1 Chronicles 24 18

1 Chronicles 24:18 kjv

The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah.

1 Chronicles 24:18 nkjv

the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.

1 Chronicles 24:18 niv

the twenty-third to Delaiah and the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.

1 Chronicles 24:18 esv

the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.

1 Chronicles 24:18 nlt

The twenty-third lot fell to Delaiah.
The twenty-fourth lot fell to Maaziah.

1 Chronicles 24 verses

1 Chronicles 24 18 Meaning

This verse identifies Hapizzez (also known as Habizzez in some texts) as the leader of the eighteenth of the twenty-four divisions of priests, meticulously established by King David. It is part of a detailed account of the organizational structure of priestly service in preparation for the Temple. The selection by lot underscores divine Providence in assigning duties, ensuring an orderly and continuous discharge of sacred responsibilities within the forthcoming house of God.

1 Chronicles 24 18 Context

The verse is found within a detailed account of King David's extensive organization of the Temple's future personnel. Chapter 24 specifically outlines the twenty-four divisions of priests, the descendants of Aaron through his sons Eleazar and Ithamar. David, along with Zadok and Ahimelech, meticulously arranged these priestly families by casting lots, assigning specific periods of service to each. This specific verse, "the eighteenth to Hapizzez," highlights one such allocation, emphasizing the divine and methodical approach to managing the sacred duties. Historically, this organizational foresight occurred as David prepared Solomon to build the Temple, ensuring that sacred service would be conducted in an orderly fashion without dispute or interruption, contrasting the ordered worship of God with the chaotic and often corrupt practices of surrounding pagan cults.

1 Chronicles 24 18 Word analysis

• the eighteenth:
  • Significance: This precise ordinal number denotes the position within the highly structured system of 24 priestly divisions. The number 24 itself likely reflects a division for each half-month or two weeks, ensuring continuous service throughout the year, thus symbolizing thoroughness and divine order in God's worship.
• to Hapizzez:
  • Hebrew: הַפִּצֵּץ (Hap̄·piṣ·ṣeṣ). The exact meaning of the name is somewhat debated but is often associated with "scatter," "break forth," or "disperser."
  • Significance: This is the name of a specific priestly family head, chosen by lot to lead the eighteenth division. It represents a specific lineage within Aaron's descendants responsible for their turn of duty in the Temple. The name is not significant in its etymology for the verse's meaning but points to a real individual leading an integral part of God's worship.
  • Role: As head of his division, Hapizzez (or Habizzez) would have overseen the daily Temple services, including sacrifices, incense offerings, and other rituals, during his assigned course, ensuring adherence to the Mosaic law.

1 Chronicles 24 18 Bonus section

• The system of 24 courses established by David continued into the New Testament period, as evidenced by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, serving in the course of Abijah (the eighth course, Luke 1:5, 8-9). This demonstrates the long-lasting impact and divinely-guided nature of David's organizational efforts.
• The practice of drawing lots in ancient Israel was a recognized method for discerning God's will, not a game of chance (Proverbs 16:33). This reinforces that Hapizzez's assignment was viewed as a divine appointment.
• The detailed enumeration of these divisions shows the Israelites' emphasis on proper genealogy and lineage, crucial for proving priestly legitimacy and maintaining the covenantal structure.

1 Chronicles 24 18 Commentary

1 Chronicles 24:18, listing Hapizzez as the head of the eighteenth priestly division, is a minute but significant detail within David’s comprehensive plan for the future Temple worship. It exemplifies David's foresight and zeal for God's house, extending beyond mere construction plans to the intricate organization of the divine service. The casting of lots underscores God's sovereign involvement in this structured arrangement, signifying that each priestly course, though humanly organized, was divinely sanctioned. This meticulous order was paramount for maintaining the purity, continuity, and solemnity of worship in the Temple, preventing confusion, ensuring equitable distribution of sacred tasks, and fostering harmony among the many priestly families. It is a powerful illustration of God's preference for order and careful planning in all matters pertaining to His glory.