1 Chronicles 6:50

And these [are] the sons of Aaron; Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,

And these are the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175}; Eleazar {H499} his son {H1121}, Phinehas {H6372} his son {H1121}, Abishua {H50} his son {H1121},

These are the descendants of Aharon: his son El'azar, his son Pinchas, his son Avishua,

These were the descendants of Aaron:

And these are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,

Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:50 is a concise verse within a broader genealogical record, specifically tracing a direct line of high priestly succession from Aaron. It reads: "And these [are] the sons of Aaron; Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,"

Context

Chapter 6 of 1 Chronicles is primarily dedicated to the genealogies of the tribe of Levi, emphasizing their crucial role in Israel's religious life. This particular verse is nestled within a detailed enumeration of Aaron's descendants, focusing on the line through whom the high priesthood was to be maintained. Genealogies in ancient Israel were not mere lists; they served to establish identity, inheritance rights, and the legitimacy of claims to office, especially for the priesthood which was divinely ordained through Aaron. The Chronicler, writing after the Babylonian exile, meticulously records these lineages to reinforce the continuity and legitimacy of the Levitical and Aaronic priesthood, which was central to the restored community's worship and covenant relationship with God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Succession: The verse highlights God's established order for the high priestly office, ensuring a clear, legitimate line of succession through Aaron's male descendants. This was vital for maintaining proper worship and ritual purity in Israel.
  • Legitimacy of Authority: By meticulously listing the direct lineage, the text underscores the divine authorization and historical legitimacy of the priests serving in the tabernacle and later the temple. Their authority was not self-appointed but divinely appointed and hereditary.
  • Continuity of God's Plan: Even through generations, God's plan for His people's worship remained steadfast, manifested in the unbroken line of the priesthood.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew structure of this verse, simply listing "son of" for each succeeding generation, is typical of biblical genealogies. It emphasizes direct, unchallengeable descent. While the names themselves carry meanings (e.g., Eleazar means "God has helped," Phinehas means "mouth of brass" or "oracle"), the primary focus here is on the continuity of the priestly covenant. The KJV's "[are]" clarifies the implicit meaning that these are the direct descendants.

Significance and Application

Though a genealogical entry, 1 Chronicles 6:50 reminds us of God's meticulous care in establishing and maintaining the means by which His people could approach Him. It speaks to:

  • God's Orderliness: God is a God of order, and He establishes clear structures for His purposes, whether in ancient Israel's worship or in the church today.
  • The Importance of Legacy: The continuation of the priestly line underscores the value of spiritual heritage and passing on faith and service through generations.
  • Anticipation of the Ultimate Priest: This Old Testament priesthood, though divinely appointed, pointed forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Unlike the Aaronic priests who served temporarily and died, Jesus holds an eternal priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, offering a perfect and permanent sacrifice for sins. This transition from a hereditary, temporal priesthood to Christ's eternal one is a key theological development highlighted in the New Testament.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 9:20 (2 votes)

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

  • Exodus 28:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, [even] Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

  • Leviticus 10:16 (2 votes)

    And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron [which were] left [alive], saying,

  • Ezra 8:33 (2 votes)

    Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him [was] Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them [was] Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;

  • Ezra 7:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

  • Ezra 7:5 (2 votes)

    The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:

  • Numbers 20:26 (2 votes)

    And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered [unto his people], and shall die there.