1 Chronicles 9:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:20 is a concise but profoundly significant verse within the Chronicler's detailed post-exilic genealogies, specifically highlighting the historical figure of Phinehas, son of Eleazar. It serves as a powerful theological anchor, asserting that Phinehas's past leadership and authority were not merely human appointments but were fundamentally undergirded by the active, empowering presence and approval of the LORD, thereby legitimizing the lineage and roles of those serving in the re-established temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears within a lengthy and meticulously detailed section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 9-10) that lists the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, focusing particularly on the priests, Levites, and gatekeepers. Chapter 9 itself provides a comprehensive register of those who returned and resumed their sacred duties in the temple. The Chronicler's purpose in these lists is not merely historical record-keeping but theological affirmation: to establish the continuity of Israel's covenantal identity, the legitimacy of the re-established temple worship, and the divinely ordained roles of its ministers. Verse 20, by interjecting a specific historical reference to Phinehas within a list of gatekeepers, serves as a powerful historical and theological validation, linking the present post-exilic community and their temple service directly back to a revered, divinely-approved past. It grounds the contemporary roles in an ancient, divinely sanctioned precedent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was written for the post-exilic community in Judah, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. This community faced challenges of identity, discouragement, and questions about the legitimacy of their re-established religious practices and leadership. The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogies, the temple, and the Davidic covenant aimed to provide reassurance, hope, and a sense of continuity with their glorious past. By mentioning Phinehas, a figure from the wilderness generation renowned for his zealous act that averted divine wrath (as recorded in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - Phinehas's Zeal and Covenant")), the Chronicler reminds the audience of a time when God's presence was unmistakably with His faithful servants. This served to bolster the confidence of the returning exiles, affirming that the same God who empowered their ancestors was still with them as they sought to rebuild and serve Him.
* **Key Themes:** The mention of Phinehas and the declaration "the LORD was with him" contribute significantly to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence and Approval**, which is consistently portrayed as the ultimate source of true authority and success for God's people and their leaders, echoing the divine favor shown to figures like [Joseph in Egypt](/genesis/39-2 "Genesis 39:2 - The Lord was with Joseph") or the promise given to [Joshua](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to be with Joshua"). Secondly, it highlights the **Legacy of Righteous Leadership**, emphasizing that faithful, zealous service, particularly within the priesthood, has a lasting impact and earns divine commendation, as seen in Phinehas's covenant of peace in [Numbers 25:12-13](/numbers/25-12 "Numbers 25:12-13 - Phinehas's Covenant of Peace"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Continuity of Temple Service and Divine Faithfulness**, assuring the post-exilic community that their current efforts to restore temple worship are part of an unbroken, divinely-sanctioned tradition, and that God remains faithful to His covenant and His people across generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Phinehas (Hebrew, _Pînəḥās'_):** The name Phinehas, meaning "mouth of bronze" or "oracle," belongs to a pivotal figure in Israel's early history, the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron. He is most famously known for his zealous act in [Numbers 25:7-13](/numbers/25-7 "Numbers 25:7-13 - Phinehas's Zealous Act"), where he intervened to stop a plague brought on by Israel's idolatry and immorality. His act of righteous indignation led to a "covenant of peace" and an "everlasting priesthood" for his descendants, signifying divine approval and the perpetuation of his lineage in sacred service. His inclusion here in 1 Chronicles 9:20 serves as a powerful historical and theological anchor, connecting the post-exilic priestly and Levitical service to a divinely sanctioned and zealous past.
* **ruler (Hebrew, _nāgîd'_ or similar concept):** While the KJV uses "ruler," the underlying Hebrew often implies a leader, prince, or one who stands "over" others. In the context of 1 Chronicles 9:20, especially given the surrounding verses detailing gatekeepers, it signifies a position of authority, oversight, or preeminence among those responsible for the temple's security and order. The Chronicler uses this term to elevate Phinehas's historical role, implying a significant, perhaps even supervisory, function over the temple's custodians in "time past," thereby validating the importance of such roles for the contemporary community.
* **the LORD was with him (Hebrew, יְהוָה הָיָה עִמּוֹ, _YHWH hayah ‘immo_):** This is a profound and recurring theological idiom throughout the Old Testament. It denotes far more than mere proximity; it signifies active divine support, protection, favor, empowerment, and validation. When God is "with" someone, it implies success in their endeavors, divine approval of their actions, and the bestowal of authority and effectiveness in His service. It is a declaration of God's covenantal presence and His active partnership with His chosen servants, marking them as divinely appointed and blessed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past":** This clause establishes a direct historical link, identifying Phinehas by his prominent lineage (son of Eleazar, grandson of Aaron). It then attributes to him a position of authority ("ruler over them") specifically in relation to the gatekeepers or temple servants mentioned in the surrounding context of 1 Chronicles 9. The phrase "in time past" emphasizes the historical precedent, grounding the current temple administration in a long-standing, divinely-approved tradition. This serves to legitimize and encourage the post-exilic community by connecting their present service to a revered figure from Israel's sacred history.
* **"[and] the LORD [was] with him":** This is the theological climax of the verse. It provides the ultimate explanation and validation for Phinehas's authority and effectiveness. His leadership was not merely a human appointment or a result of his own strength, but it was empowered and sanctioned by the active presence and favor of God Himself. This declaration transforms a historical note into a powerful theological statement, underscoring that true authority and success in God's service flow directly from His divine presence and approval. It sets a standard for all who serve in sacred capacities, indicating that God's "being with" them is the essential ingredient for their efficacy and legitimacy.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 9:20 to achieve his theological and pastoral aims. The primary device is **Allusion**, specifically to the narrative of Phinehas in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - Phinehas's Zeal and Covenant of Peace"). By simply naming Phinehas, the Chronicler evokes the entire story of his zealous act, the averting of God's wrath, and the subsequent covenant of an everlasting priesthood. This brief mention serves as a powerful shorthand for divine approval, righteous zeal, and the legitimacy of the Aaronic lineage. Furthermore, the verse uses **Emphasis** through its concluding declaration, "the LORD was with him." This phrase, strategically placed at the end, acts as the theological punchline, highlighting the divine backing as the most crucial aspect of Phinehas's leadership. It elevates the historical reference into a profound theological principle. The verse also functions as a **Historical Reference** and **Validation**, drawing on past figures to authenticate and encourage the present post-exilic community's re-established temple service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration that "the LORD was with him" for Phinehas in 1 Chronicles 9:20 resonates deeply throughout the biblical narrative, establishing a foundational theological principle: true authority, effectiveness, and success in God's service are derived not from human strength or position, but from the active, empowering presence of God Himself. This verse assures the post-exilic community, and by extension believers today, that God remains faithful to those who serve Him with zeal and integrity. It underscores the consistency of God's character and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, providing a historical precedent for divine favor that extends to all who walk in His ways. The Chronicler uses Phinehas as an exemplar of a leader whose legitimacy and power stemmed directly from God's abiding presence, thereby encouraging the contemporary community to seek and rely on that same divine presence in their own endeavors to rebuild and worship.

* [Numbers 25:10-13](/numbers/25-10 "Numbers 25:10-13 - Phinehas's Zeal and Covenant of Peace")
* [Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2 "Genesis 39:2-3 - The Lord was with Joseph")
* [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to be with Joshua")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 9:20, though a brief historical note, carries immense spiritual weight for contemporary believers. The declaration that "the LORD was with him" for Phinehas serves as a timeless reminder that our effectiveness, whether in ministry, professional life, or personal relationships, is ultimately dependent not on our own abilities, qualifications, or human endorsements, but on the active, empowering presence of God. This verse calls us to cultivate a life that consistently seeks God's presence, prioritizes His will, and trusts in His enablement. It challenges us to examine our motivations for service and leadership: are we relying on our own strength, or are we truly leaning into the divine favor that brings lasting impact? Phinehas's example, rooted in zeal for God's holiness, encourages us to pursue integrity and faithfulness, knowing that God's "being with us" is the true measure of our success and the source of our fruitfulness. It offers profound encouragement, assuring us that the same God who empowered Phinehas in "time past" is ready and willing to be with us today, guiding, strengthening, and validating our efforts for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service am I relying more on my own strength or qualifications than on the active presence of the Lord?**
* **What does it truly mean for "the LORD to be with me" in my daily walk and work? How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence?**
* **How does the example of Phinehas's zealous, God-approved leadership challenge or encourage my own approach to service and authority?**

### FAQ
**Why is Phinehas mentioned here, seemingly out of place in a list of post-exilic gatekeepers?**

Answer: Phinehas is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:20 not as a contemporary gatekeeper, but as a historical reference point. The Chronicler's purpose is to establish continuity and legitimacy for the post-exilic community and their re-established temple service. By recalling Phinehas, a figure from Israel's past renowned for his zealous act and the covenant of an everlasting priesthood (as detailed in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - Phinehas's Zeal and Covenant")), the text connects the present-day temple personnel—including the gatekeepers—to a divinely approved and ancient lineage. It serves to validate their roles and assure the community that their worship and administration are part of a sacred tradition blessed by God, emphasizing that the same divine presence that empowered their ancestors is still at work among them.

**What does "the LORD was with him" truly signify in biblical context?**

Answer: The phrase "the LORD was with him" (Hebrew: יְהוָה הָיָה עִמּוֹ, _YHWH hayah ‘immo_) is a powerful and recurring idiom in the Old Testament that signifies more than mere physical proximity. It denotes active divine favor, support, protection, and empowerment. When the Bible declares that the Lord was "with" someone, it implies that God was actively involved in their life, granting them success, wisdom, and authority in their endeavors. It indicates divine approval of their actions and a special covenantal relationship where God's presence enables them to fulfill His purposes. Examples include [Joseph in Genesis 39:2](/genesis/39-2 "Genesis 39:2 - The Lord was with Joseph"), [Joshua in Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to be with Joshua"), and [David in 1 Samuel 18:12](/1_samuel/18-12 "1 Samuel 18:12 - The Lord was with David"). For Phinehas, it underscores that his leadership and effectiveness were divinely sanctioned and empowered.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The declaration that "the LORD was with him" in 1 Chronicles 9:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Phinehas was a recipient of divine presence and favor, Jesus is the very embodiment of "God with us"—Immanuel ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). He is the one in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). Unlike Phinehas, whose authority and zeal were derived from God's presence *with* him, Jesus possesses inherent divine authority as the Son of God, declaring, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His life and ministry were a perfect demonstration of the Father's active presence and approval ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son can do nothing of his own accord")). Furthermore, through Christ, the promise of God's abiding presence is extended to all believers. By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, we too experience God's active presence and empowerment in our lives and service ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Just as Phinehas's effectiveness stemmed from God's being with him, our ability to live a godly life and serve effectively flows from Christ's empowering presence within us, enabling us to "do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ")).

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

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;