1 Chronicles 15:9

Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore:

Of the sons {H1121} of Hebron {H2275}; Eliel {H447} the chief {H8269}, and his brethren {H251} fourscore {H8084}:

from the descendants of Hevron: Eli'el the chief, and eighty of his kinsmen;

from the Hebronites, Eliel the chief and 80 of his relatives;

of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore;

Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:9 is a concise verse detailing a specific group of Levites involved in King David's pivotal mission to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It highlights the meticulous organization and divine instruction that characterized this sacred endeavor.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed account in 1 Chronicles 15 describing David's second, successful attempt to transport the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His first attempt, recounted in 1 Chronicles 13 and 2 Samuel 6, ended tragically with the death of Uzzah because the Ark was carried on a cart rather than by the designated Levites. Learning from this severe lesson, David consulted with the priests and Levites, emphasizing that the Ark must be carried on the shoulders of the Kohathite Levites, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law (Numbers 4:15). 1 Chronicles 15:9 specifically names Eliel, a chief from the "sons of Hebron," one of the four clans of Kohath, and notes his group consisted of eighty men, underscoring the precise and ordered nature of this sacred procession.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Obedience: The meticulous listing of leaders and their numbers, such as Eliel and his eighty brethren, demonstrates the importance of following God's prescribed methods for sacred tasks. David's prior failure taught him that reverence for God's instructions was paramount.
  • The Role of the Levites: This verse highlights the specific and hereditary duty of the Levites, particularly the Kohathites (descendants of Kohath, one of Levi's sons), to handle and transport the most holy articles of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant. Their role was indispensable for maintaining the sanctity of the worship of God.
  • Leadership and Organization: The mention of "Eliel the chief" underscores the structured leadership within the Levitical families. Each group had a designated leader responsible for ensuring their contingent fulfilled their duties correctly and reverently.

Linguistic Insights

The name Eliel means "God is my God" or "God of God," a common and meaningful name among the Israelites, reflecting their devotion. The term "fourscore" is an archaic English term meaning eighty, simply indicating the number of men under Eliel's leadership from the family of Hebron. The "sons of Hebron" refers to a specific lineage within the Kohathite branch of the Levites, who were specifically tasked with carrying the most holy objects.

Practical Application

While we no longer carry a physical Ark of the Covenant, the principles embedded in 1 Chronicles 15:9 remain relevant for believers today. This verse reminds us of the importance of:

  • Reverence and Preparation: Approaching spiritual matters with due reverence and careful preparation, rather than casualness. Just as David learned the hard way, our service to God should be conducted according to His principles, not our own convenience (John 4:24).
  • Order in Service: Recognizing that God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33). Whether in church leadership, personal spiritual disciplines, or community service, intentionality and adherence to biblical principles are vital.
  • Valuing Each Role: Every individual and group, no matter how small or seemingly minor, plays a crucial role in the larger work of God, just as each Levitical family contributed to the sacred task of bringing the Ark to its rightful place.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 6:18 (3 votes)

    And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath [were] an hundred thirty and three years.

  • 1 Chronicles 23:12 (2 votes)

    The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.

  • 1 Chronicles 23:19 (2 votes)

    Of the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:30 (2 votes)

    [And] of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, [were] officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:31 (2 votes)

    Among the Hebronites [was] Jerijah the chief, [even] among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:23 (2 votes)

    Of the Amramites, [and] the Izharites, the Hebronites, [and] the Uzzielites:

  • Numbers 26:58 (2 votes)

    These [are] the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begat Amram.