1 Chronicles 9:31

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.

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}.

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

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

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

1 Chronicles 9:31 introduces us to Mattithiah, a Levite with a specific and significant role in the temple service. This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Chronicles that meticulously lists the families and individuals responsible for various duties in the restored temple after the Babylonian exile, highlighting God's emphasis on order and dedicated service in worship.

Context

The book of 1 Chronicles focuses heavily on the lineage of Israel, particularly the royal line of David, and the organization of the temple and its personnel. Chapter 9, in particular, details the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the return from exile, emphasizing the priests, Levites, and gatekeepers who were essential for the functioning of the sanctuary. 1 Chronicles 9:2 begins the list of those who returned. Mattithiah's mention here underscores the intricate division of labor within the Levitical tribe, where each family and individual had a designated responsibility for the daily operations of worship.

Mattithiah is identified as a Korahite, a branch of the Levites known for their musical abilities and, historically, for a rebellion against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:1-3). However, by this time, the surviving Korahites had become highly respected and integral to temple service, often serving as gatekeepers and musicians, as seen in 1 Chronicles 9:19.

Key Themes

  • Order and Organization in Worship: This verse, like many others in Chronicles, stresses the divine blueprint for temple service. Every role, no matter how seemingly small, was vital and meticulously planned by God. This speaks to the principle that God desires order in all things, especially in worship and community life (1 Corinthians 14:40).
  • Dignity of Every Service: Mattithiah's "set office over the things that were made in the pans" might appear mundane, but it was a crucial part of preparing the offerings for the Lord. This highlights that all tasks performed in service to God, whether grand or humble, carry inherent dignity and spiritual significance.
  • Faithfulness in Designated Roles: The phrase "set office" implies a specific, permanent, and trusted position. Mattithiah was entrusted with a particular aspect of temple provision, underscoring the importance of faithfulness and diligence in one's assigned duties.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "set office" translates the Hebrew word 'ฤƒmuฬ‚naฬ‚h (ืึฒืžึปื ึธื”), which can mean "faithfulness," "trust," "a trusty office," or "fixed allowance." In this context, it denotes a position of trust and reliability, indicating that Mattithiah was a dependable overseer. His role was not merely culinary; it was an administrative and priestly support function, ensuring the proper preparation of sacred food items.

The "things that were made in the pans" refers to the preparation of grain offerings, which often involved baking or frying in shallow pans. These were an essential part of the sacrificial system laid out in the Law, as detailed in books like Leviticus 2:5-7. Mattithiahโ€™s role was to ensure these offerings were prepared according to the specific ritual requirements.

Practical Application

Mattithiah's story reminds us that every contribution to God's work is valuable and necessary. Whether one is in a prominent leadership role or performing a behind-the-scenes task, all service done for the Lord is seen and honored by Him. It challenges believers today to embrace their unique gifts and callings, serving with diligence and faithfulness, knowing that even seemingly small acts contribute to the larger body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8). Our dedication in our respective "pans" or areas of service contributes to the overall effectiveness and spiritual health of the community.

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

  • 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.
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