1 Chronicles 23 18

1 Chronicles 23:18 kjv

Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief.

1 Chronicles 23:18 nkjv

Of the sons of Izhar, Shelomith was the first.

1 Chronicles 23:18 niv

The sons of Izhar: Shelomith was the first.

1 Chronicles 23:18 esv

The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief.

1 Chronicles 23:18 nlt

The descendants of Izhar included Shelomith, the family leader.

1 Chronicles 23 verses

1 Chronicles 23 18 Meaning

The verse states that among the descendants of Izhar, who was a son of Kohath from the tribe of Levi, a specific individual named Shelomith was designated as "the chief." This highlights an important organizational detail within King David's structured plan for the Levites' duties in anticipation of the building of the temple. Shelomith held a prominent leadership position, likely administrative, overseeing specific responsibilities within his Levitical division.

1 Chronicles 23 18 Context

1 Chronicles 23 is situated within King David's final instructions and preparations for the building of the temple by his son Solomon. After ruling for 40 years, David organizes the Levites (numbering 38,000 men aged thirty and upward) into divisions, reassigning their roles from carrying the tabernacle, which was no longer necessary as the ark had found a permanent resting place. He meticulously details their new duties, which include temple attendance, assisting the priests, gatekeeping, playing music, and handling various administrative and treasury tasks. This verse, 1 Chronicles 23:18, specifies the leadership structure within one of these Levitical families, the Izharites, ensuring every aspect of temple service is prepared and accounted for. This shows David's diligent planning and the chronicler's emphasis on proper worship and organized priestly service.

1 Chronicles 23 18 Word analysis

• Sons: (Hebrew: בְּנֵ֤י, bə·nê) Refers to the male descendants or family line. In genealogical lists like this, it specifies the direct familial connection to Izhar, indicating a lineage-based organization.
• Izhar: (Hebrew: יִצְהָ֑ר, yiṣ·hār) One of the four sons of Kohath, who was a son of Levi (Exod 6:18, Num 3:19). The Izharites constituted one of the prominent Levitical families whose duties traditionally involved the care and transport of sacred objects for the Tabernacle. His descendants continued to be significant in temple service.
• Shelomith: (Hebrew: שְׁלֹומִ֖ית, šə·lō·w·mîṯ) A male name meaning "peaceful" or "peacefulness," derived from "shalom" (peace). While there are multiple individuals named Shelomith in the Bible, the context strongly suggests this is the same Shelomith mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:26, 28, who was in charge of the dedicated treasures for the temple. This linkage indicates a significant administrative role beyond just being a family head.
• the chief: (Hebrew: הָרֹ֔אשׁ, hā·rōš) From the word rosh, meaning "head," "chief," "principal," or "leader." This title signifies a distinct position of authority or prominence within his family line or specific assigned division of Levitical duties. It's not merely a nominal designation but implies direct oversight and responsibility.

• "The sons of Izhar:" This phrase establishes the specific branch of the Levites being enumerated, emphasizing the continuation of duties and responsibilities through established family lines. It reinforces the meticulously ordered nature of David's preparations for temple service, rooting roles in lineage.
• "Shelomith the chief." This phrase highlights a specific individual appointed to a leading role. It denotes that within the Izharite clan, Shelomith held a position of executive authority, likely related to administration, management, or treasury, consistent with other Chronicler references. This individual leadership was crucial for the functional organization of the many Levites.

1 Chronicles 23 18 Bonus section

The Chronicler’s meticulous detailing of Levitical lineages and appointments, as seen in this verse, serves several purposes:

• It validates the legitimate right of certain families to perform specific services, especially after the Babylonian exile when proper heritage was critical.
• It underscores the Davidic ideal of an organized and centralized cult, emphasizing the king's role in setting up the worship system according to God's will.
• The emphasis on specific individuals like Shelomith illustrates that divine service is not just a generic group activity but involves real people with specific callings and responsibilities, calling for personal faithfulness and diligence in their roles.

1 Chronicles 23 18 Commentary

1 Chronicles 23:18 serves as a concise yet crucial piece of King David’s intricate organizational plan for the Levites. It demonstrates the meticulous attention to detail in preparing for the future temple service, reflecting a divine order in worship. The verse highlights the principle of designated leadership, as Shelomith, a member of the venerable Izharite lineage, is singled out as "the chief." This appointment suggests a significant administrative or supervisory role, probably involving the management of dedicated treasures and offerings, which would be essential for the temple's operations. The chronicler emphasizes that every position, even within the vast number of Levites, was purposefully filled by an identifiable leader, ensuring accountability and smooth operation for the Lord's house. This meticulous record keeping reflects a profound understanding that God desires worship to be performed not in confusion, but with dignity, diligence, and in proper order, under faithful oversight.