1 Chronicles 24 31

1 Chronicles 24:31 kjv

These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.

1 Chronicles 24:31 nkjv

These also cast lots just as their brothers the sons of Aaron did, in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests and Levites. The chief fathers did just as their younger brethren.

1 Chronicles 24:31 niv

They also cast lots, just as their relatives the descendants of Aaron did, in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelek, and the heads of families of the priests and of the Levites. The families of the oldest brother were treated the same as those of the youngest.

1 Chronicles 24:31 esv

These also, the head of each father's house and his younger brother alike, cast lots, just as their brothers the sons of Aaron, in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites.

1 Chronicles 24:31 nlt

Like the descendants of Aaron, they were assigned to their duties by means of sacred lots, without regard to age or rank. Lots were drawn in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the family leaders of the priests and the Levites.

1 Chronicles 24 verses

1 Chronicles 24 31 Meaning

This verse concludes the detailed organization of the twenty-four priestly divisions, ensuring that all descendants of Aaron, without exception, were included in the system of service allocation. It underscores that the process of assigning these divisions was divinely orchestrated through the casting of lots, supervised by the highest authorities: King David, the chief priests Zadok and Ahimelech, and the leading family representatives of both priests and Levites. This meticulous arrangement signified impartiality, divine wisdom guiding human administration, and the establishment of a comprehensive, legitimate framework for future temple worship.

1 Chronicles 24 31 Context

First Chronicles 24 is primarily dedicated to the intricate organization of the Aaronic priesthood into twenty-four divisions. King David, nearing the end of his reign, took meticulous steps to establish the foundational structure for temple worship before the building itself was completed by Solomon. This chapter details how the descendants of Aaron—Eleazar's and Ithamar's lines—were carefully cataloged and then assigned their service shifts through the casting of lots, ensuring that all families received equal opportunity without favoritism. Verse 31 specifically serves as the conclusive statement for this division of priestly duties. It confirms that the remaining unnamed priestly groups, after the twenty-four heads of divisions had been chosen, were also subjected to this same equitable, lot-based process. This final detail reinforces the comprehensiveness and impartiality of David's preparations for the legitimate, orderly, and continuous worship that would take place in the soon-to-be-built Temple, demonstrating the Chronicler's emphasis on proper priestly functions and divine order.

1 Chronicles 24 31 Word analysis

• "These" (וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ – `v'elleh`): Meaning "and these," referring to the remaining, unnamed family groups and individuals among the priestly descendants not explicitly listed in the previous twenty-four divisions. It ensures the universality of the divine ordering process.
• "likewise" (אַף־לָ֔הֶם – `aph lahem`): This emphatic phrase means "also for them," or "even they." It stresses that no priestly family was excluded or privileged. All were subject to the same impartial method of assignment.
• "cast lots" (גֹּרָל֙ – `goral`): A method of decision-making used throughout the Old Testament to determine God's will (e.g., in dividing the land of Canaan, selecting Saul). It implies a surrender to divine providence rather than human judgment or bias, affirming that God ultimately directed the allocation of sacred duties.
• "with their brothers" (אֶל־אֲחֵיהֶם – `el aḥehem`): Emphasizes familial unity and equality among the priestly class. Despite differing in numerical strength or lineage prominence, all shared the same foundational status as Aaron's descendants, treated impartially in their service allocation.
• "the descendants of Aaron" (בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן – `bene Aharon`): Identifies the exclusive lineage from which Israel's priests were chosen, as ordained by God (Exo 28:1; Lev 8:1-12). Their duties were hereditary, but their specific shifts were determined by lot.
• "in the presence of King David" (לִפְנֵ֨י הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ דָּוִ֔יד – `lifnei haMelek Dawid`): David's presence signifies the royal endorsement and oversight of this divine ordering. As the divinely appointed king, he facilitated the implementation of God's will for worship, demonstrating a harmonious relationship between the monarchy and the priesthood. He ensured the proper process was followed, reflecting his devotion to God's glory and the orderly conduct of service.
• "Zadok" (צָד֥וֹק – `Tsadok`): One of the two chief priests during David's reign (the other usually Abiathar). Zadok's line ultimately became the sole legitimate priestly line after Solomon. His presence here represents the legitimate high-priestly authority from the line of Eleazar, a son of Aaron (2 Sam 8:17, 2 Sam 15:29).
• "Ahimelech" (אֲחִימֶ֖לֶךְ – `Aḥimelek`): The other high priest, likely a son of Abiathar (1 Sam 22:20, 1 Chron 18:16). His inclusion alongside Zadok shows representation from both of the major high-priestly lines descended from Aaron (through Eleazar and Ithamar), ensuring full priestly authority endorsed the proceedings.
• "and the heads of the fathers' houses" (וְרָאשֵׁי הָאָב֣וֹת – `v'rashei ha'avot`): Refers to the patriarchal leaders of the significant family clans, illustrating that the process was not imposed arbitrarily but with the consensus and representation of all key stakeholders within the priestly and Levitical families. This reflects a participatory, clan-based societal structure.
• "of the priests and of the Levites" (לַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים וְלַלְוִיִּֽם – `lakoḥanim v'lalviyim`): This phrasing specifies the broad spectrum of leadership present, not just from the priesthood (Aaron's descendants) but also from the wider Levitical clan (responsible for various temple support services), indicating comprehensive involvement and acceptance of the organized system across all sacred functionaries.

1 Chronicles 24 31 Bonus section

• The meticulous genealogical details and organizational charts in Chronicles, especially for the priests and Levites, held significant importance for the post-exilic community. They provided a strong link to their past, reaffirmed their identity and legitimate claim to religious office, and guided them in restoring proper worship after their return to Jerusalem.
• The act of "casting lots" was not merely a random draw. It was considered a sacred act, believed to be guided directly by God (Pro 16:33). This belief system underscores that the assignments for temple service were seen as divinely appointed vocations, not positions earned by merit or status, emphasizing humility and reliance on God's providence.
• This verse highlights the emphasis on all-inclusive participation within the priestly and Levitical ranks. Even the 'remaining' or lesser-known families were integrated, reinforcing the principle that every descendant of Aaron had a rightful place in the service of the sanctuary.
• The presence of both David (royal authority) and the chief priests (religious authority) acting in concert for this spiritual arrangement presents an ideal model of governance, where distinct powers collaborate harmoniously under God's ultimate authority, avoiding discord often seen when these spheres clashed.

1 Chronicles 24 31 Commentary

First Chronicles 24:31 serves as the crucial capstone to David's exhaustive organizational blueprint for the priesthood, affirming the divine legitimacy and comprehensive nature of his reforms. By meticulously dividing all priestly families into twenty-four shifts through the impartial method of casting lots, the verse emphasizes God's sovereign hand in establishing order for worship. The visible presence of King David, symbolizing royal patronage and endorsement, alongside the highest spiritual authorities, Zadok and Ahimelech, and the representative heads of all priestly and Levitical families, underscores the widespread acceptance and institutional weight given to this divinely guided process. This verse encapsulates the Chronicler's primary concern: to demonstrate the vital importance of legitimate, structured, and divinely ordained worship, portraying an ideal synergy between royal administration and sacred duties, designed for continuity and preventing favoritism within the divine service. It exemplifies a blueprint for dedicated and orderly service to God.