1 Chronicles 24 16

1 Chronicles 24:16 kjv

The nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezekel,

1 Chronicles 24:16 nkjv

the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezekel,

1 Chronicles 24:16 niv

the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel,

1 Chronicles 24:16 esv

the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel,

1 Chronicles 24:16 nlt

The nineteenth lot fell to Pethahiah.
The twentieth lot fell to Jehezkel.

1 Chronicles 24 verses

1 Chronicles 24 16 Meaning

1 Chronicles 24:16 lists two specific priestly divisions established by King David: the nineteenth assigned to Pethahiah, and the twentieth to Jehezkel. This verse contributes to the meticulous record of the structured organization of the Levitical priesthood for temple service, ensuring orderly and continuous worship once the Temple was built. It highlights the divine foresight and orderly planning intrinsic to Israel's sacred life.

1 Chronicles 24 16 Context

1 Chronicles 24 falls within a section (Chapters 23-26) that describes David's comprehensive organization of the Levitical and priestly services in anticipation of the Temple. Having brought the ark to Jerusalem and received divine blueprints for the Temple, David meticulously prepared for the future worship. Chapter 24 specifically focuses on the detailed arrangement of the descendants of Aaron (the priests) into 24 distinct divisions or courses. These divisions were established by lot to ensure fairness and divine sanction, assigning specific periods of service to each priestly family throughout the year. The historical context reflects a desire to move from a more nomadic and less structured form of worship to a highly organized, centralized, and perpetual system in Jerusalem, under a strong monarchy. This was critical for post-exilic Israel, as the book of Chronicles was compiled, providing a historical basis and theological justification for the Temple-centric worship and the legitimacy of the priesthood, directly countering any fragmented or unauthorized cultic practices. The enumeration of priestly names and their respective courses underscored the enduring, legitimate line of Aaronic priesthood.

1 Chronicles 24 16 Word analysis

• the nineteenth (הַתְּשִׁעָה עָשָׂר ha-tish‘ah ‘asar)

  • Word-level: "The nineteenth" signifies a precise numerical order within the total of 24 priestly divisions. This highlights the systematic and comprehensive nature of David's organization, leaving nothing to chance or disarray. It underscores attention to detail and a plan for complete coverage of duties.
  • Significance: It emphasizes structure and specificity in the divine service, reflecting God's character as a God of order.

• to Pethahiah (לְפֶתַחְיָה li-Pethaḥyah)

  • Word-level: "Pethahiah" is a proper name, meaning "Jehovah opens" or "Jehovah sets free." This is the head of the nineteenth priestly division. The prepositions "to" (לְ li-) indicates the assignment or designation of this specific course to him and his household.
  • Significance: The naming of specific family heads solidifies their identity, accountability, and the continuity of their line's assigned service. The potential meaning of the name "Jehovah opens" could subtly hint at divine enabling or provision for service, though primarily it serves as an identifier.

• the twentieth (וְהָעֶשְׂרִים və-ha-‘esrim)

  • Word-level: "And the twentieth" continues the numerical sequence. The Hebrew prefix "וְ" (və) means "and," linking this entry directly to the previous one, emphasizing the unbroken series. This repeated listing of ordinal numbers reinforces the meticulous nature of the record and the systematic arrangement.
  • Significance: This continuation underscores the exhaustive and non-random nature of the divisions. Every assigned role was deliberate, demonstrating the comprehensiveness of God's design for His people's worship.

• to Jehezkel (לְיֶחֶזְקֵאל li-Yeḥezqe'l)

  • Word-level: "Jehezkel" is a proper name, meaning "God strengthens" or "God is strength." This individual is designated as the head of the twentieth priestly division. Similar to Pethahiah, he represents an entire household responsible for their course of service.
  • Significance: The mention of "Jehezkel" continues the detailed record of the designated priestly leaders. Like Pethahiah, his name's meaning "God strengthens" could carry a symbolic implication of divine empowerment for ministry, or it simply serves to accurately record the designated family. The enumeration reinforces legitimacy and specific responsibility within the divinely appointed system.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel," This entire phrase is a sequence demonstrating David's systematic allocation of priestly duties. The repetitive structure ("ordinal number to proper name") emphasizes the highly organized and intentional process of establishing regular, rotatory service for the sanctuary. It reveals a foundational principle of order and delegation essential for sacred duties and continuity in ministry. This system ensures that all qualified priestly families participated, guaranteeing consistent service year-round and avoiding overlap or neglect, a model for efficient spiritual administration.

1 Chronicles 24 16 Bonus section

• The practice of dividing priests into courses ensured that no single family or group dominated Temple service permanently, fostering communal participation and shared responsibility among all qualified priestly lines.
• This detailed organization prefigures the New Testament concept of the Body of Christ, where various members are assigned distinct gifts and roles for the collective edification and function of the Church (Rom 12:4-8; 1 Cor 12:12-27). Each priestly course, like each part of the body, had a vital function for the whole to operate efficiently.
• The use of lots (implied by 1 Chron 24:5, 31) for assignments wasn't about randomness but about discerning divine will, a practice seen elsewhere in scripture (e.g., Acts 1:26). It conveyed a sense that God Himself was ordering these arrangements for His worship.
• The meticulous genealogical record-keeping throughout Chronicles, exemplified by this verse, was critical for post-exilic Jews to confirm their lineage and re-establish legitimate priestly and Levitical service upon returning to Jerusalem, reasserting continuity with their ancient heritage.

1 Chronicles 24 16 Commentary

1 Chronicles 24:16, a mere enumeration of two priestly divisions, speaks volumes about the value placed on order, foresight, and delegated responsibility in God's service. Set within David's monumental preparations for the Temple, this verse signifies more than a mere roster. It reflects a profound understanding that genuine worship requires structure and discipline, not chaos. By establishing these 24 courses, ensuring every eligible priestly family had its turn through the casting of lots (an act signifying divine assent), David eliminated potential rivalries and secured a continuous, dedicated workforce for the future sanctuary. This meticulous planning laid the groundwork for generations of reverent and proper Temple service, highlighting the divine emphasis on doing all things "decently and in order" (1 Cor 14:40). It conveys that even the seemingly administrative details of spiritual work are integral to glorifying God, requiring faithful execution by divinely appointed and prepared individuals.