1 Chronicles 9:15

KJV

And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Bakbakkar {H1230}, Heresh {H2792}, and Galal {H1559}, and Mattaniah {H4983} the son {H1121} of Micah {H4316}, the son {H1121} of Zichri {H2147}, the son {H1121} of Asaph {H623};

Complete Jewish Bible

Bakbakar; Heresh; Galal; Matanyah the son of Mikha the son of Zikhri the son of Asaf;

Berean Standard Bible

Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;

American Standard Version

and Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:15 meticulously lists Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah, identifying them as Levites who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This verse is an integral part of a broader genealogical record detailing the post-exilic inhabitants of the restored city, particularly emphasizing the re-establishment of the community and the crucial roles of those responsible for temple service and worship. It powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a remnant and orchestrating their return and the reordering of His people for His divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 9:15 is situated within a pivotal genealogical section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which culminates in a detailed account of those who returned from Babylonian captivity and resettled in Jerusalem. Chapter 9 specifically focuses on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, meticulously listing individuals from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, Manasseh, and, most prominently, the priests and Levites. This meticulous record serves to establish the legitimacy, continuity, and divine ordering of the post-exilic community, particularly regarding the resumption of temple service. The verses immediately preceding and following 1 Chronicles 9:15 continue the enumeration of Levites, gatekeepers, and other temple servants, highlighting the organized and comprehensive effort to restore the spiritual life and infrastructure of Jerusalem after decades of desolation. This chapter acts as a crucial bridge, connecting the extensive genealogies of the past to the narrative of Saul's death and David's rise in the subsequent chapters, thereby emphasizing the re-establishment of the covenant community and its divinely ordained structure, rooted in its historical identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for 1 Chronicles 9:15 is the post-exilic period, following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, which permitted the Jews to return to their homeland after seventy years of Babylonian captivity ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree to Rebuild the Temple")). This return was not a single mass exodus but a series of waves, with various groups led by figures like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple was a monumental task, requiring not only physical reconstruction but also the painstaking re-establishment of religious and social order. Genealogies were critically important in ancient Israel for maintaining tribal identity, land inheritance, and, most significantly, for validating claims to priestly and Levitical service. Only those who could prove their lineage to Aaron (for priests) or Levi (for Levites) were permitted to serve in the Temple. The inclusion of names like Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah, along with Mattaniah's detailed lineage to Asaph, signifies the re-ordering of temple personnel and the restoration of proper worship according to Mosaic law. This period was marked by a deep desire to return to covenant faithfulness and rebuild the nation's spiritual core, ensuring that the restored community adhered to divine mandates.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of individuals in 1 Chronicles 9:15 and its surrounding context contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness**; despite Israel's disobedience leading to exile, God remained true to His covenant promises, bringing a remnant back to the land and restoring their worship ([Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promise of Restoration and Hope")). Secondly, the emphasis on the Levites highlights the **Continuity of Service and Worship**. The returnees were not merely rebuilding a city but re-establishing the sacred functions of the Temple, which required the specific, hereditary roles of the Levites. This ensured the resumption of sacrifices, praise, and instruction, integral to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God. Thirdly, the detailed enumeration, even of seemingly minor individuals, underscores the **Importance of Every Individual** in God's redemptive plan. Each person, regardless of their prominence, played a vital and necessary role in the collective restoration, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His people and His purposes. Finally, these genealogies serve as a **Historical Record and Foundation of Identity**, preserving the lineage and roles essential for the future of the nation and the legitimate functioning of its religious institutions. The Chronicler's emphasis on these lists reinforces the idea that God's plan unfolds precisely through specific people in specific historical moments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bakbakkar (Hebrew, _Baqbaqqar'_):** From the root meaning "to search" or "to inquire," this name (H1230) suggests a "searcher." While the specific role of Bakbakkar is not detailed, his inclusion among the Levites indicates his participation in the re-establishment of the community in Jerusalem. The name itself, though not directly expounded upon in the text, could subtly hint at the Levites' role in diligently seeking and maintaining the divine order in the restored temple service.
* **Mattaniah (Hebrew, _Mattanyâh'_):** Meaning "Gift of Jah" or "Gift of Yahweh" (H4983), this name is common in the Old Testament, particularly in the post-exilic period. Its presence here, especially with the detailed lineage, is significant. The name itself serves as a subtle theological statement, implying that the very existence of these individuals, and their ability to return and serve in the restored community, was a divine gift, a testament to God's grace and provision in the restoration period. It underscores the providential nature of their return and their roles.
* **Asaph (Hebrew, _ʼÂçâph'_):** Meaning "collector" (H623), Asaph was a prominent Levite and one of the three heads of the Levitical guilds of musicians appointed by King David (alongside Heman and Jeduthun) to lead worship in the tabernacle and later the Temple ([1 Chronicles 6:39](/1_chronicles/6-39 "1 Chronicles 6:39 - Asaph, son of Berechiah, a musician")). His descendants continued to serve as chief musicians and singers in the Temple. Tracing Mattaniah's lineage to Asaph immediately identifies him with a specific, highly esteemed role in Temple worship, particularly involving praise and music. This connection underscores the re-establishment of organized, musical worship as a central component of the restored community' ensuring continuity with the Davidic era of Temple service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal,"**: This initial clause names three distinct individuals among the Levites who returned to Jerusalem. While their specific roles or actions are not detailed beyond their names, their inclusion signifies their presence and participation in the re-establishment of the community and its sacred functions. In the broader context of 1 Chronicles 9, they are part of the larger group of Levites responsible for the various duties within the Temple and the city, indicating the breadth of personnel required for the proper functioning of the restored religious life and civil order.
* **"and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;"**: This clause details a fourth individual, Mattaniah, and provides his specific lineage, tracing him back four generations to the renowned Asaph. The inclusion of this detailed genealogy for Mattaniah, in contrast to the other three names, highlights his particular significance, likely due to his connection to the esteemed musical family of Asaph. This lineage would have validated his role, most probably as a leader in Temple music or praise, emphasizing the re-institution of the Davidic order of worship and the importance of specific, hereditary roles in the post-exilic Temple service, ensuring the continuity of sacred traditions.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 9:15, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles 9, is **Enumeration** (or listing). This involves the systematic cataloging of names, lineages, and sometimes roles. This device serves not merely as a dry record but as a powerful affirmation of the re-establishment and divine ordering of the covenant community. It demonstrates the meticulous care taken in identifying and assigning individuals to their proper places, particularly in the sacred service of the Temple. Closely related is **Genealogy**, which traces the lineage of individuals, here seen in Mattaniah's connection to Asaph. Genealogies in ancient Israel were crucial for establishing identity, validating claims to land or office, and demonstrating continuity with past covenant promises. The Chronicler uses these lists to underscore the legitimacy of the post-exilic community and its direct link to the pre-exilic Israel, particularly its Davidic and Levitical heritage. The overall effect of these meticulous listings is one of **Verification** and **Validation**, assuring the reader that the returned community is indeed the true Israel, faithfully re-engaging with its divine calling and historical continuity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:15, though a simple list of names, resonates with profound theological truths. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His people, even in their brokenness and restoration. The very act of recording these individuals' names underscores that no one is forgotten by God, and every person, regardless of their perceived prominence, plays a vital and intentional role in His grand redemptive narrative. This verse, part of a larger restoration account, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, demonstrating His power to rebuild and reorder His people even after severe judgment and exile. It highlights the importance of re-establishing proper worship and community structure as central to spiritual renewal, emphasizing that God's plan involves not just abstract concepts but specific people fulfilling specific, divinely ordained roles. The Levites, including those named here, were essential for the functioning of the Temple, symbolizing the restoration of a structured, dedicated service to God as a core aspect of Israel's identity.

* [Ezra 2:70](/ezra/2-70 "Ezra 2:70 - Priests, Levites, and others settle in their towns")
* [Nehemiah 11:17](/nehemiah/11-17 "Nehemiah 11:17 - Mattaniah, the chief of the praise")
* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - Many members, one body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly mundane verse, a mere list of names, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's work is often accomplished through the quiet faithfulness of individuals whose names may never be widely known or celebrated. Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah were not kings or prophets, but essential cogs in the machinery of restoration, fulfilling their God-given roles in the re-establishment of temple worship. Their inclusion in Scripture affirms the immense value God places on every act of service, no matter how small or hidden it may seem. It challenges us to consider our own place within God's ongoing story, encouraging us to faithfully contribute to the building up of His kingdom, trusting that our contributions, however humble, are seen and valued by our meticulous God. Just as these Levites ensured the continuity of worship, we are called to faithful service in our own contexts, contributing to the spiritual health and growth of the body of Christ. This verse fosters a deep appreciation for the collective effort required in God's work and the dignity of every individual's contribution, reminding us that every part of God's household is indispensable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous listing of names in Scripture, like those in 1 Chronicles 9:15, challenge our modern tendency to value only public or prominent achievements?**
* **In what ways might we be called to "unseen" or "mundane" service within our communities or churches that is nonetheless vital to God's purposes?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's faithfulness to restore and rebuild, even after periods of desolation or exile in our own lives or communities?**
* **How can knowing that God remembers and values every individual's contribution encourage us to persevere in our unique callings?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names, like those in 1 Chronicles 9:15?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists of names, particularly in books like 1 Chronicles, serves several crucial purposes. Historically, they were vital for establishing lineage, tribal identity, land claims, and, most importantly for the post-exilic community, validating claims to priestly and Levitical service in the Temple. Theologically, these lists underscore God's meticulous care for His people, demonstrating that His plans are carried out through specific individuals whom He knows and calls by name. They affirm the continuity of God's covenant promises across generations and highlight the importance of every individual's role, no matter how seemingly small, in the unfolding of His redemptive story. They also provide an authentic historical record, lending credibility to the narrative of restoration and the re-establishment of the community, ensuring that the post-exilic generation understood their place in God's ongoing plan.

**What was the specific role of the Levites mentioned in this verse, especially Mattaniah's connection to Asaph?**

Answer: The Levites, as a tribe set apart by God, had diverse and essential roles in Israel's worship and community life, particularly concerning the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their duties included serving as gatekeepers, treasurers, scribes, judges, and, significantly, musicians and singers. The mention of Mattaniah's lineage to Asaph in 1 Chronicles 9:15 is highly significant. Asaph was one of the chief Levitical musicians appointed by King David, responsible for leading Temple praise and worship ([1 Chronicles 6:39](/1_chronicles/6-39 "1 Chronicles 6:39 - Asaph, son of Berechiah")). Therefore, Mattaniah, as a descendant of Asaph, was almost certainly involved in the musical and praise ministries of the restored Temple in Jerusalem. This connection highlights the re-establishment of organized, joyful worship as a central element of the post-exilic community's spiritual life, ensuring that the ancient traditions of praise were continued and that the Temple service was conducted with the full array of divinely ordained functions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 9:15, detailing the Levites who returned to serve in the rebuilt Jerusalem, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in Jesus Christ. The meticulous re-establishment of temple service, with its priests and Levites, foreshadows the perfect and final worship inaugurated by Christ. While Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah served in a physical temple with its temporary sacrifices and rituals, Jesus is the [true Temple](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus speaks of the temple of his body"), the living embodiment of God's presence among His people, and the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, our Great High Priest") who offered the once-for-all sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's superior sacrifice")). The Levites' role in facilitating access to God through ritual worship is superseded by Christ, who is our [direct and perfect access to the Father](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father through Christ"). Furthermore, the Chronicler's emphasis on every individual's vital role in the restored community points forward to the New Covenant reality where all believers, through Christ, become [living stones](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living stones in a spiritual house") in a spiritual house, a [holy priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A royal priesthood") offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. Just as God meticulously remembered and restored these Levites to their service, so too does Christ, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), know each of His sheep by name ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The sheep hear his voice")) and perfectly integrates them into His body, the Church ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - One body, many members")), where every member, no matter how humble, is indispensable to His ongoing redemptive work in the world, bringing glory to 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 11:22

The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem [was] Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers [were] over the business of the house of God.

1 Chronicles 25:2

Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.

Nehemiah 11:17

And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, [was] the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

1 Chronicles 12:25

Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valour for the war, seven thousand and one hundred.

1 Chronicles 12:35

And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.

1 Chronicles 11:17

And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that [is] at the gate!

Nehemiah 10:12

Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,