1 Chronicles 23 19

1 Chronicles 23:19 kjv

Of the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

1 Chronicles 23:19 nkjv

Of the sons of Hebron, Jeriah was the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

1 Chronicles 23:19 niv

The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third and Jekameam the fourth.

1 Chronicles 23:19 esv

The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

1 Chronicles 23:19 nlt

The descendants of Hebron included Jeriah (the family leader), Amariah (the second), Jahaziel (the third), and Jekameam (the fourth).

1 Chronicles 23 verses

1 Chronicles 23 19 Meaning

This verse is a precise record of four prominent individuals from the Hebronite branch of the Levites, designating their hierarchical order: Jeriah as the first or chief, followed by Amariah, Jahaziel, and Jekameam. It forms part of King David's administrative organization of the Levites for Temple service before his death and Solomon's reign.

1 Chronicles 23 19 Context

First Chronicles chapter 23 outlines King David's extensive reorganization and division of the Levites. Anticipating his death and the construction of the Temple by his son Solomon, David conducted a census of all Levites aged thirty and above. He then assigned them specific duties, departing from their previous roles of carrying the tabernacle, which would no longer be necessary once the permanent Temple was built. The Levites were primarily designated for service within the Temple, encompassing roles as priests’ assistants, gatekeepers, musicians, and treasurers. Verse 19 specifically details a family line within the Hebronite clan, a subdivision of the Kohathites, emphasizing the systematic and hereditary nature of their roles within this larger structure. The Chronicler’s meticulous listing underscores the importance of proper lineage and orderly administration for the sacred service of God. This detail reassures a post-exilic audience about the legitimate continuity of Temple personnel.

1 Chronicles 23 19 Word analysis

• Of Hebron: Hebrew: לְחֶבְרוֹן (lechevrôn). "Hebron" (חֶבְרוֹן - chevrôn) means "association" or "confederacy." In this context, it refers to the third son of Kohath, who was the second son of Levi (1 Chr 6:2). The "Hebronites" were a major clan of Levites with historical significance due to their association with the priestly city of Hebron, reinforcing their established connection to sacred service and covenant identity.
• Jeriah: Hebrew: יְרִיָּה (Yeriyyah). Meaning "founded by Yah" or "Yah sees/perceives." This name designates him as the chief of this specific Hebronite branch, highlighting a divinely ordained aspect to his position.
• the head: Hebrew: הָרֹאשׁ (ha'rosh). "The chief," "the leader," or "the first." This term explicitly marks Jeriah as the senior or principal figure among these four, indicating a formal recognition of his administrative authority and oversight within his sub-clan's Temple responsibilities. It highlights the established hierarchy within Levitical service.
• Amariah: Hebrew: אֲמַרְיָה (ʾAmar Yah). Meaning "Yah has said" or "Yah speaks." As the second in line, his name, like Jeriah's, affirms a connection to Yahweh's Word and divine direction, suggesting an important, perhaps ministerial, role. His sequential placement signifies an ordered succession or distinct but secondary prominence.
• Jahaziel: Hebrew: יַחֲזִיאֵל (Yachaẕiʾel). Meaning "God sees" or "God gazes." This name reinforces the concept of divine observation and involvement in the selection and duties of the Levites, implying God's providential care over His chosen servants. His designation as the third confirms a structured and distinct role within the Hebronite service.
• the third: Hebrew: הַשְּׁלִישִׁי (ha'shĕliyshiy). Indicating a numerical order of rank or succession within this specified group. This precise enumeration underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on meticulous organization and legitimate lineage, serving to counter any challenges to the proper appointment of Temple personnel.
• and Jekameam: Hebrew: וִיקַמְעָם (vIqam'am). Meaning "who rises among the people" or "the people rise up." This name might suggest an inherent leadership quality or prominence within the community, even at the fourth position. The detailed listing of these individuals underscores the continuity of specific lines within the broader Levite tribe appointed for Temple duties, upholding ancestral roles sanctioned by God's decree and David's administration.
• Word-Group Analysis:
  • "Of Hebron: Jeriah the head, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.": This phrase illustrates the systematic ordering of a specific Levitical clan (Hebronites) by David for their Temple service. The use of names incorporating divine elements like "Yah" (Yahweh) or "El" (God) is common in biblical names, particularly among those associated with divine service, signifying their dedicated purpose and identity in relation to God. The precise numbering ("head," "second," "third," "fourth") demonstrates a hierarchical structure designed for efficiency and accountability. This emphasis on meticulously listed names and their positions reflects a core theological principle of the Chronicler: the necessity of proper lineage and divine order for legitimate and effective worship, ensuring the purity and continuity of service in the Lord's house.

1 Chronicles 23 19 Bonus section

The Chronicler’s consistent emphasis on names and lineages within the Levitical roles in chapters 23-26 points to a critical theological purpose: establishing legitimacy and continuity for the returning exiles. By meticulously listing the Hebronites and their ordered ranks, the Chronicler aimed to root the post-exilic community’s religious practices in the established precedents of Davidic and Mosaic law, affirming that their current Temple personnel were indeed the rightful heirs to the ancient and divinely-appointed offices. This served as a strong counter-narrative against any who might challenge the authority or purity of the rebuilt Temple’s worship. Furthermore, the selection of exactly four names might symbolize completeness or representation of the Hebronite family unit in this organizational structure, indicating a full and adequate provision for their designated roles. The chronicler emphasizes hereditary service, as the Levites' age for service was lowered to 20 due to the large number of personnel now needed for the stationary Temple.

1 Chronicles 23 19 Commentary

First Chronicles 23:19, while appearing to be a simple list of names, holds profound significance within the Chronicler's narrative. It is part of King David's comprehensive effort to organize and consecrate the Levitical families for the future service of the Temple, anticipating a new era of worship where the carrying of the tabernacle would cease. The precise enumeration of "Jeriah the head, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth" from the Hebronite clan underscores the meticulous attention to detail in divine order. This was not merely an administrative roster but a theological statement emphasizing that Temple service was to be undertaken by duly appointed, genealogically validated individuals, ensuring purity of worship and proper inheritance of roles. The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic community, stressed this adherence to proper lineage and divine arrangement to instill confidence and provide a model for re-establishing legitimate worship and societal order, thereby connecting the present to their covenant heritage. The names themselves, incorporating elements of "Yah" (God) and "El" (God), subtly reinforce the divinely-sanctioned nature of their roles.

Examples:

• This verse illustrates that even seemingly minor administrative details are important for the overall functioning of God's work.
• It highlights the principle of orderly leadership and succession in ministry.
• It underscores that God often works through established structures and appointed individuals, not just through spontaneous efforts, demanding diligence in adherence to divine blueprints.