1 Chronicles 24 12

1 Chronicles 24:12 kjv

The eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,

1 Chronicles 24:12 nkjv

the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,

1 Chronicles 24:12 niv

the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,

1 Chronicles 24:12 esv

the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,

1 Chronicles 24:12 nlt

The eleventh lot fell to Eliashib.
The twelfth lot fell to Jakim.

1 Chronicles 24 verses

1 Chronicles 24 12 Meaning

1 Chronicles 24:12 precisely designates two of the twenty-four divisions of priests organized by King David for temple service: the twelfth course was allotted to the priestly lineage represented by Eliashib, and the thirteenth course to the lineage of Jakim. This verse details the meticulous and orderly structure established for continuous, dedicated service in the house of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 24 12 Context

First Chronicles 24 falls within a section detailing David's preparations for the temple, a structure Solomon would ultimately build. Chapters 23-26 specifically describe David's organization of the Levites and priests into distinct divisions, each assigned specific roles and times of service. Chapter 24 focuses on the descendants of Aaron, who were designated as priests. With Zadok and Ahimelech as overseers, lots were cast to determine the specific order in which twenty-four priestly families would serve in the temple. This comprehensive system ensured that priestly duties, including offering sacrifices, burning incense, and maintaining the sanctuary, could be performed continually throughout the year with specific accountability for each shift. The verse specifies two more of these twenty-four hereditary courses.

1 Chronicles 24 12 Word analysis

• the twelfth (הַשְּׁנֵים עָשָׂר – haš-šnê-m ‘ā-śār): This is an ordinal number indicating a precise sequential position in the system of priestly rotation. Its use highlights the meticulously structured and organized nature of David's plan, emphasizing divine order rather than random choice for such sacred service. The specific number implies a fair and non-preferential allocation, based on the divine will determined through lot-casting.
• to Eliashib (לְאֶלְיָשִׁיב – lə’el-yā-šîḇ): This is a proper noun, transliterated from Hebrew, meaning "God restores" or "God will bring back." It designates the specific head of the priestly family or lineage assigned the twelfth course. This Eliashib is the progenitor of the line that would serve in this capacity, establishing a hereditary responsibility for priestly duties for that particular course.
• the thirteenth (הַשְּׁלֹשָׁה עָשָׁר – haš-šə-lō-šā-h ‘ā-śār): Another ordinal number, precisely indicating the subsequent course chosen. The consistent numbering reinforces the methodical approach to the assignments.
• to Jakim (לְיָקִים – ləyā-qîm): This is a proper noun, transliterated from Hebrew, likely meaning "he will establish" or "may he raise up." Similar to Eliashib, this names the head of the priestly family assigned the thirteenth course, whose descendants would perpetually hold this position in the cycle of temple service.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "the twelfth to Eliashib, the thirteenth to Jakim": This phrase succinctly outlines the divine arrangement of duties through specific human channels. The pairing of a numerical order with a named priestly family underscores the twin principles of systematic administration and personal responsibility within God's service. This established a rotating schedule for the twenty-four divisions, ensuring that while the service was continuous, each family had its specific time and responsibility, contributing to an unbroken chain of worship and offerings. The use of lots for assignment, as seen throughout the chapter, ensured that the outcome was considered a direct expression of God's will (Prov 16:33), providing divine legitimacy to David's human organizational efforts. This system was vital for avoiding chaos and ensuring the dignified and appropriate functioning of the sanctuary.

1 Chronicles 24 12 Bonus section

• The chronicler's extensive list of names and specific organizational details in this chapter and surrounding passages (e.g., 1 Chr 23-26) emphasize the historicity and meticulous nature of the arrangements. This was not an arbitrary human construct but a divinely inspired blueprint for orderly worship.
• The fact that these priestly divisions continued to be recognized and serve well into the post-exilic period (as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah) and even into the time of Jesus (Luke 1:5, Zechariah of the course of Abijah) testifies to the enduring impact and divine wisdom behind David's original organization.
• The use of lots (goral, גוֹרָל) to determine the sequence signifies a trust in God's sovereign hand to direct human affairs and appointments, especially for sacred service. This was not a gamble but a prayerful surrender to divine guidance in critical decisions.

1 Chronicles 24 12 Commentary

1 Chronicles 24:12 provides a glimpse into the profound attention to detail and divine order that characterized King David's preparations for the temple. By methodically organizing the Aaronic priesthood into twenty-four divisions through the casting of lots, David ensured not only an efficient system for ongoing worship but also embodied a commitment to serving the Lord "decently and in order" (1 Cor 14:40). The listing of specific names like Eliashib and Jakim for the twelfth and thirteenth courses, respectively, underscores the hereditary and perpetual nature of this divinely instituted service for that era. This structured approach, rooted in faithfulness, prevented disorder and provided a blueprint for consecrated ministry that continued to influence post-exilic temple service. It highlights the principle that God's work, especially in worship, benefits from deliberate planning, clear assignments, and devoted stewardship of responsibilities for His glory.