1 Chronicles 23:12 kjv
The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.
1 Chronicles 23:12 nkjv
The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel?four in all.
1 Chronicles 23:12 niv
The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel?four in all.
1 Chronicles 23:12 esv
The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.
1 Chronicles 23:12 nlt
Four of the descendants of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
1 Chronicles 23 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exo 6:18 | And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel... | Lineage of Kohath, Izhar's father |
| Num 3:19 | The sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izhar, Zebulun, and Uzziel. | Enumeration of Kohath's sons |
| Num 4:4 | This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation... | Duties of Kohathites in service |
| Num 8:6 | Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them. | Consecration of Levites |
| 1 Chr 6:18 | The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. | Reinforces Izhar's position in genealogy |
| 1 Chr 9:18 | Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters... | Levites serving as gatekeepers |
| 1 Chr 23:3 | Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward... | Numbering of Levites by David |
| 1 Chr 23:6 | Among these were the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. | Overview of Levi's primary divisions |
| 1 Chr 23:11 | And the chief, Jahath, and Zina. But Jeush and Beriah had not many sons... | Similar "chief" designation in other lines |
| 1 Chr 23:13 | The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated... | Distinction of priestly line from Levites |
| 1 Chr 24:1 | Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron... | Further divisions of priestly families |
| 1 Chr 25:1 | Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service... | Organization of Levitical musicians |
| 1 Chr 26:1 | Concerning the divisions of the gatekeepers... | Organization of Levitical gatekeepers |
| 1 Chr 26:26 | Which Shelomith and his brethren were over... | Shelomith overseeing sacred treasuries |
| 1 Chr 28:13 | Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites... | David's plans for temple structure |
| Gen 10:32 | These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations... | Importance of accurate genealogies |
| Neh 7:64 | These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found... | Emphasis on proving lineage for service |
| Lk 3:23 | And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph... | Genealogical records for key figures |
| Eph 4:11 | And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists... | God gives diverse roles/leadership |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. | Emphasis on order in worship |
| Rom 12:4-5 | For as we have many members in one body... | Unity and diverse functions within body of believers |
| Tit 1:5 | For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order... | Importance of appointing leaders/ordering |
1 Chronicles 23 verses
1 Chronicles 23 12 Meaning
1 Chronicles 23:12 records a specific genealogical detail within the Kohathite division of the Levites, identifying Shelomith as a son of Izhar and designating him with the position of "chief" or "head" among his family line. This highlights the precise organization of Levitical families for their designated roles in sacred service within the temple system.
1 Chronicles 23 12 Context
1 Chronicles 23 details King David's extensive organization of the Levites, Israel's designated sacred tribe, as he prepared for the construction and ongoing administration of the temple—a task destined for his son, Solomon. Having grown old, David initiated a comprehensive census and established specific roles for the 38,000 Levites over the age of thirty. These responsibilities included assisting Aaron's descendants, overseeing the temple courts, cleansing holy vessels, offering oblations, and other liturgical and administrative duties. The chapter specifically delineates the major Levitical divisions by ancestral houses: the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites. Verse 12 zeroes in on a particular family within the Kohathite branch, highlighting the meticulous detail applied to every segment of the Levitical structure. The overall context emphasizes God's desire for order, diligent preparation, and systematic service in worship, reflecting a divine plan for the unified functioning of His sanctuary.
1 Chronicles 23 12 Word analysis
- The sons: (Hebrew: בְּנֵי, bᵊnê) - Refers to the male descendants, establishing the family unit as the foundational structure for Levitical organization. This word underscores the vital role of lineage in identifying those authorized for sacred service and their inherited rights within the covenant community.
- of Izhar: (Hebrew: יִצְהָ֔ר, yiṣhār) - Identifies the immediate paternal lineage. Izhar was one of the four sons of Kohath, linking this specific family to the prominent Kohathite clan, which historically held the significant duty of transporting the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred vessels (Num 4:4-15).
- Shelomith: (Hebrew: שְׁלֹמִ֥ית, šəlōmîṯ) - The specific individual identified. The name means "peaceful" or "peace-bringing." While his immediate function isn't stated here, another reference in 1 Chronicles 26:25-28 describes a Shelomith from the Izharites who was charged with overseeing all the treasuries of the dedicated things for the house of the LORD. This indicates his crucial administrative role within the temple's financial management.
- the chief: (Hebrew: הָרֹ֗אשׁ, hārōš) - Literally "the head" or "the leader." This title designates a position of primary authority or prominence within his family line. Shelomith was not just any son of Izhar, but the acknowledged head or leading figure. This highlights the hierarchical structure and delegated responsibility essential for the efficient and orderly functioning of the extensive Levitical service.
Words-group analysis:
- "The sons of Izhar": This phrase precisely places the individuals mentioned within the divinely ordered tribal and family framework of Israel. It emphasizes that those called to service were not arbitrary individuals, but specific lineages with a hereditary claim to their duties, ensuring continuity and order in the sanctuary's operation according to God's ancient covenant with Levi.
- "Shelomith the chief": This identifies a particular leader within the Izharite family. It underscores the concept of designated leadership and delegated authority. The emphasis is on a specific person holding a position of responsibility and oversight ("chief"), demonstrating that God's work is not chaotic but structured, requiring accountability and direction from recognized heads for its proper execution.
1 Chronicles 23 12 Bonus section
The Chronicler's intense focus on these detailed Levitical arrangements serves a theological purpose for the post-exilic community for whom this book was primarily written. It reminds them of the divinely established order for worship from the very beginning of the kingdom period, urging them to return to the prescribed purity and structure of service, which would ensure God's blessing. The inclusion of specific "chiefs" within these families also implicitly reinforces that true authority and leadership in God's house flow from a divinely appointed order, whether through lineage as here or by spiritual gifts and calling in later dispensations. This historical blueprint for the Levites highlights the importance of prepared, organized, and dedicated servants in all facets of God's work, emphasizing that faithful service is both a privilege and a serious responsibility.
1 Chronicles 23 12 Commentary
1 Chronicles 23:12 exemplifies the meticulous level of organization undertaken by King David in preparation for the temple service, laying a foundational structure for future worship in Jerusalem. This seemingly brief genealogical entry underscores the biblical value placed on order, lineage, and assigned leadership within God's covenant people. By singling out "Shelomith the chief" among the sons of Izhar, the verse showcases that divine service was not left to chance but involved carefully designated roles and individuals responsible for their specific duties. This precise ordering of the Levitical families, even down to naming particular family heads, reflects a profound theological truth: God delights in order and harmony. The "chief" position implies a significant administrative or authoritative role, possibly reflecting his later responsibility over the temple treasuries as hinted in 1 Chronicles 26:26-28. Ultimately, this systematic arrangement ensured that every aspect of worship and maintenance within God's house would be conducted with utmost diligence and according to the divine will, providing a template for organized and dedicated service to God throughout generations.