1 Chronicles 24:6

And Shemaiah the son of Nethaneel the scribe, [one] of the Levites, wrote them before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and [before] the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites: one principal household being taken for Eleazar, and [one] taken for Ithamar.

And Shemaiah {H8098} the son {H1121} of Nethaneel {H5417} the scribe {H5608}, one of the Levites {H3881}, wrote {H3789} them before {H6440} the king {H4428}, and the princes {H8269}, and Zadok {H6659} the priest {H3548}, and Ahimelech {H288} the son {H1121} of Abiathar {H54}, and before the chief {H7218} of the fathers {H1} of the priests {H3548} and Levites {H3881}: one {H259} principal {H1} household {H1004} being taken {H270} for Eleazar {H499}, and one taken {H270} for Ithamar {H385}.

Sh'ma'yah the son of N'tan'el the secretary, one of the L'vi'im, recorded them in the presence of the king, the officers, Tzadok the cohen, Achimelekh the son of Evyatar, and the clan leaders of the cohanim and of the L'vi'im - with two clan divisions taken from El'azar for each one from Itamar.

The scribe, Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officers: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar, and then one from Ithamar.

And Shemaiah the son of Nethanel the scribe, who was of the Levites, wrote them in the presence of the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the priests and of the Levites; one fathers’ house being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 24:6 details the formal recording of the priestly divisions established by King David, a crucial step in organizing the future Temple service. This verse highlights the meticulous administration and divine order characteristic of David's reign as he prepared for the house of the Lord.

Context

This verse is situated within a larger section (1 Chronicles 23-26) that describes King David's extensive preparations for the future Temple service in Jerusalem, even though his son Solomon would ultimately build it. David, guided by divine wisdom, organized the Levites and priests into courses or divisions, ensuring a structured and continuous system of worship and service. The previous verses in Chapter 24 outline how the descendants of Aaron (Eleazar and Ithamar) were divided into twenty-four courses by lot, ensuring that the priestly duties were fairly and divinely assigned by lot. Verse 6 records the official documentation of these divisions, overseen by key religious and royal figures, as part of David's broader vision for the Temple.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Administration: The verse emphasizes the importance of structure and careful planning in matters of worship and service to God. David's foresight ensured that the Temple, once built, would have an organized and efficient staff.
  • Legitimacy and Accountability: The presence of King David, princes, Zadok the priest, Ahimelech, and the chief fathers underscores the official and legitimate nature of these divisions. This public recording served to validate the appointments and ensure accountability.
  • Priestly Succession and Fairness: The specific mention of households being taken for Eleazar and Ithamar, the two surviving sons of Aaron, highlights the continuation of the Aaronic priesthood and the equitable distribution of responsibilities among their descendants.

Linguistic Insights

The term "scribe" (Hebrew: sopher, סֹפֵר) refers to an official skilled in writing, copying, and interpreting documents, often with legal or administrative authority. Shemaiah's role here as a Levite scribe underscores the importance of accurate record-keeping in the administration of God's house. His act of writing "before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech" signifies the solemnity and official nature of the proceedings.

Practical Application

While we no longer have a physical Temple or a Levitical priesthood in the same way, 1 Chronicles 24:6 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Importance of Order: God is a God of order, not confusion. This verse reminds us of the value of proper organization and administration in spiritual endeavors, whether in church leadership, ministry, or personal discipleship. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40).
  • Faithful Stewardship: The meticulous record-keeping reflects a commitment to faithful stewardship of God's resources and people. Believers are called to be good stewards of their time, talents, and resources for God's glory.
  • Preparation for Service: David's preparations, though he wouldn't see the Temple built, demonstrate the importance of preparing the next generation for service and ensuring continuity in God's work.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 18:16 (3 votes)

    And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, [were] the priests; and Shavsha was scribe;

  • 1 Kings 4:3 (2 votes)

    Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.

  • Nehemiah 8:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that [was] before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.

  • 1 Chronicles 23:24 (2 votes)

    ¶ These [were] the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; [even] the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.

  • 2 Chronicles 34:13 (2 votes)

    Also [they were] over the bearers of burdens, and [were] overseers of all that wrought the work in any manner of service: and of the Levites [there were] scribes, and officers, and porters.

  • Matthew 8:19 (2 votes)

    And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

  • Matthew 23:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,