1 Chronicles 23 20

1 Chronicles 23:20 kjv

Of the sons of Uzziel; Micah the first and Jesiah the second.

1 Chronicles 23:20 nkjv

Of the sons of Uzziel, Michah was the first and Jesshiah the second.

1 Chronicles 23:20 niv

The sons of Uzziel: Micah the first and Ishiah the second.

1 Chronicles 23:20 esv

The sons of Uzziel: Micah the chief and Isshiah the second.

1 Chronicles 23:20 nlt

The descendants of Uzziel included Micah (the family leader) and Isshiah (the second).

1 Chronicles 23 verses

1 Chronicles 23 20 Meaning

This verse details specific leaders appointed from the lineage of Uzziel, a branch of the Kohathite Levites, for the service of the house of God during King David's reign. It specifies Micah as the primary leader and Isshiah as his subordinate, highlighting the organized structure of the Levitical assignments.

1 Chronicles 23 20 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 23 initiates King David's pivotal reorganization of the Levites, anticipating their permanent roles in the future Temple that his son Solomon would build. Having reigned for many years and grown old, David systematically prepares the infrastructure for sacred worship. He counts all Levite males from thirty years old and upward, then meticulously categorizes them by their assigned duties: serving the house of the Lord (a priestly function for some Levites), gatekeepers, treasurers, judges, and musicians. Verse 20 specifically slots into this comprehensive administrative record, detailing two named individuals from Uzziel’s lineage – Micah and Isshiah – and their respective hierarchical roles within their family branch. This meticulous detailing highlights the Chronicler’s deep concern for legitimate lineage, proper succession, and the divine importance of structured, orderly service in the worship of God, transitioning from the portable tabernacle to a fixed Temple.

1 Chronicles 23 20 Word analysis

• "Of the sons of Uzziel:": (מִבְּנֵי עֻזִּיאֵל, mib'b'nê Uzzî'êl)

  • "Of the sons of": Indicates a direct genealogical connection, identifying these individuals as descendants belonging to a specific family line. In the Old Testament, qualification for Levitical service was strictly based on ancestry.
  • "Uzziel": (עֻזִּיאֵל, Uzzî'êl) Meaning "My strength is God" or "Strength of God." He was a significant son of Kohath and grandson of Levi (Exod 6:18; Num 3:19). His descendants formed a key branch of the Kohathite Levites, traditionally responsible for carrying the sacred articles of the tabernacle. The inclusion of Uzziel here connects the new Temple service organization with established, ancient Levitical heritage.

• "Micah": (מִיכָה, Mîḵâ) A common Hebrew name meaning "Who is like Yah?" (a rhetorical question affirming God's incomparability). Named as the first individual appointed to leadership within this particular family line of Uzziel for temple duties.

• "the chief,": (הָרֹאשׁ, hā'rō'sh) Literally "the head" or "the chief." This designates Micah as the primary or leading figure, indicating his superior rank and responsibility within his family unit in the Levitical organizational structure. It underscores the hierarchy of leadership.

• "and": (וְ, wə) A simple conjunction connecting the two named individuals, indicating their joint responsibility and associated roles, with a clear distinction in their hierarchical positions.

• "Isshiah": (יִשִּׁיָּהוּ, Yiššîyāhû) Meaning "Yah is lending" or "Yah will lend/support." He is specified as the secondary leader, highlighting a clear system of subordinate responsibility. This name, like Micah, carries a theological meaning, reflecting reliance on divine providence.

• "the second.": (הַמִּשְׁנֶה, hammiš'neh) Literally "the second." This defines Isshiah's specific rank as being next in command or subordinate to Micah. It formally establishes a two-tiered leadership within this specific Levitical group, ensuring clear delegation and orderly functioning.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Of the sons of Uzziel: Micah the chief": This phrase succinctly identifies the specific family branch (descendants of Uzziel) and immediately introduces the primary leader appointed for them (Micah), indicating both ancestral qualification and established headship for Levitical service. It speaks to the Chronicler's emphasis on both proper lineage and functional leadership.
  • "and Isshiah the second.": This segment complements the first by immediately naming the secondary leader (Isshiah) and defining his subordinate role. This structured pairing signifies a system of shared authority and delegated responsibility, essential for efficient management of sacred duties and reflective of the principle of ordered administration in God's service.

1 Chronicles 23 20 Bonus section

• The meticulous genealogical record-keeping within Chronicles (as seen in this verse) served a critical role for the post-exilic community. It not only reinforced their identity as God's chosen people but also provided clear documentation for reinstating proper Temple service and priestly/Levitical qualifications, countering any claims from unauthorized personnel.
• The emphasis on "chief" and "second" reflects ancient Near Eastern administrative practices of structured oversight, applied here to spiritual service. This demonstrates that the practicalities of governance were considered vital even in divine appointments, ensuring efficiency and accountability in God's house.
• The very names "Micah" ("Who is like Yah?") and "Isshiah" ("Yah is lending") subtly infuse this administrative listing with theological meaning. They serve as quiet reminders that those appointed to serve are fundamentally acknowledging God's unique greatness and relying on His benevolent provision in their roles.

1 Chronicles 23 20 Commentary

1 Chronicles 23:20 is more than a mere record; it is an affirmation of the principle of divinely ordained order in God's service. By detailing the appointment of specific individuals like Micah and Isshiah from the lineage of Uzziel, with clearly defined roles as "chief" and "second," David establishes a meticulous framework for the Levitical operations in the forthcoming Temple. This careful organization reflects God's own character, which is one of order, not chaos (1 Cor 14:33). The Chronicler emphasizes that sacred service demands not only consecration but also precise administration, proper hierarchical leadership, and accountability, ensuring that all worship and functions related to the House of God are conducted decently and in accordance with divine will. It showcases David's diligent preparation and wise administration, setting a precedent for faithful leadership in God's people.