1 Chronicles 23 17

1 Chronicles 23:17 kjv

And the sons of Eliezer were, Rehabiah the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.

1 Chronicles 23:17 nkjv

Of the descendants of Eliezer, Rehabiah was the first. And Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.

1 Chronicles 23:17 niv

The descendants of Eliezer: Rehabiah was the first. Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very numerous.

1 Chronicles 23:17 esv

The sons of Eliezer: Rehabiah the chief. Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.

1 Chronicles 23:17 nlt

Eliezer had only one son, Rehabiah, the family leader. Rehabiah had numerous descendants.

1 Chronicles 23 verses

1 Chronicles 23 17 Meaning

1 Chronicles 23:17 meticulously records specific individuals from the lineage of Moses as "chiefs" or leaders within the Levitical organizational structure established by King David. It states that Izziah, a descendant of Moses through his son Eliezer and grandson Rehabiah, was recognized as a chief. Similarly, Shelomith, from the lineage of Moses through his son Gershom and grandson Isshiah, was also identified as a chief. This verse highlights David's comprehensive and ordered assignment of responsibilities within the Levite families for the future service in the temple.

1 Chronicles 23 17 Context

This verse is situated within King David's extensive reorganization of the Levites during his later years, anticipating the construction of the Temple by his son Solomon. Chapter 23 outlines how David systematically divided the Levites, who were distinct from the priestly line of Aaron, into courses and assigned specific duties for future temple service. Verse 17 specifically focuses on the descendants of Moses through his two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, emphasizing that even these significant ancestral lines had their appointed "chiefs" within David's new order. This reflects the careful and thorough preparation David undertook to ensure an orderly and consecrated worship system for God's house, with every family line and every designated individual having their place and responsibility.

1 Chronicles 23 17 Word analysis

• And: וְ (ve) - Functions as a simple connective, linking this specific lineage information to the preceding detailed account of Levitical organization, indicating a continuation of the family registry.
• the sons of: בְּנֵי (bene) - "Children of," or "descendants of." This highlights the importance of hereditary lineage in the allocation of roles and responsibilities within the Levitical framework, demonstrating continuity and generational faithfulness.
• Rehabiah: רְחַבְיָה (Rĕḥavyāh) - Meaning "Jehovah has enlarged" or "God broadens." He was the sole son of Eliezer, Moses' second son (1 Chr 23:15-16), making his line unique. The mention of his descendants here shows the meticulous record-keeping for every Levitical branch.
• were Izziah: יִשִּׁיָּה (Yiššîyāh) - This individual is specified as a descendant of Rehabiah. "Izziah" likely means "Jehovah sprinkles" or "strength of the Lord." The specific naming of these individuals underscores their recognized status within their respective family lines.
• the chief: הָרֹאשׁ (hārō'sh) - Literally "the head," but here denotes a prominent position of authority, leadership, or principal status within the family clan. It indicates a recognized or designated leader for administrative or representational purposes in the new temple organization.
• and the sons of Isshiah: This "Isshiah" (also יִשִּׁיָּה (Yiššîyāh), a common name) is distinguished by context from "Izziah" and is identified in the next verse (1 Chr 23:18) as a descendant of Gershom, Moses' other son. This clarifies that both branches of Moses' lineage were being detailed.
• were Shelomith: שְׁלֹמִית (Shĕlômîth) - Meaning "Peacefulness" or "My recompense." In this context (and others in Chronicles, e.g., 1 Chr 26:25-26 for treasury oversight), Shelomith refers to a male leader despite the feminized ending in some Hebrew names, indicative of his specific role.
• the chief: הָרֹאשׁ (hārō'sh) - Again, emphasizes the formal designation and role of leadership assigned to Shelomith within Gershom's line, parallel to Izziah's position in Eliezer's line.

Words-group analysis:

• "And the sons of Rehabiah were Izziah the chief": This phrase precisely identifies a leading individual from the line of Eliezer, Moses' son whose lineage almost ended with a single male descendant, Rehabiah. This highlights the continuity and importance of this line and the recognition of its leader for the new service structure.
• "and the sons of Isshiah were Shelomith the chief": This parallel phrasing ensures that both significant branches of Moses' descendants (from Gershom and Eliezer) are shown to have their designated leaders ("chiefs") within David's meticulously planned Levitical organization, indicating a balanced and comprehensive leadership structure.

1 Chronicles 23 17 Bonus section

• The Unique Position of Moses' Descendants: While Aaron's descendants held the priesthood, Moses' descendants were pure Levites, excluded from priestly duties (Num 3:30-32). Their inclusion and specified leadership roles as "chiefs" within the broader Levitical structure underline the comprehensiveness of David's organization, acknowledging the distinct yet crucial service all Levitical families were to render, not solely the priests.
• Anticipation of Future Order: This detailed organization by David, including minute family lineage and assigned "chiefs," points to a foundational principle of preparing diligently for future divine work. It's a proactive measure to ensure the sanctity and efficiency of temple service before its actual construction, showcasing faithfulness in stewarding responsibilities for God's glory.
• Historical and Cultural Significance: In ancient Israel, genealogy was paramount for inheritance, tribal identity, and especially for determining eligibility for religious office. The precise listing here ensures legitimacy and maintains the distinct roles God had ordained for each family, guarding against usurpation or confusion in roles, which could lead to ritual impurity or divine displeasure.

1 Chronicles 23 17 Commentary

This verse, seemingly a simple genealogical listing, provides a crucial glimpse into King David's foresight and divine wisdom in structuring the future worship life of Israel. Far from being random appointments, the identification of Izziah and Shelomith as "chiefs" from Moses' lineage indicates formal, recognized roles within the highly organized Levitical corps. David ensured that all legitimate branches, even those descended from Moses rather than Aaron (who were priests), had their specific place and leadership. This wasn't merely a naming exercise; it was the foundation for order, accountability, and the efficient execution of temple duties, reflecting a divinely-inspired blueprint for systematic service. It reminds us that God desires order in His house and that designated, accountable leadership is vital for collective worship and ministry.