1 Chronicles 24 7

1 Chronicles 24:7 kjv

Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

1 Chronicles 24:7 nkjv

Now the first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

1 Chronicles 24:7 niv

The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

1 Chronicles 24:7 esv

The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

1 Chronicles 24:7 nlt

The first lot fell to Jehoiarib.
The second lot fell to Jedaiah.

1 Chronicles 24 verses

1 Chronicles 24 7 Meaning

This verse details the beginning of King David's structured organization of the priestly duties for the Temple service. It records that the method of casting lots was employed to determine the order of service for the priestly families, with Jehoiarib's family selected as the first and Jedaiah's family as the second, establishing a precise rotational system for ministering before the Lord. This reflects a commitment to divine order, fairness, and preparation for continuous, generational worship in the sanctuary.

1 Chronicles 24 7 Context

First Chronicles chapter 24 details King David's meticulous and divinely inspired organization of the Levitical priests into twenty-four divisions or courses. This comprehensive arrangement was made in anticipation of the building and future operation of the Temple, even though Solomon, David's son, would construct it. The purpose was to ensure an orderly, continuous, and equitable system for all priestly service, from burnt offerings and sacrifices to daily ministrations and spiritual instruction. This verse specifically marks the commencement of naming the heads of these courses as determined by lot, signifying the divinely ordained sequence. The emphasis throughout this section of Chronicles is on the extensive preparation, administration, and proper functioning of worship in Israel, highlighting David's devotion and foresight for God's house.

1 Chronicles 24 7 Word analysis

• Now: (Hebrew: וַיּוֹצֵא, vayyotse, "and it went out" or "and he brought out"). Functions as a narrative transition, linking this verse to the preceding context of preparing the priestly courses. It signals the immediate result of the organizational effort.

• the first lot: (Hebrew: הַגּוֹרָל הָרִאשׁוֹן, haggôrâl hârı̂ʼshôn, "the lot, the first").

  • lot (גּוֹרָל, goral): This Hebrew term refers to a small object (like a pebble or a stick) used for making decisions, typically cast or shaken from a vessel. In biblical contexts, especially in Israel, casting lots was a recognized, divinely sanctioned method of discerning God's will or making fair and unbiased allocations, as seen in the division of the land (Josh 14:2) or selecting individuals for service (1 Sam 10:20-21). It implies a surrender of human preference to divine guidance, removing any potential for dispute or favoritism.
  • first: (רִאשׁוֹן, rishon). Indicates an ordinal sequence, establishing the order of service that was to be followed.

• came forth: (Hebrew: וַיּוֹצֵא, vayyotse, part of "and it came forth"). Denotes the outcome of the lot-casting process. The phrase suggests the lot "emerging" or "being brought out," revealing the divinely designated recipient.

• to Jehoiarib: (לִיהוֹיָרִיב, lı̂yhôyârı̂yb). This is the name of the head of the first priestly division. The name means "Jehovah contends" or "Jehovah will contend/strive." This highlights God's active involvement and His character even in the names of His servants. His lineage is also mentioned in later lists (Neh 12:6, 19).

• the second: (הַשֵּׁנִי, hayshênı̂y). Another ordinal number, reinforcing the sequential and highly organized nature of David's administrative arrangement for the priestly courses.

• to Jedaiah: (לִידַעְיָה, lı̂ydaʼyâh). The name of the head of the second priestly division. The name means "Jehovah knows" or "Praise of Yah." This name, like Jehoiarib, appears in post-exilic lists (Ezra 2:36, Neh 12:7, 21), indicating the enduring legacy and continuity of these established priestly families across generations.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Now the first lot came forth": This phrase encapsulates the method of divine selection used. The "lot" (goral) signifies a practice wherein the ultimate decision was believed to rest with God, making the selection impartial and authoritative. "Came forth" indicates the result, emphasizing that it was a determined, not random, outcome.
  • "to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah": This part reveals the direct, specific outcome of the divine designation. It lists the names of two distinct priestly lineages that were given their turn to serve, beginning the formal structure for future Temple ministry. The enumeration (first, second) underlines the systematic and rotational nature of the service, ensuring every authorized priestly family would have its designated time to minister before God.

1 Chronicles 24 7 Bonus section

The chronicler's detailed recording of these priestly divisions serves several purposes. It provides legitimacy and authority to the Levitical structure in place in the post-exilic period, confirming its divine origin through King David. It also emphasizes the unbroken continuity of the priestly office from the early monarchy, even through the Babylonian exile, to the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, where some of these same family names reappear. The precision in documenting these names highlights the importance of lineage and hereditary office within the Israelite priesthood, which was distinct from the surrounding pagan cults. Furthermore, it foreshadows God's care in providing continuous, ordered means of approaching Him, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the eternal High Priest. The act of casting lots here points to God's ultimate sovereignty and knowledge, reflecting His hand in all things, even in what might seem like random events to human eyes.

1 Chronicles 24 7 Commentary

First Chronicles 24:7 exemplifies the profound order and meticulous planning undertaken by King David for the future worship in the Temple. It is not merely a bureaucratic detail but a testament to a deep reverence for God and a desire for His worship to be conducted with the utmost precision and dedication. The use of the lot (goral) was not mere chance; rather, it was a recognized means of discerning the divine will in ancient Israel, thereby underscoring that the priestly appointments were God-ordained. This established a rotation of twenty-four courses, ensuring continuous service throughout the year and guaranteeing fairness among the many priestly families. This systematic approach, with specific families like Jehoiarib and Jedaiah at the helm, provided structure, continuity, and accountability, creating a legacy of ordered worship that would extend through generations and even reappear in the post-exilic community. This organization ensured that the extensive service requirements of the future Temple could be met without interruption, reflecting God's nature as a God of order rather than confusion, and setting a high standard for sacred service.