1 Chronicles 9:12

KJV

And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Adaiah {H5718} the son {H1121} of Jeroham {H3395}, the son {H1121} of Pashur {H6583}, the son {H1121} of Malchijah {H4441}, and Maasiai {H4640} the son {H1121} of Adiel {H5717}, the son {H1121} of Jahzerah {H3170}, the son {H1121} of Meshullam {H4918}, the son {H1121} of Meshillemith {H4921}, the son {H1121} of Immer {H564};

Complete Jewish Bible

'Adayah the son of Yerocham the son of Pash'chur the son of Malkiyah, Ma'asai the son of 'Adi'el the son of Yachzerah the son of Meshulam the son of Meshilmit the son of Immer,

Berean Standard Bible

Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;

American Standard Version

and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:12 meticulously lists two prominent priestly families—those of Adaiah and Maasiai—along with their detailed genealogies, who were among the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It serves as a vital record within the broader census of those who returned to repopulate the holy city and re-establish its religious and civic life, underscoring the continuity of the priestly office and the divine order in the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9 functions as a detailed register of the inhabitants of Jerusalem and other cities in Judah following the return from Babylonian captivity. It immediately follows a comprehensive genealogical record stretching from Adam through the tribes of Israel, culminating in the lineage of Saul. Chapter 9 then shifts focus to the post-exilic community, detailing the families—specifically the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and temple servants—who resettled in Jerusalem. This particular verse, [1 Chronicles 9:12](/1_chronicles/9-12 "1 Chronicles 9:12 - Post-Exilic Priestly Lineage"), is part of an extended list of priests (verses 10-13) who were responsible for the sacred duties in the re-established Temple. It serves to validate their rightful place and role in the renewed worship system, bridging the historical narrative of the exile with the practical re-establishment efforts described in later books like [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - The Return from Exile") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for 1 Chronicles 9:12 is the period immediately following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Judah after approximately 70 years of captivity in Babylon, as prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return from Exile")). The returnees faced immense challenges, including a devastated land, a ruined temple, and a diminished population. Culturally, the meticulous recording of genealogies was paramount in ancient Israel, especially for priests and Levites, to prove their legitimate claim to their hereditary roles and land inheritances. The purity of lineage ensured that only those divinely appointed could perform the sacred rituals, thereby maintaining the integrity of the covenant community and its worship. This re-population and re-establishment of the religious infrastructure were critical steps in the nation's spiritual and physical recovery.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the broader context of 1 Chronicles 9, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Restoration and Re-establishment**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in bringing a remnant of His people back to their land and enabling the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its spiritual life, even after severe judgment (cf. [Isaiah 43:5-7](/isaiah/43-5-7 "Isaiah 43:5-7 - God's Promise to Gather Israel")). Secondly, it underscores the **Importance of Priestly Lineage and Temple Worship**. The detailed genealogies of priests and Levites were crucial for maintaining the legitimacy and continuity of temple service, ensuring that worship was conducted according to the Mosaic Law (cf. [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")). Finally, the meticulous listing reflects a theme of **Divine Order and Structure**, illustrating God's precise plan for His people and the importance of every individual's place and role within the community's spiritual and civic life, contributing to the overall well-being and function of the renewed nation (cf. [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adaiah (Hebrew, _‘Adāyāh_):** Meaning "Jehovah has adorned himself" or "Jehovah has passed by," this name is significant as it reflects a theological statement about God's character or action. As the head of a priestly family, Adaiah's name would have served as a constant reminder of God's presence, beauty, or intervention in the life of His people, particularly in the context of re-establishing His worship in Jerusalem. The inclusion of such a name at the head of a lineage underscores the divine blessing and purpose associated with the priestly office.
* **Maasiai (Hebrew, _Ma‘ăsay_):** Derived from a root meaning "work" or "deed," Maasiai (also spelled Maaseiah elsewhere) signifies "the work of Yahweh." This name, like Adaiah, carries theological weight, emphasizing that the priestly service performed by this family was not merely human endeavor but a divine undertaking, ordained and empowered by God. In the post-exilic context, it would have served as an encouragement that the arduous task of rebuilding and spiritual renewal was indeed God's work through His chosen servants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah":** This clause introduces Adaiah, a key priestly figure in the post-exilic community, and meticulously traces his lineage back through three generations. The detailed genealogy was essential to establish his legitimacy and authority to serve in the re-established Temple. Each "son of" emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent, vital for proving one's priestly credentials according to the Law of Moses. The names listed connect Adaiah to established priestly families, ensuring continuity with pre-exilic traditions and validating his position in the new order.
* **"and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;":** This second clause introduces Maasiai, another significant priest, and provides an even longer genealogical chain, tracing his lineage back through five generations. The lengthier lineage might indicate a particularly prominent or well-established priestly family. Like Adaiah's lineage, Maasiai's detailed ancestry serves to confirm his rightful place in the priestly service. The inclusion of these specific names and their ancestral lines underscores the Chronicler's concern with the proper re-establishment of the cultic system and the purity of the priestly office in Jerusalem after the return from exile.

#### Literary Devices
While primarily a genealogical record, 1 Chronicles 9:12 employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Genealogy** itself, a common feature in biblical literature, serving not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement about continuity, legitimacy, and divine promise. The meticulous listing of names and their paternal lines emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent, which was critically important for priestly service. This verse also utilizes **Enumeration**, systematically listing individuals to create a comprehensive register, reinforcing the idea of order and divine oversight in the re-establishment of the community. Furthermore, the **Significance of Names** (as discussed in Key Word Analysis) acts as a subtle literary device, as the very meanings of the names often carry theological weight, subtly affirming God's character or action in the lives of these individuals and their service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:12, though a seemingly dry list of names, profoundly illustrates God's commitment to His covenant people and the meticulous restoration of His worship. It speaks to the divine principle of order and the sacredness of appointed roles within the community of faith. The Chronicler's emphasis on priestly lineage after the exile underscores the belief that true worship must be conducted according to God's prescribed ways, maintaining continuity with the past while looking forward to a renewed future. This attention to detail reflects God's own character—He is a God of order, who remembers His promises and faithfully restores His people, ensuring that the means of approaching Him are properly maintained.

* [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")
* [Nehemiah 7:64](/nehemiah/7-64 "Nehemiah 7:64 - Exclusion from Priesthood Due to Unverified Genealogy")
* [Hebrews 7:11-14](/hebrews/7-11-14 "Hebrews 7:11-14 - The Need for a New Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles 9:12, while challenging to read, offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. They remind us that God values every individual and every role within His grand redemptive plan. Just as the priests of old were called to specific, vital duties in the Temple, so too are believers today called to faithful service within the body of Christ. Our "lineage" is now spiritual, through faith in Jesus, but the principle of order, dedication, and the importance of our unique contributions remains. This verse encourages us to embrace our God-given roles, however seemingly small or grand, with diligence and reverence, knowing that our service contributes to the larger work of God's kingdom. It also speaks to the importance of historical continuity and learning from the faithfulness of those who have gone before us, building upon their legacy for the generations to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this genealogy challenge or affirm your understanding of God's attention to individual lives and roles?**
* **In what ways does your own "spiritual lineage" (the faith passed down to you) influence your walk with God today?**
* **What specific "priestly" or service roles has God called you to in your community or church, and how can you fulfill them with greater faithfulness?**
* **How does the re-establishment of order and worship in post-exilic Jerusalem inspire you to seek order and intentionality in your own spiritual disciplines?**

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

Answer: The extensive and often repetitive genealogies in books like 1 Chronicles serve several critical purposes beyond mere historical record. For the post-exilic community, they were vital for establishing legal and social legitimacy. Specifically for priests and Levites, an unbroken and verifiable lineage was absolutely essential to prove their right to serve in the Temple and perform sacred duties, as outlined in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Priestly Duties of Aaron and His Sons")). Without a clear genealogical record, one could not claim the priestly office (cf. [Nehemiah 7:64](/nehemiah/7-64 "Nehemiah 7:64 - Exclusion from Priesthood Due to Unverified Genealogy")). Furthermore, these lists reinforced tribal identities, land claims, and the continuity of God's covenant promises to specific families and the nation as a whole, demonstrating His faithfulness even after judgment and exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 9:12 details the earthly priestly lineage for the re-established Temple, its ultimate fulfillment points to the perfect and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. The meticulous recording of human genealogies for the Levitical priesthood highlighted its inherent limitations—it was dependent on human birth, subject to sin, and required continuous succession. This very need for an unbroken lineage foreshadowed the need for a priest who would not die and whose priesthood would therefore be permanent. Jesus, as the great High Priest, fulfills and transcends the Old Testament priestly system, not through a Levitical lineage (as He was from the tribe of Judah, cf. [Hebrews 7:14](/hebrews/7-14 "Hebrews 7:14 - Jesus from the Tribe of Judah")), but according to the order of Melchizedek, an eternal priesthood (cf. [Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Jesus, a Priest Forever According to the Order of Melchizedek")). His single, perfect sacrifice on the cross (cf. [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")) rendered the daily sacrifices and the need for a succession of human priests obsolete. Through Him, all believers are now part of a "royal priesthood" (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), able to draw near to God directly, fulfilling the deepest longing for communion that the Old Testament priesthood only partially facilitated.

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

Nehemiah 7:40

The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.

Ezra 2:37

The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.

1 Chronicles 24:14

The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,

Nehemiah 11:12

And their brethren that did the work of the house [were] eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,

Nehemiah 11:13

And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,