1 Chronicles 24 24

1 Chronicles 24:24 kjv

Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah: of the sons of Michah; Shamir.

1 Chronicles 24:24 nkjv

Of the sons of Uzziel, Michah; of the sons of Michah, Shamir.

1 Chronicles 24:24 niv

The son of Uzziel: Micah; from the sons of Micah: Shamir.

1 Chronicles 24:24 esv

The sons of Uzziel, Micah; of the sons of Micah, Shamir.

1 Chronicles 24:24 nlt

From the descendants of Uzziel, the leader was Micah.
From the descendants of Micah, the leader was Shamir,

1 Chronicles 24 verses

1 Chronicles 24 24 Meaning

1 Chronicles 24:24 meticulously details specific descendants within the Levitical family of Merari, focusing on a sub-branch descended from Jaaziah. It records Azziel, Mikbeth, and Benaiah as sons of Merari, and then identifies Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri as descendants of Jaaziah, who was also of the Merarite line. This verse functions as a genealogical record, establishing the identity and lineage of specific individuals or family heads essential for maintaining the divinely ordained structure of Levitical service in the Temple. It underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on meticulous order, historical continuity, and the legitimate claims to service based on ancestry, vital for the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 24 24 Context

1 Chronicles 24 falls within the broader section of Chronicles (chapters 23-27) detailing King David's extensive organization of the Levitical families for their duties in the future Temple. After establishing the divisions for the priestly line of Aaron (descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar in 24:1-19), the Chronicler meticulously records the other Levitical families—the Gershonites, Kohathites (other than Aaron), and Merarites—assigning their roles by lot. This particular verse, 1 Chronicles 24:24, provides names within the Merarite line, specifically tracing a sub-branch through Jaaziah. This careful recording serves the Chronicler's primary purpose for the post-exilic Jewish community: to validate the proper lineage for temple service, underscore the enduring nature of God's covenant and established order, and inspire confidence in the divinely-ordained system of worship that would be reinstituted. It emphasizes continuity, proper authority, and the detailed precision God expected in the functioning of His house.

1 Chronicles 24 24 Word analysis

• Azziel (Hebrew: עַזִיאֵל, 'Azziel): Meaning "My strength is God" or "God is my strength." This name embodies reliance on divine power, reflecting a common thematic naming practice among God's people, acknowledging His role as provider and sustainer.

• Mikbeth (Hebrew: מִקְבָּת, Miqbat): The exact meaning is somewhat debated, possibly derived from a root meaning "hidden place" or "a gathering/collection." As a less common personal name, its significance here may lie in simply identifying a distinct family line.

• Benaiah (Hebrew: בְּנָיָה, Benayah): Meaning "Yah has built" or "built by Yah." This name points to divine establishment or construction, suggesting that God had a hand in establishing or building up this family line, perhaps indicating prominence or faithfulness in their ancestry. It is a name frequently associated with individuals of strength and loyalty in other parts of the Old Testament.

• of the sons of Merari: Merari (Hebrew: מְרָרִי, Merari), meaning "bitter," was one of the three direct sons of Levi. This phrase identifies the major clan to which these individuals belonged. The Merarites had specific, laborious duties related to the heavy parts of the Tabernacle and later the Temple structures, signifying their designated role in worship.

• of the sons of Jaaziah: Jaaziah (Hebrew: יַעֲזִיָּהוּ, Ya'aziyahu), meaning "Yah will cause to see" or "Yah strengthens." This phrase specifies a distinct lineage within the larger Merarite clan, pinpointing a particular family branch that held importance in the Levitical organization. This hierarchical detail underlines the meticulous nature of the record-keeping for priestly and Levitical service.

• Shoham (Hebrew: שֹׁהַם, Shoham): Meaning "onyx" or "gem." Onyx was a precious stone used significantly in the High Priest's ephod (Exod 28:9), suggesting value, distinction, or possibly a symbolic connection to the sacred. As a personal name, it could signify something precious or chosen about this individual or his line.

• Zaccur (Hebrew: זַכּוּר, Zakkur): Meaning "Remembered." This name carries a strong theological implication: the person or their lineage is remembered, perhaps by God, or are to be remembered within the community for their service or heritage. It reflects God’s faithfulness in remembering His covenant and His people.

• Ibri (Hebrew: עִבְרִי, 'Ivri): Meaning "Hebrew" or "one from beyond (the river)." While referring to the Israelites as a people group, its use as a personal name here is quite distinctive. It might signify a strong identification with the covenant people of God or suggest an individual who lived faithfully according to the Israelite tradition, highlighting their core identity.

• Azziel, Mikbeth and Benaiah: These three names appear as prominent individuals directly under the Merari line. Their collective listing immediately following the declaration "of the sons of Merari" implies they were significant leaders, progenitors, or representatives of distinct sub-branches within this major Levitical clan. Each name's individual meaning adds depth, from God's strength to His building, portraying characteristics expected of those in service to God.

• of the sons of Merari: of the sons of Jaaziah;: This dual reference highlights the Chronicler's highly specific genealogical methodology. It first places the group within the broad Merarite family and then narrows down to a distinct lineage from Jaaziah, demonstrating the detailed structure and hierarchical breakdown within the Levites. This precision was crucial for validating rights to specific Temple services.

• Shoham, Zaccur and Ibri: These three names specifically delineate the immediate descendants or sub-heads stemming from Jaaziah's line. Their grouping under Jaaziah underscores the continuity and branching of families. The names themselves, "Onyx," "Remembered," and "Hebrew," introduce a unique blend of symbolic meaning (value, remembrance) and a profound connection to national identity, reflecting various aspects important to the Chronicler's message about God's chosen people and their ordered service.

1 Chronicles 24 24 Bonus section

The rigorous adherence to genealogical records in Chronicles, particularly for the Levites and priests, subtly communicates a polemic against unauthorized service or claims. In a historical context where some individuals or groups might attempt to serve in the Temple without proper lineage after the return from exile (as hinted in Ezra and Nehemiah), these detailed lists were definitive. They provided an unchallengeable basis for exclusion or inclusion, reinforcing the purity and sanctity of the Temple and its functions as ordained by God, not by human ambition or convenience. This meticulous record-keeping reflects a core theological belief that God’s service must be done according to His prescribed way, honoring the lineage and structure He Himself established through His servants like Moses and David.

1 Chronicles 24 24 Commentary

1 Chronicles 24:24 serves as a seemingly simple yet profoundly significant entry in the meticulous genealogies compiled by the Chronicler. Far from being a mere list of obscure names, it is a deliberate validation of specific Levitical lineages essential for the post-exilic Temple service. This verse, embedded within David's organizational efforts for Temple personnel, emphasizes the divine preference for order and proper authority in worship. The specific individuals listed, Azziel, Mikbeth, Benaiah (as direct Merarite descendants), and Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri (from the sub-line of Jaaziah), represent families who had designated roles in maintaining and operating the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

The inclusion of these names reflects the Chronicler's primary theological message: the importance of God's covenant with Israel and the continuity of His ordained worship. For the returning exiles, this detailed record provided legitimacy and clear directives regarding who could serve in various capacities within the rebuilt Temple. It reinforces that every role, no matter how seemingly small, was important and tied to a specific lineage, a divinely appointed order established centuries prior. The names themselves carry meaning—divine strength, divine building, remembrance—suggesting the spiritual foundations and historical memory intrinsic to the Levitical calling. It stands as a testament to God's careful attention to every detail concerning His dwelling place and the service performed there.