1 Chronicles 6:9

KJV

And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ahimaaz {H290} begat {H3205} Azariah {H5838}, and Azariah {H5838} begat {H3205} Johanan {H3110},

Complete Jewish Bible

Achima'atz fathered 'Azaryah, 'Azaryah fathered Yochanan,

Berean Standard Bible

Ahimaaz was the father of Azariah, Azariah was the father of Johanan,

American Standard Version

and Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:9 is a succinct but significant entry within the extensive Levitical genealogies, specifically tracing the high priestly lineage through Ahimaaz, Azariah, and Johanan. This verse serves as a critical link in the meticulous record of succession for the Aaronic priesthood, underscoring the Chronicler's emphasis on continuity, legitimacy, and the divine order established for Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God, providing a historical anchor for the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the sixth chapter of 1 Chronicles, which is predominantly dedicated to the genealogies of the Levites, the tribe divinely appointed for sanctuary service. Within this chapter, a special focus is placed on the descendants of Aaron, who were designated as priests. The immediate preceding verses establish the line of Aaron through Zadok and Ahimaaz, setting the stage for 1 Chronicles 6:9 to continue this vital succession. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping here is not merely for historical interest but serves a theological purpose: to affirm the legitimate continuity of the priesthood, essential for the proper functioning of Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God, particularly for the post-exilic community seeking to re-establish its identity and religious practices in Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the high priest held a uniquely sacred and authoritative position, serving as the primary mediator between God and the people. Their role involved leading the sacrificial system, entering the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement, and interpreting divine will. Consequently, the legitimacy of the high priest's lineage was paramount. Only those descended directly from Aaron could serve in this sacred office, as established in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 29:9](/exodus/29-9 "Exodus 29:9 - Perpetual Priesthood") and [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron's Sons for Priestly Service")). The genealogies in Chronicles, compiled after the Babylonian exile, were crucial for the returning community to verify the identity and authority of those claiming priestly roles, ensuring adherence to God's ordained system and maintaining the purity of the cult.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 6:9 within these detailed genealogies highlights several key themes central to the Chronicler's message. Firstly, it emphasizes the **continuity of the priesthood**, demonstrating an unbroken line of succession from Aaron, which was vital for the legitimacy of religious leadership. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine order and faithfulness**, showing God's meticulous care in preserving the institutions He established, even through generations. This meticulous record-keeping also speaks to the **importance of heritage and identity** for the Israelite community, grounding their present in a divinely ordained past. Finally, the very act of listing names, though seemingly mundane, implicitly points to God's **sovereignty over history**, as each individual plays a part in His overarching redemptive plan, a theme woven throughout the entire book of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad'_):** This verb (יָלַד) is a foundational term in biblical genealogies, signifying "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to become the father of." In the context of 1 Chronicles 6:9, its repeated use emphasizes direct paternal succession, crucial for establishing the unbroken chain of the high priestly lineage. While simple in its literal meaning, its theological weight here is profound, validating the legitimacy and authority passed down through generations, ensuring the continuity of the sacred office.
* **Ahimaaz (Hebrew, _'Achima'ats'_):** The name (אֲחִימַעַץ) means "my brother is wrath" or "brother of counsel." This Ahimaaz is the son of Zadok, a prominent high priest during the reigns of David and Solomon. He is known for his loyalty and swiftness as a messenger (e.g., [2 Samuel 18:27](/2_samuel/18-27 "2 Samuel 18:27 - Ahimaaz brings news to David")). His inclusion here anchors the lineage in a well-known historical figure, lending credibility to the subsequent generations.
* **Azariah (Hebrew, _'Azaryah'_):** This common Hebrew name (עֲזַרְיָה) means "Yahweh has helped." Its frequent appearance in priestly and royal lineages across the Old Testament necessitates careful contextual identification. In 1 Chronicles 6:9, Azariah is presented as the direct successor to Ahimaaz, further extending the high priestly line. The name itself may subtly reflect the Chronicler's theme of God's providential care in maintaining the sacred office.
* **Johanan (Hebrew, _Yehochanan'_):** The name (יוֹחָנָן) means "Yahweh is gracious" or "Yahweh has shown favor." Johanan is listed as the son of Azariah, continuing the chain of succession. Like Azariah, this name is relatively common, but its placement here is specific to the high priestly genealogy, reinforcing the idea that God's grace was at work in preserving this vital spiritual office for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ahimaaz begat Azariah":** This clause establishes the direct paternal link from Ahimaaz to his son Azariah. Given Ahimaaz's historical prominence as a high priest during David's reign, this connection solidifies the legitimacy of Azariah's claim to the priestly office, ensuring the continuity of the Aaronic line through Zadok's descendants. It signifies the transfer of spiritual authority and responsibility from one generation to the next.
* **"and Azariah begat Johanan":** This second clause extends the high priestly lineage by one more generation, linking Azariah to his son Johanan. The repetitive "begat" structure reinforces the unbroken nature of the succession, which was paramount for the Chronicler's audience. This continuity was not merely a historical record but a theological affirmation of God's faithfulness in maintaining the institutions He ordained for His people's worship and covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:9, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of names and lineages serves several crucial functions. It establishes **legitimacy** for the priestly class, affirming their right to serve based on their direct descent from Aaron. It provides **continuity**, demonstrating an unbroken chain of authority from the earliest times through the generations leading up to the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, offering a sense of stability and historical grounding. The repetitive structure, particularly the recurring phrase "begat," functions as a form of **anaphora** and **repetition**, emphasizing the methodical and deliberate nature of the divine order in succession. Furthermore, the very **conciseness** of each entry in the list (name A begat name B) highlights the functional purpose of these genealogies: to record the essential links in the chain rather than to provide detailed biographies, underscoring the importance of lineage over individual exploits in this specific context.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 6:9 appears as a simple record of names, its theological significance is profound. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His institutions. The preservation of the high priestly line was not merely a human endeavor but a divine mandate, crucial for the proper functioning of the sacrificial system and the maintenance of Israel's relationship with God. This verse, therefore, implicitly testifies to God's faithfulness in upholding His promises and providing the necessary means for atonement and worship, even through successive generations. It highlights the importance of order, legitimacy, and continuity in spiritual leadership, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative concerning divine appointments and sacred service. The seemingly dry list becomes a testament to God's enduring commitment to His people and His plan of redemption.

* [Exodus 29:9](/exodus/29-9 "Exodus 29:9 - Perpetual Priesthood")
* [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron's Sons for Priestly Service")
* [Nehemiah 12:10-11](/nehemiah/12-10 "Nehemiah 12:10-11 - Post-Exilic High Priestly Line")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane record of "who begat whom" in 1 Chronicles 6:9 offers surprising depth for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that God's grand plan unfolds not just through dramatic events but also through the quiet, consistent faithfulness of individuals across generations. This verse encourages us to appreciate the spiritual heritage we have received, recognizing that our faith is built upon the foundation laid by those who came before us, a continuous lineage of believers. It prompts us to consider our own role in this ongoing story, asking how we are faithfully stewarding the spiritual legacy entrusted to us and preparing the way for those who will follow. Just as God meticulously preserved the priestly line, He is equally attentive to the details of our lives, weaving them into His larger tapestry of redemption. This should inspire both humility and confidence: humility in recognizing our place within a much larger narrative, and confidence in God's unwavering faithfulness to His purposes across all time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies deepen your appreciation for God's attention to detail in His redemptive plan?**
* **In what ways do you recognize and value your own spiritual heritage within the family of God, and how does that heritage shape your identity and calling?**
* **How does the concept of continuity, as seen in the priestly line, encourage you in your own walk of faith, knowing that God's purposes endure across generations and that your faithfulness contributes to a larger, ongoing story?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so long and detailed in Chronicles?**

Answer: The extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 6:9, serve multiple crucial purposes for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience. Primarily, they establish **legitimacy** for the returning community, particularly regarding priestly and Levitical roles, ensuring that those serving in the Temple were indeed from the divinely appointed lineages. They also affirm **continuity** with Israel's past, demonstrating that despite exile and displacement, God's covenant promises and institutions remained intact. Furthermore, these lists helped to define **national and tribal identity**, allowing families to trace their heritage and claim their ancestral land portions (as seen in [1 Chronicles 9:1](/1_chronicles/9-1 "1 Chronicles 9:1 - Genealogies of Israel and Judah")). Ultimately, they underscored God's **faithfulness** in preserving His chosen people and their sacred order through generations.

**Is this Azariah the same as other Azariahs mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: The name Azariah (meaning "Yahweh has helped") was quite common in ancient Israel, particularly within priestly families. Therefore, the Azariah mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:9, the son of Ahimaaz and father of Johanan, is distinct from other individuals bearing the same name, such as the Azariah who was a prophet during the reign of King Asa ([2 Chronicles 15:1](/2_chronicles/15-1 "2 Chronicles 15:1 - Azariah the Prophet")) or the Azariah who was a high priest in the time of King Uzziah ([2 Chronicles 26:17](/2_chronicles/26-17 "2 Chronicles 26:17 - Azariah the High Priest confronts Uzziah")). In biblical genealogies, the specific parentage and immediate successors are crucial for accurate identification, ensuring that each individual is placed correctly within their respective lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:9 meticulously traces the earthly, human lineage of the Aaronic priesthood, its ultimate theological trajectory points beyond temporary mediators to the perfect and eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ. The Levitical priests, though divinely appointed, were themselves imperfect and mortal, requiring continuous succession due to death and sin, as highlighted in [Hebrews 7:23](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23 - Many Priests Because of Death"). This verse, by affirming the continuity of a human priestly line, subtly foreshadows the need for a priest who would not be subject to death or the limitations of human frailty. Jesus, as the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), fulfills all that the Aaronic priesthood could only anticipate. He is not appointed by physical descent but by an indestructible life ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Jesus' Priesthood by Power of Indestructible Life")), offering a single, perfect sacrifice for sins once for all ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Jesus' One Sacrifice")). Thus, the meticulous record of priestly lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:9, far from being an end in itself, serves as a foundational layer in God's redemptive history, preparing the way for the ultimate Priest who would secure eternal redemption and provide perpetual intercession for all who come to God through Him ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")).

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.