1 Chronicles 24 9

1 Chronicles 24:9 kjv

The fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,

1 Chronicles 24:9 nkjv

the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,

1 Chronicles 24:9 niv

the fifth to Malkijah, the sixth to Mijamin,

1 Chronicles 24:9 esv

the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,

1 Chronicles 24:9 nlt

The fifth lot fell to Malkijah.
The sixth lot fell to Mijamin.

1 Chronicles 24 verses

1 Chronicles 24 9 Meaning

This verse precisely identifies the fifth and sixth divisions of priests, named after Malchijah and Mijamin respectively. It forms part of the detailed record of the organizational structure established by King David for priestly service in the future Temple, ensuring a systematic rotation of duties for effective and continuous worship of God.

1 Chronicles 24 9 Context

First Chronicles 24 is primarily a meticulously detailed register of the twenty-four priestly divisions, arranged by lot, that were established by King David. This organization was critical for managing the vast number of priests—descendants of Aaron through his two surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar—to ensure systematic, fair, and continuous service in the future Temple. The specific verse (1 Chr 24:9) names the fifth course assigned to Malchijah and the sixth to Mijamin, indicating that this administrative preparation extended to the individual family heads. Historically, this organizational foresight was a hallmark of David's preparations for the Temple, though he was not permitted to build it. He aimed to ensure all aspects of worship were well-structured for his son Solomon, laying the groundwork for Israel's worship life under the covenant, anticipating a permanent central sanctuary, rather than the mobile Tabernacle. This order guaranteed regular ceremonial purity, sacrifices, and duties performed by trained, designated personnel, reinforcing a centralized worship practice distinct from earlier, less formal periods of Israel's history.

1 Chronicles 24 9 Word analysis

• the fifth (חֲמִישִׁי - chamishi): A numerical ordinal, directly indicating the rank or sequence in the divinely orchestrated order of priestly courses. Its placement within the chapter emphasizes the methodical and complete nature of the allocation.
• to Malchijah (מַלְכִּיָּה - Malkiyyah): A personal name, meaning "My King is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is King." The name itself carries a theological statement, aligning the priestly leader's identity with God's sovereignty. Malchijah represents the specific priestly family or head responsible for the fifth division's duties in the Temple. This Malchijah is distinguished from others with the same name found elsewhere in the Bible, focusing on his role within the Levitical lineage for service.
• the sixth (שִׁשִּׁי - shishi): Another numerical ordinal, similar to "the fifth," further demonstrating the continuity and systematic arrangement of the priestly services. The consecutive numbering highlights the complete roster being laid out.
• to Mijamin (מִיָמִן - Miyamin): A personal name, potentially meaning "from the right hand" or "from the south." As with Malchijah, Mijamin refers to the head of the sixth priestly course, marking a specific lineage and family group that was to assume Temple responsibilities. The use of specific names reinforces the historical accuracy and practical implementation of David's administrative acts.
• Words-group Analysis: The structure "the [number] to [name]" is repetitive throughout the list in 1 Chronicles 24, underscoring the ordered and comprehensive nature of David's administration. This formal listing reinforces the idea of designated responsibility and inherited duty, foundational to the Levitical priesthood. The precise numbering suggests a careful, perhaps even divine, assignment process, as indicated by the "casting of lots" mentioned earlier in the chapter (v. 5, 31). This entire arrangement provided for stability, fairness, and consistent ceremonial practice for centuries in Israel's worship.

1 Chronicles 24 9 Bonus section

• Long-Term Impact: The system of priestly courses established by David, including the specific divisions like Malchijah's and Mijamin's, was not merely an temporary administrative setup but remained operative throughout the First Temple period, the Second Temple period, and even into the New Testament era, as evidenced by Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, belonging to the course of Abijah (Luke 1:5), which was the eighth course in David's arrangement (1 Chr 24:10). This continuity testifies to its robustness and divine wisdom.
• Divine Approval via Lot: The method of "drawing lots" for determining the order (1 Chr 24:5, 31) indicates that David's system was believed to be superintended by God, reinforcing the idea that this comprehensive organization was not simply human bureaucracy but a divinely inspired blueprint for sacred ministry. This ensured impartiality and legitimacy in the assignments.
• Emphasis on Service, Not Status: While heads of courses, the chronicler's emphasis is not on the personal prominence or exploits of Malchijah or Mijamin but on their function within a larger, divinely ordered system of service. Their primary identity here is their role in facilitating the worship of God for the nation.
• Foreshadowing of Ministry Organization: This historical blueprint for organized, rotative service resonates with principles seen in the New Testament, where although the nature of priesthood changes (all believers are priests), the need for order, delegation, and structured ministry within the church remains vital (e.g., elders, deacons, specific ministries in Rom 12, 1 Cor 12).

1 Chronicles 24 9 Commentary

First Chronicles 24:9, embedded within the intricate details of priestly organization, serves not as a mere historical footnote but as a testament to the importance of divine order in sacred service. David’s methodical division of priests by lot into 24 courses ensured continuous, rotating service in the Temple. This eliminated potential for chaos or personal ambition in ministry, reflecting God’s preference for "all things to be done decently and in order" (1 Cor 14:40). The specific mention of Malchijah and Mijamin's courses highlights the granular level of planning undertaken, securing the spiritual infrastructure for future generations of worshipers. This careful stewardship models responsible leadership in spiritual matters, providing a blueprint for dedicated, structured ministry that prioritized the enduring presence of God among His people through proper sacrificial and worship rituals.