1 Chronicles 9:31

KJV

And Mattithiah, [one] of the Levites, who [was] the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Mattithiah {H4993}, one of the Levites {H3881}, who was the firstborn {H1060} of Shallum {H7967} the Korahite {H7145}, had the set office {H530} over the things that were made {H4639} in the pans {H2281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Mattityah, one of the L'vi'im, who was the firstborn of Shalum the Korchi, was permanently in charge of baking operations.

Berean Standard Bible

A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with baking the bread.

American Standard Version

And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the first-born of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things that were baked in pans.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 9:31 introduces Mattithiah, a Levite from the Korahite lineage, who held a specific and trusted administrative role within the restored temple service in Jerusalem. His "set office" involved overseeing the preparation of sacred food items, particularly those "made in the pans," highlighting the meticulous organization and divine emphasis on order, faithfulness, and the dignity of all service, even seemingly mundane tasks, within the Levitical system for God's worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a detailed genealogical and administrative record in 1 Chronicles 9, which focuses on the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile and the re-establishment of temple worship. Chapters 1-9 of 1 Chronicles are largely dedicated to genealogies, tracing Israel's lineage from Adam to the post-exilic community. Chapter 9 specifically transitions from these extensive lists to detail the specific families and individuals, particularly priests, Levites, and gatekeepers, who resumed their duties in Jerusalem and the temple. Mattithiah's mention here, alongside other Levitical officers, underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on the meticulous organization and divine blueprint for temple service, reinforcing the idea that every role, no matter how seemingly small, was vital for the proper functioning of the sanctuary, as seen from the initial list of returnees in [1 Chronicles 9:2](/1_chronicles/9-2 "1 Chronicles 9:2 - Inhabitants of Jerusalem after Exile").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is post-exilic, following the return of the Jewish people from Babylon. The primary concern was the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the temple, and the re-establishment of proper worship according to the Mosaic Law. The Levites, as a tribe set apart for temple service, were crucial to this endeavor. Mattithiah is identified as a Korahite, a branch of the Levites with a complex history. While their ancestor Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness ([Numbers 16:1-3](/numbers/16-1 "Numbers 16:1-3 - Korah's Rebellion")), his descendants who survived became prominent and respected figures in temple service, often serving as gatekeepers, musicians, and administrators. Their re-integration into vital temple roles, as attested in passages like [1 Chronicles 9:19](/1_chronicles/9-19 "1 Chronicles 9:19 - Korahites as Gatekeepers"), demonstrates God's grace and the possibility of restoration for families who had once strayed, now faithfully serving in the sanctuary.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it emphasizes **Order and Organization in Worship**, illustrating the divine blueprint for temple service where every role was meticulously planned and executed. This reflects a broader biblical principle that God desires order in all aspects of life, especially corporate worship ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship")). Secondly, it highlights the **Dignity of Every Service** performed for God. Mattithiah's role, though seemingly mundane, was integral to preparing the sacred grain offerings, which were a crucial part of the sacrificial system detailed in the Law ([Leviticus 2:5-7](/leviticus/2-5 "Leviticus 2:5-7 - Grain Offerings Prepared in Pans")). This underscores that all tasks performed in service to God, whether grand or humble, carry inherent dignity and spiritual significance. Finally, the "set office" implies **Faithfulness in Designated Roles**, showcasing the importance of diligence and trustworthiness in one's assigned duties within the community of faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set office (Hebrew, _'ămunah'_):** This term (אֲמֻנָה) carries rich meaning, denoting "faithfulness," "trust," "a trusty office," or "a fixed allowance/provision." In this context, it signifies more than just a job; it implies a position of established trust and reliability. Mattithiah was not merely assigned a task but was entrusted with a stable, dependable, and perhaps even remunerated, administrative role, indicating his proven character and competence.
* **Things that were made in the pans (Hebrew, _ma'aseh ha-machavath_):** This phrase (מַעֲשֵׂה הַמַּחֲבַת) refers specifically to the preparation of certain types of grain offerings, such as baked cakes or wafers, which were prepared in shallow pans or griddles. These were a vital component of the sacrificial system, as outlined in the Law (e.g., [Leviticus 2:5-7](/leviticus/2-5 "Leviticus 2:5-7 - Grain Offerings Made in Pans")). Mattithiah's responsibility was not merely culinary but involved ensuring the ritual purity and precise preparation of these sacred food items for presentation to the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Mattithiah, [one] of the Levites":** This introduces the individual, Mattithiah, identifying him immediately as a member of the tribe of Levi, set apart for sacred service. This tribal affiliation is foundational to understanding his role within the temple administration.
* **"who [was] the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite":** This clause provides Mattithiah's lineage, linking him to Shallum and, more broadly, to the Korahite family. Being the "firstborn" might imply a position of natural leadership or a specific inheritance of responsibility within that family branch, further solidifying his standing and legitimacy for the "set office." The Korahite connection, despite their historical rebellion, highlights their restored and vital role in temple service.
* **"had the set office over the things that were made in the pans":** This specifies Mattithiah's exact duty. The "set office" (אֲמֻנָה) denotes a trusted, established, and reliable position. His oversight was specifically directed toward the preparation of certain grain offerings ("things that were made in the pans"), indicating a significant administrative and quality-control role in the sacred culinary aspects of temple worship. This was a crucial behind-the-scenes function ensuring the proper execution of ritual requirements.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Metonymy** and **Synecdoche**. The phrase "things that were made in the pans" is a **metonymy** for the specific type of grain offerings prepared in that manner, standing in for the broader category of sacred food preparations for the temple. It also functions as a **synecdoche**, where a part (the pan-prepared items) represents a larger whole (the entire system of food offerings and their administration). Additionally, the detailed enumeration of roles throughout 1 Chronicles 9, including Mattithiah's specific task, serves as a form of **Cataloging** or **Listing**, a common literary device in historical and genealogical texts to emphasize comprehensiveness, order, and the divine oversight of every detail. This meticulous listing implicitly underscores the **Symbolism** of order and dedication in worship, where even seemingly small tasks are vital components of a larger, divinely ordained structure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 9:31 vividly illustrates the theological principle that God values order, diligence, and faithfulness in all aspects of worship and service. Mattithiah's specific and trusted role, even in what might seem a mundane task of preparing offerings, underscores that no service rendered to God is insignificant. Every individual, regardless of their perceived prominence, contributes indispensably to the functioning of God's house and the spiritual well-being of the community. This detailed account in Chronicles serves to remind the post-exilic community, and believers today, that God's design for His people involves a harmonious, organized, and dedicated engagement of every member's gifts and responsibilities, all contributing to the glory of His name.

* [Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-6 - Bezalel and Oholiab, Gifted Artisans")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-8 - Spiritual Gifts and Service")
* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Work Heartily for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mattithiah's "set office over the things that were made in the pans" offers a profound lesson for contemporary believers. In a world often obsessed with visible accomplishments and prominent roles, this verse reminds us that true significance in God's kingdom is found in faithful stewardship of *any* assigned task, no matter how humble or behind-the-scenes it may appear. Mattithiah's diligence ensured the proper preparation of sacred offerings, directly facilitating worship. Our "pans" today might be administrative tasks, prayer, hospitality, teaching children, or quiet acts of service. The call is to embrace our unique gifts and positions within the body of Christ, serving with excellence and a heart of devotion, knowing that our faithfulness in the small things is seen and honored by God, contributing to the overall spiritual health and effectiveness of the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is your "set office" or primary area of service within your community or church, and how do you view its significance?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of faithfulness and diligence in tasks that might seem mundane or unnoticed?**
* **In what ways does your service, no matter how small, contribute to the larger worship and mission of God's people?**

### FAQ
**Why does 1 Chronicles include such detailed lists of temple personnel and their specific duties?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles, written for the post-exilic community, aimed to re-establish a sense of identity, continuity, and purpose. The detailed lists of temple personnel, including figures like Mattithiah, served several crucial functions. Firstly, they provided a **historical and theological link** to the glorious past of Israel and the divinely ordained temple system under David and Solomon, reminding the returned exiles of their heritage. Secondly, they emphasized **order and proper worship**, demonstrating that God's service was not haphazard but meticulously organized, with specific roles and responsibilities for each Levite and priest, as outlined in the Law (e.g., [Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - Appointment of Levites for Tabernacle Service")). Thirdly, these lists served a **practical purpose**, guiding the re-establishment of temple operations and ensuring that all necessary functions, from gatekeeping to preparing offerings, were covered by designated individuals. Finally, they underscored the **dignity of all service** within God's house, showing that every role, from the most prominent to the most seemingly humble, was vital and honored by God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mattithiah's "set office over the things that were made in the pans" finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Levitical system, with its meticulous preparation of offerings, pointed forward to the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus. While Mattithiah oversaw the preparation of grain offerings—food for the priests and a symbol of dedication—Jesus himself became the ultimate "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the perfect Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whose body was broken and blood poured out as the once-for-all sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Furthermore, Mattithiah's role as a faithful administrator of a specific, perhaps mundane, task within the temple foreshadows Christ's ultimate faithfulness in fulfilling every aspect of God's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). In Christ, the need for human administrators overseeing ritual food preparation is superseded by His complete provision; He is both the perfect offering and the High Priest who continually intercedes for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). Thus, Mattithiah's dedicated service, though confined to the shadow of the Old Covenant, points to the perfect and all-sufficient service of our Lord Jesus Christ, who fulfills all righteousness and makes us a kingdom of priests ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")) called to serve Him in every area of our lives.

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

1 Chronicles 9:19

And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, [were] over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, [being] over the host of the LORD, [were] keepers of the entry.

1 Chronicles 9:22

All these [which were] chosen to be porters in the gates [were] two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office.

1 Chronicles 9:17

And the porters [were], Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum [was] the chief;

1 Chronicles 9:26

For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in [their] set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.

Leviticus 2:7

And if thy oblation [be] a meat offering [baken] in the fryingpan, it shall be made [of] fine flour with oil.

Leviticus 2:5

And if thy oblation [be] a meat offering [baken] in a pan, it shall be [of] fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil.

Leviticus 6:21

In a pan it shall be made with oil; [and when it is] baken, thou shalt bring it in: [and] the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer [for] a sweet savour unto the LORD.