1 Chronicles 15 8

1 Chronicles 15:8 kjv

Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred:

1 Chronicles 15:8 nkjv

of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, and two hundred of his brethren;

1 Chronicles 15:8 niv

from the descendants of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the leader and 200 relatives;

1 Chronicles 15:8 esv

of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, with 200 of his brothers;

1 Chronicles 15:8 nlt

From the descendants of Elizaphan, 200, with Shemaiah as their leader.

1 Chronicles 15 verses

1 Chronicles 15 8 Meaning

1 Chronicles 15:8 introduces Shemaiah, identified as a prominent leader, specifically from the lineage of Elizaphan. This verse is part of a detailed enumeration of Levite leaders appointed by King David to responsibly carry the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. The careful listing underscores the importance of adherence to proper divine instruction regarding the Ark's sacred movement, in contrast to the previous, failed attempt. Shemaiah's inclusion highlights his specific role as a chief figure among those responsible for this crucial task, ensuring it was performed according to God's law.

1 Chronicles 15 8 Context

Chapter 15 of 1 Chronicles marks a significant turning point in David’s reign and Israel’s religious life. Following the disastrous attempt in Chapter 13 to transport the Ark of the Covenant, which resulted in Uzzah's death for touching it, David re-evaluates and correctly implements the divine instructions for handling the Ark. This chapter describes David’s careful preparations: building tents for the Ark, summoning the Levites and priests, and ensuring that the Ark is carried on the shoulders of the Kohathite Levites, as explicitly commanded in Mosaic Law (Num 4). The verses prior to 15:8 list other Levitical leaders and their families summoned for this task, emphasizing lineage and position, highlighting the structured and reverent approach now being taken. The context highlights a lesson learned in obedience and the importance of specific adherence to God's ordinances concerning sacred objects and worship.

1 Chronicles 15 8 Word analysis

• of the sons of: This phrase, "mibnei" (מִבְּנֵי), emphasizes direct lineage. It means "from the sons of" or "among the sons of," highlighting Shemaiah's tribal and family identity. In Israelite society, lineage was crucial for identity, inheritance, and particularly for religious service, as the priesthood and specific duties within the sanctuary were hereditary for the Levites.

• Elizaphan: (Hebrew: אֶלְצָפָן, 'Eltzaphan). The name means "My God has hidden," or "My God has protected." Elizaphan was a prominent Kohathite Levite, specifically mentioned as the "chief of the house of the fathers of the families of the Kohathites" in Numbers 3:30. This makes Shemaiah, as one of Elizaphan's descendants (or representing that lineage), particularly significant, as the Kohathites were the specific Levite clan entrusted with the most sacred task of carrying the Tabernacle's holy objects, including the Ark, on their shoulders.

• Shemaiah: (Hebrew: שְׁמַעְיָהוּ, Shemaʿyahu or שְׁמַעְיָה, Shemaʿyah). The name means "heard by Yahweh" or "Yahweh has heard." This was a common name in the Old Testament, but in this context, it identifies a specific individual tasked with immense responsibility. His name might also subtly reflect the idea that Yahweh heard David's renewed efforts to properly honor Him.

• the chief: (Hebrew: הָרֹאשׁ, ha-ro'sh). This means "the head" or "the chief/leader." It denotes a position of authority, prominence, and responsibility within his family or division of Levites. This confirms Shemaiah's status not merely as a participant but as a designated leader entrusted with overseeing his specific group in the sacred procession of the Ark. His leadership role ensured order and proper conduct.

• of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief: This grouping signifies that Shemaiah, a key leader ("the chief"), derives his authority and role from his belonging to the esteemed Kohathite family of Elizaphan. This underlines the Chronicler's concern for genealogical accuracy and the proper, God-ordained structure for temple service. It ensures legitimacy and adherence to established divine ordinances for carrying out sacred duties. The emphasis on named individuals underscores the personal responsibility inherent in divine service.

1 Chronicles 15 8 Bonus section

The Chronicler’s repeated emphasis on "the sons of" and detailed genealogies throughout 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9 and then interspersed) serves several theological purposes. First, it legitimized the post-exilic community’s claims to land and heritage by connecting them back to Israel’s sacred past and the covenants. Second, it provided a blueprint for the temple cult and its personnel, reinforcing that positions within sacred service (like carrying the Ark) were divinely appointed through specific lineages, especially the Levites and Kohathites. This listing acts as a theological statement about divine order, emphasizing that approaching God requires obedience to His prescribed ways, not human innovation. The verse’s brevity and directness also paradoxically highlight the gravity of its subject—the restoration of right worship—by focusing on the foundational element of authorized personnel.

1 Chronicles 15 8 Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:8 is seemingly a simple genealogical listing, yet it profoundly highlights the meticulous care taken by David and the Chronicler in documenting the re-establishment of proper worship and order. After Uzzah's death, David understood that God's laws were not suggestions but divine commands, particularly concerning the sacred Ark. This verse, therefore, is a testament to obedience, precision, and the crucial role of established divine authority in handling holy things. Shemaiah's mention as a "chief" from the Kohathite lineage underscores the importance of legitimate spiritual leadership and adhering to hereditary priestly responsibilities. The detailed list of Levites demonstrates David's commitment to following the Law, recognizing that a holy God demands holy procedures from His people. It speaks to a reformed worship that valued order and sanctification, signifying the lesson learned from past failures that God’s holy presence cannot be treated carelessly. The naming of specific individuals validates their important, divinely ordained service, portraying them not as mere functionaries but as chosen servants.