishing the comprehensive and authoritative record of the Levitical families, leading eventually to significant figures like Samuel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:24, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy** or **Lineage**. This device serves a multifaceted purpose: it establishes historical continuity, validates tribal identity, confirms legal and religious legitimacy (especially for priestly and Levitical service), and demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people. The meticulous listing of names, even seemingly obscure ones, underscores the divine order and the importance of every link in the chain of God's redemptive plan. Closely related is **Repetition**, specifically the recurring phrase "his son," which emphasizes the direct, unbroken patrilineal descent. This repetition reinforces the authenticity and reliability of the genealogical record, highlighting the systematic nature of the chronicler's work. Furthermore, the verse employs **Enumeration**, a simple listing of names, which, while seemingly dry, is a deliberate literary choice to convey comprehensive detail and to emphasize the sheer volume and continuity of the generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous recording of genealogies, as seen in 1 Chronicles 6:24, speaks volumes about God's sovereign plan and His unwavering faithfulness. It underscores that every individual, even those seemingly minor in the grand narrative, plays a part in the unfolding of His purposes. For the post-exilic community, these lists were not just dry historical facts but living proof that God had preserved His people through exile and hardship, maintaining the lines through which His covenant promises, including the coming Messiah, would be fulfilled. This attention to detail reflects a divine perspective that values every link in the chain of salvation history, affirming that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people across generations.

* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we may not trace our physical lineage in the same meticulous way as the ancient Israelites, 1 Chronicles 6:24 profoundly reminds us of the importance of spiritual heritage and our place within God's ongoing story. Just as God preserved these specific lines for His divine purposes, He also preserves a spiritual lineage of faith through generations. We are called to understand that our lives are not isolated events but part of a larger, divine narrative that stretches back through faithful ancestors and extends forward to future generations. This verse encourages us to appreciate the faithfulness of those who came before us, to learn from their journey of faith, and to prayerfully consider the legacy of faith we are building and passing on to those who will follow. It also speaks to God's incredible attention to detail and His sovereign plan that encompasses every individual, assuring us that our lives, too, are known and purposed by Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding our spiritual heritage, connecting us to a long line of believers, impact our present faith and sense of identity?**
* **What specific actions can we take today to honor the spiritual legacy of those who have faithfully served God before us?**
* **Considering God's meticulous attention to detail in preserving genealogies, how does this truth encourage us regarding His care for the seemingly "small" details of our own lives?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy are we intentionally building for future generations, both within our families and our communities of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and seemingly repetitive in the Bible?**

Answer: The extensive and often repetitive genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 6:24, served several crucial purposes for the ancient Israelite community, especially after the Babylonian exile. They were not merely historical records but vital documents that established identity, confirmed tribal affiliations, validated claims to ancestral land, and, most importantly, verified eligibility for priestly and Levitical service in the Temple. For the returning exiles, a clear lineage was essential for re-establishing their social, religious, and political structure. Furthermore, these lists demonstrated God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through generations, even through periods of hardship and dispersion, affirming the continuity of His promises. They also highlighted the divine order within the community, ensuring proper roles and responsibilities were maintained.

**What was the specific role of the Levites, and why was their lineage so important?**

Answer: The Levites were a tribe set apart by God for sacred service in the tabernacle and later the Temple, distinct from the Aaronic priesthood (who were a specific family within the Levites). Their roles were diverse and essential for the functioning of Israel's worship. They were responsible for guarding the tabernacle/Temple, transporting its components, assisting the priests with sacrifices, teaching the Law, maintaining the Temple facilities, and leading worship through music, as seen with figures like Heman, a descendant in this very lineage. Their lineage was paramount because their service was hereditary; only those born into the tribe of Levi could perform these duties. Meticulous genealogical records, like 1 Chronicles 6:24, ensured that only qualified individuals served, maintaining the purity and order of divine worship as prescribed by God's Law (e.g., [Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - The Levites Appointed to Serve")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:24, a seemingly dry genealogical entry, does not directly prophesy Christ, it profoundly contributes to the overarching biblical narrative that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Him. The meticulous preservation of lineages, particularly the Levitical line, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining a people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. Every name listed, including Tahath, Uriel, Uzziah, and Shaul, is a testament to the sovereign hand of God guiding history towards the arrival of His Son. Jesus Christ, though not from the tribe of Levi but from Judah (as highlighted in [Hebrews 7:14](/hebrews/7-14 "Hebrews 7:14 - Christ from Judah")), fulfills and transcends all the purposes of the Levitical system. He is the ultimate High Priest, offering a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that renders all previous Temple service obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the very concept of lineage finds its culmination in Christ's own genealogies, meticulously recorded in the New Testament to prove His rightful claim as the Messiah, the Son of David, and the Son of God ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Through faith in Him, believers are adopted into a spiritual lineage, becoming "heirs according to the promise" ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")), part of God's eternal family, a heritage far surpassing any earthly tribal affiliation.

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.