1 Chronicles 9:14

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

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};

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;

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

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

Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:14 is part of a detailed genealogical record in the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically focusing on the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This verse names Shemaiah, tracing his lineage through several generations to identify him as a descendant of Merari, one of the three foundational branches of the Levites.

Context

The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled after the return from Babylonian captivity, providing a historical and spiritual framework for the restored Israelite community. Chapter 9 meticulously lists those who resettled Jerusalem, emphasizing the re-establishment of the priesthood and the Levites, who were crucial for the proper functioning of the temple and its services. This chapter serves as a vital register, ensuring that the roles and responsibilities within the community, especially those related to worship, were properly maintained according to ancestral lines and divine appointment.

Key Themes

  • Genealogical Continuity: The detailed lineage underscores the importance of heritage and divine promises. It confirms the identity and rightful place of individuals within the community and for specific roles, particularly for temple service.
  • Order and Organization: The meticulous listing reflects God's desire for order in worship and community life. Every individual, even those in long lists, had a designated place and function.
  • Post-Exilic Restoration: This verse, along with the surrounding text, highlights the efforts to rebuild not just the physical city and temple, but also the spiritual and social structures of Israel after their return from exile, emphasizing the re-establishment of temple service.
  • The Role of the Levites: Shemaiah's identification as a "son of Merari" points to his specific duties within the Levitical service. The Merarites were traditionally responsible for the heavier elements of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness wanderings, and later for specific tasks in the temple, such as maintaining its structure and instruments.

Linguistic Insights

The names themselves are Hebrew, and while each name carries its own meaning (e.g., Shemaiah means "heard by Yahweh"), the primary significance in this context is their function as a precise record. The genealogical structure, "the son of," meticulously documents the family lines, vital for establishing tribal identity and ensuring proper succession for religious duties.

Significance and Application

While a list of names might seem dry, 1 Chronicles 9:14 reminds us of several enduring truths. It testifies to God's attention to detail and His sovereign plan, where every individual has a place in His grand design. Just as the Levites had specific, divinely appointed roles, so too does every believer have a part to play in God's kingdom. This verse encourages us to appreciate the historical continuity of faith and the importance of our spiritual heritage. It also underscores that even seemingly small or organizational roles are vital for the functioning of God's people and the carrying out of His purposes, much like the specific duties of the Merarites were essential for the Tabernacle.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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,
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