1 Chronicles 9:14

KJV

¶ And of the Levites; Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the Levites {H3881}; Shemaiah {H8098} the son {H1121} of Hasshub {H2815}, the son {H1121} of Azrikam {H5840}, the son {H1121} of Hashabiah {H2811}, of the sons {H1121} of Merari {H4847};

Complete Jewish Bible

Of the L'vi'im: Sh'ma'yah the son of Hashuv the son of 'Azrikam the son of Hashavyah, from the descendants of M'rari;

Berean Standard Bible

From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, a descendant of Merari;

American Standard Version

And of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:14 presents a concise but significant genealogical entry, identifying Shemaiah, a descendant of Merari, as one of the Levites who resettled in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This verse is part of a larger register detailing the inhabitants of the restored city, particularly focusing on those responsible for temple service. It underscores the meticulous attention given to lineage and divine appointment in re-establishing the proper order of worship and community life in post-exilic Israel, ensuring continuity with their ancestral heritage and God's covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9 serves as a crucial bridge within the Chronicler's narrative, transitioning from the extensive genealogies of chapters 1-8 to the historical accounts of Saul and David in subsequent chapters. Specifically, verses 1-34 detail the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian captivity, emphasizing the roles of priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and other temple servants. This chapter functions as a "census" of the restored community, highlighting God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land and re-establishing the structures of worship. The meticulous listing, including Shemaiah's lineage, underscores the importance of proper order and divine appointment in the re-inauguration of temple life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, perhaps between 450-400 BC, for the community that had returned to Judah from Babylon. This era was marked by the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Second Temple, as described in books like [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - The Return from Exile") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer"). The returning exiles faced challenges of identity, continuity, and re-establishing their covenant relationship with God. Genealogies were critically important in ancient Israelite society, not merely for family pride but for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance, and, crucially, eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. The Levites, as a tribe set apart for temple duties, had specific roles, and their lineage ensured their legitimacy and the proper functioning of the sacred cult.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within 1 Chronicles 9, contributes to several overarching themes. **Genealogical Continuity** is paramount, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises through generations, even after exile, and affirming the identity and rightful roles of individuals. The detailed lists reflect God's desire for **Order and Organization** in worship and community life, emphasizing that every individual, no matter how seemingly small their role, has a divinely appointed place and function within His grand design, as seen in the precise instructions for the Levites in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Levites' Duties"). The chapter also powerfully illustrates **Post-Exilic Restoration**, showcasing the efforts to rebuild not just the physical city and temple, but also the spiritual and social structures of Israel. Finally, the specific mention of Levites like Shemaiah highlights **The Indispensable Role of the Levites** in maintaining the temple service, from guarding and cleaning to musical performance and teaching the law, as outlined in passages like [1 Chronicles 23](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - The Divisions of the Levites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levites (Hebrew, _Lēwīm'_):** This term refers to the descendants of Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons. They were the tribe set apart by God for service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Unlike the priests (who were a subset of the Levites, specifically descendants of Aaron), the Levites performed a wide range of duties, including carrying the Tabernacle, maintaining its structure, guarding its precincts, assisting the priests, and later, serving as musicians, gatekeepers, and scribes. Their inclusion in this post-exilic register underscores the re-establishment of the divinely ordained system of worship.
* **Shemaiah (Hebrew, _Šĕmaʿyāh'_):** Meaning "heard by Yahweh" or "Yahweh has heard," this name was common in ancient Israel. While the specific Shemaiah in 1 Chronicles 9:14 is not a prominent figure in biblical narrative, his inclusion here emphasizes that even individuals whose actions are not extensively recorded are part of God's meticulous plan and the historical fabric of His people. His name itself carries a theological resonance, reminding the reader of God's attentiveness to His people.
* **Merari (Hebrew, _Mĕrārī'_):** Merari was the third son of Levi (along with Gershon and Kohath). The Merarites had specific duties related to the heavier elements of the Tabernacle during the wilderness wanderings, such as the frames, bars, pillars, and bases (as detailed in [Numbers 3:36-37](/numbers/3-36 "Numbers 3:36-37 - Duties of the Merarites")). In the Temple era, they continued to be responsible for the structural maintenance and heavier tasks. Identifying Shemaiah as a "son of Merari" places him within a specific branch of Levitical service, highlighting the organized and specialized nature of temple duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And of the Levites; Shemaiah the son of Hasshub":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the subject as one of the Levites, the tribe designated for sacred service. The paragraph marker (¶) in the KJV often indicates a new section or a significant shift in the text, here introducing the specific Levites who resettled in Jerusalem. Shemaiah is introduced as the primary individual, with his immediate paternal lineage, "the son of Hasshub," providing his direct family connection.
* **"the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah":** This continues the genealogical chain, tracing Shemaiah's ancestry back through two more generations. This meticulous tracing of lineage was crucial in post-exilic Israel for establishing identity, tribal affiliation, and, most importantly for Levites, eligibility for their sacred duties. It validates Shemaiah's rightful place within the Levitical order.
* **"of the sons of Merari;":** This final clause specifies Shemaiah's broader tribal branch within the Levites. By identifying him as a descendant of Merari, the text situates him within one of the three primary divisions of the Levites, each with distinct responsibilities. This detail reinforces the structured and orderly nature of the temple service and the importance of maintaining ancestral lines for proper functioning.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 9:14, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy** and **Enumeration**. The careful listing of names and lineages serves a crucial purpose beyond mere record-keeping; it establishes legitimacy, continuity, and divine order. This meticulous **Cataloging** emphasizes the importance of heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises through generations. The repetition of "the son of" creates a rhythmic **Anaphora** that reinforces the linear progression of family lines. While seemingly dry, this detailed enumeration is a form of **Historical Documentation**, asserting the identity and roles of the returning exiles and providing a foundation for the re-establishment of their national and religious life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:14, though a simple genealogical entry, powerfully underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign hand in preserving His people and their divinely appointed structures of worship. It reminds us that even in the seemingly mundane act of listing names, God is at work, ensuring the continuity of His covenant promises and the proper functioning of His kingdom. The emphasis on lineage for service points to the principle of divine calling and the importance of faithfulness across generations. This verse, therefore, is not just about historical record but about the enduring nature of God's plan for His people and the significance of every individual's place within that plan.

* [Numbers 3:12](/numbers/3-12 "Numbers 3:12 - The Levites Set Apart")
* [Nehemiah 11:15](/nehemiah/11-15 "Nehemiah 11:15 - Levites in Jerusalem")
* [Ezra 2:70](/ezra/2-70 "Ezra 2:70 - Priests, Levites, and Temple Servants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values prominence and individual achievement, 1 Chronicles 9:14 offers a quiet yet profound counter-narrative. It reminds us that God sees and values every individual, even those whose names appear in long lists and whose roles might seem organizational rather than spectacular. Just as Shemaiah had a specific, divinely appointed place within the Levitical order, so too does every believer have a unique and vital role to play in the body of Christ. This verse encourages us to embrace our calling, whatever it may be, with faithfulness and diligence, understanding that our contributions, no matter how small they seem, are essential to the functioning of God's kingdom. It invites us to appreciate the rich tapestry of faith woven through generations and to recognize that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, called to continue the legacy of worship and service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of genealogies like Shemaiah's lineage challenge our modern tendency to overlook or devalue seemingly "ordinary" roles within the church or community?**
* **What does the emphasis on proper lineage for service in ancient Israel teach us about the importance of spiritual heritage and continuity in our faith today?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to embrace a specific, perhaps "behind-the-scenes," role within His kingdom, similar to the specialized duties of the Levites?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in biblical texts, especially in 1 Chronicles, serve multiple critical functions beyond simple family trees. They establish **legitimacy** for claims to land, tribal identity, and, crucially, eligibility for sacred offices like the priesthood and Levitical service. For the post-exilic community, these lists provided a vital link to their past, affirming their identity as the chosen people of God and demonstrating the **continuity of God's covenant promises** despite the exile. They also underscore the **divine order** and meticulousness in God's plan, showing that every individual and family had a designated place within His people, contributing to the re-establishment of the nation and its worship structures. This is evident throughout the early chapters of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Abraham").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 9:14 speaks of the Old Testament Levitical order, it points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of all service and access to God in Jesus Christ. The Levites, including the Merarites, served as mediators and facilitators of worship, but their work was a shadow of the perfect and complete mediation offered by Christ. He is not merely a descendant of Levi, but the great High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, whose priesthood is eternal and superior to the Levitical system ([Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). Through His once-for-all sacrifice, Jesus has opened direct access to God for all believers, transforming us into a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). Thus, the meticulous genealogies that established eligibility for Old Covenant service find their ultimate meaning in the one who, by His perfect lineage and sinless life, fulfills all righteousness and enables us, through faith in Him, to serve God not by earthly descent, but by spiritual rebirth and divine calling ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12 "John 1:12-13 - Children 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

Nehemiah 10:11

Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,

1 Chronicles 6:63

Unto the sons of Merari [were given] by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

Numbers 26:57

¶ And these [are] they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites.

Nehemiah 12:24

And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise [and] to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.

Nehemiah 11:15

Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;

Nehemiah 11:19

Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, [were] an hundred seventy and two.

1 Chronicles 6:29

The sons of Merari; Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzza his son,