1 Chronicles 9:20

And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, [and] the LORD [was] with him.

And Phinehas {H6372} the son {H1121} of Eleazar {H499} was the ruler {H5057} over them in time past {H6440}, and the LORD {H3068} was with him.

Pinchas the son of El'azar had been ruler over them long before; ADONAI had been with him.

In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar had been in charge of the gatekeepers, and the LORD was with him.

And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was ruler over them in time past, and Jehovah was with him.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 9:20 (KJV)

1 Chronicles 9:20: "And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, [and] the LORD [was] with him."

Context

This verse appears within a detailed section of 1 Chronicles (chapter 9) that lists the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, specifically focusing on the priests, Levites, and gatekeepers who returned to resume their sacred duties. The Chronicler emphasizes the lineage and historical roles of those serving in the temple, linking the present community back to their divinely ordained past. Verse 20 serves as a brief historical reference, recalling a significant figure from Israel's history, Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron and son of Eleazar, who held a prominent position in the Levitical structure.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Presence and Approval: The most significant phrase in this verse is "the LORD was with him." This declaration signifies God's favor, approval, and empowering presence in Phinehas's leadership. It highlights that true authority and effectiveness in God's service come from His backing, not merely human appointment. This echoes similar affirmations of divine presence and blessing given to other faithful leaders, such as Joseph in Egypt or Gideon when called to lead.
  • Legacy of Righteous Leadership: By mentioning Phinehas, the Chronicler points to a historical precedent of faithful service. Phinehas was renowned for his zealous act that turned away God's wrath from Israel, leading to a covenant of peace and an everlasting priesthood for his descendants (Numbers 25:13). His inclusion here validates the historical lineage and the importance of zealous, God-honoring leadership for the post-exilic community.
  • Continuity of Temple Service: The verse connects the ancient, divinely approved leadership of Phinehas with the ongoing, vital roles of the Levites and priests in the restored temple service. It reassures the returning exiles that their work is part of a long, sacred tradition blessed by God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the LORD was with him" (Hebrew: ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื” ื”ึธื™ึธื” ืขึดืžึผื•ึน, YHWH hayah โ€˜immo) is a recurring and powerful idiom in the Old Testament. It denotes not just proximity, but active divine support, protection, and enablement. When God is "with" someone, it implies success, favor, and validation of their actions and authority in His sight. It signifies a covenantal relationship where God empowers His chosen servants.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 9:20 offers several insights:

  • God's Presence is Key: Our effectiveness in any calling, especially in ministry or service, is not dependent on our own strength or qualifications, but on the active presence and empowering of the Lord. We should seek His presence above all else.
  • Faithful Leadership Matters: The legacy of faithful individuals like Phinehas reminds us of the lasting impact of leaders who are zealous for God and whose lives are marked by His approval.
  • God is Consistent: The same God who was with Phinehas in "time past" is with His people today. His faithfulness and support for those who serve Him are unwavering, providing encouragement for our own journey of faith and service.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 3:32

    And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest [shall be] chief over the chief of the Levites, [and have] the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.

  • Acts 7:9

    And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

  • Acts 7:10

    And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

  • Numbers 4:16

    And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest [pertaineth] the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, [and] the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein [is], in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

  • 1 Samuel 16:18

    Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, [that is] cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD [is] with him.

  • Numbers 4:28

    This [is] the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge [shall be] under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

  • Numbers 25:7

    And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw [it], he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand;
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