1 Chronicles 24 15

1 Chronicles 24:15 kjv

The seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Aphses,

1 Chronicles 24:15 nkjv

the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez,

1 Chronicles 24:15 niv

the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez,

1 Chronicles 24:15 esv

the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez,

1 Chronicles 24:15 nlt

The seventeenth lot fell to Hezir.
The eighteenth lot fell to Happizzez.

1 Chronicles 24 verses

1 Chronicles 24 15 Meaning

1 Chronicles 24:15 specifies the eighteenth and nineteenth priestly courses as designated during King David's organized division of the priesthood. The eighteenth course was assigned to the family led by Hakkoz, and the nineteenth course to the family led by Pethahiah. This meticulous assignment was part of a divinely inspired system designed to ensure continuous, orderly, and fair service within the future Temple in Jerusalem, providing a structured framework for the diverse liturgical duties of the priests for generations.

1 Chronicles 24 15 Context

Chapter 24 of 1 Chronicles meticulously details King David's systematic organization of the descendants of Aaron into twenty-four divisions, or courses, for continuous and year-round service in the tabernacle, and subsequently the Temple built by Solomon. This elaborate system, conceived under divine direction (2 Chr 8:14), was pivotal for establishing an orderly, consistent, and impartial framework for the sacrificial worship and spiritual duties in Israel. The priests' specific turns were determined by lot, underscoring a divine appointment that ensured fairness and avoided disputes over hierarchy, reinforcing that all families were equally chosen for service before God. Verse 15 is an integral part of this detailed record, listing the Hakkoz family as the eighteenth course and the Pethahiah family as the nineteenth course. This intricate arrangement laid the groundwork for centuries of Levitical and priestly function, highlighting the importance of structure and divine provision in God's chosen nation.

1 Chronicles 24 15 Word analysis

• the eighteenth: (Hebrew: הַשְּׁמֹנָה עָשָׂר - hash-shemonah asar) This ordinal number signifies the precision and order of David's division. It's part of a meticulously planned sequence of twenty-four divisions, designed to ensure continuous and uninterrupted sacred service throughout the year, preventing chaos and ensuring coverage for all liturgical duties.
• to Hakkoz: (Hebrew: הַקּוֹץ - Haqqoṣ) This name means "thorn" or "hook." Hakkoz designates the head of the priestly family assigned the eighteenth lot for temple service. While established in David's time as a significant priestly family, later biblical accounts (Ezra 2:61-62, Neh 7:63-64) record challenges faced by some of their descendants after the Babylonian exile who could not definitively prove their pure priestly lineage. This situation led to their temporary exclusion from priestly duties, underscoring the vital importance of genealogical purity and verifiable authority for those serving in the priesthood.
• the nineteenth: (Hebrew: הַתְּשַׁע עֶשְׂרֵה - hat-tesha’ ‘esreh) Similar to "the eighteenth," this numerical identifier emphasizes the exhaustive and methodical nature of David's organization of the priestly body. It designates another distinct division, showcasing the complete structuring of priestly duties without omission.
• to Pethahiah: (Hebrew: פְּתַחְיָה - Petaḥyāh) This name means "Jehovah opens" or "Yahweh opens." Pethahiah represents the head of the priestly family assigned the nineteenth course. The name might symbolically point to God "opening" doors for their dedicated service or for revelation. Members of this family are referenced later in the post-exilic period (Neh 9:5, 11:24), appearing among those who led in praise and covenant renewal and even serving in high administrative capacities under the king, illustrating a family known for devotion and leadership in the community's spiritual and civic life.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "the eighteenth to Hakkoz, the nineteenth to Pethahiah": This concise statement encapsulates a divinely ordered system of rotation and assignment for priestly service. The explicit numbering alongside the family head's name highlights that God values both orderly processes and individual accountability in service. The use of lots for these assignments, as contextually implied, underscores the belief that God supernaturally appointed each course, ensuring impartiality and confirming His direct involvement in the structuring of His worship. This foundational organizational principle was crucial for maintaining the holiness and proper functioning of the worship rituals.

1 Chronicles 24 15 Bonus section

The intricate organization of the priesthood in 1 Chronicles 24 foreshadows foundational principles applicable to the New Testament church. The emphasis on ordered service, individual responsibility within a corporate structure, and divine appointment (via lots then the Holy Spirit's guidance) finds parallels in Paul's directives concerning spiritual gifts, church offices (elders, deacons), and the overall conduct of believers in worship. Just as each priestly family had a specific function within the whole, so too does each member of the Body of Christ contribute unique, Spirit-given abilities for the common good and the edification of the church. This ancient administrative model for divine service remains relevant, illustrating God's timeless desire for peace, decency, and good order within His people gathered for worship and ministry (1 Cor 14:40).

1 Chronicles 24 15 Commentary

1 Chronicles 24:15, like the surrounding verses, serves as a testament to David's visionary leadership in structuring Israel's religious life and God's preference for order in divine service. This verse is not just a mere historical entry; it illustrates a profound theological principle: worship, when done in a manner pleasing to God, requires careful organization, intentionality, and divine appointment. The specified courses, determined by lot, underscore God's sovereign choice of who serves Him and when, fostering unity and preventing strife among the numerous priestly families. The later historical footnote concerning Hakkoz's family facing lineage challenges demonstrates the ongoing divine standard for purity and legitimate calling in sacred service. This system became the enduring blueprint for the Temple's liturgical activities, ensuring constant worship, offerings, and blessings throughout the year for centuries.