1 Chronicles 26 2

1 Chronicles 26:2 kjv

And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,

1 Chronicles 26:2 nkjv

And the sons of Meshelemiah were Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,

1 Chronicles 26:2 niv

Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,

1 Chronicles 26:2 esv

And Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,

1 Chronicles 26:2 nlt

The sons of Meshelemiah were Zechariah (the oldest), Jediael (the second), Zebadiah (the third), Jathniel (the fourth),

1 Chronicles 26 verses

1 Chronicles 26 2 Meaning

1 Chronicles 26:2 details the immediate family members, specifically the sons, of Meshelemiah, a chief gatekeeper appointed by King David for the service of the house of God. The verse lists his first four sons in order of their birth: Zechariah, Jediael, Zebadiah, and Jathniel, laying the genealogical foundation for their future roles and demonstrating the meticulous organization of temple personnel during David's reign. This specific mention emphasizes the lineage-based system of service and accountability within the Levitical ranks, particularly among those responsible for guarding the sacred spaces.

1 Chronicles 26 2 Context

This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles 26, which meticulously details David's comprehensive organization of the temple gatekeepers. Chapters 23-26 describe David's advanced preparations for the temple, including the assignment of duties for all Levites: those for sacred service, judges, officers, treasurers, and particularly, the gatekeepers. These lists highlight David’s wisdom in establishing a structured system for the spiritual welfare and physical security of God’s house, ensuring order and continuity long before its actual construction by Solomon. The chronicler's emphasis on these genealogies and assignments reflects a historical concern for legitimate, lineage-based service, particularly relevant for the post-exilic community who were rebuilding and re-establishing temple worship. It underscores the divine authority behind these arrangements, presenting David's plans as God-ordained blueprints for future generations.

1 Chronicles 26 2 Word analysis

• And Meshelemiah:
  • Word: Meshelemiah (מְשֶׁלֶמְיָה - Meshelemya). Meaning: "Yahweh repays" or "Friend of Yahweh."
  • Significance: He is presented as a significant figure among the gatekeepers, belonging to the Korahites (1 Chr 26:1), a Levitical family. The Chronicler emphasizes his specific identity as a foundation for his lineage's future duties.
• had sons:
  • Word: sons (בָּנִים - banim).
  • Significance: Highlights the crucial role of hereditary succession in the Levitical service, particularly in David's structured administration. It indicates continuity of priestly/Levitical function through family lines.
• Zechariah:
  • Word: Zechariah (זְכַרְיָהוּ - Zekaryahu). Meaning: "Yahweh remembers."
  • Significance: He is identified as the firstborn, a position often carrying authority and significant inheritance. He later receives a special lot (1 Chr 26:14), emphasizing his leadership role among his brothers. This name appears frequently in the Bible, often associated with prophetic or priestly figures.
• the firstborn:
  • Word: firstborn (הַבְּכוֹר - habbeḵôr).
  • Significance: Designates the eldest son, who traditionally received a double portion of inheritance and leadership among his siblings. In this context, it implies a primary responsibility or perhaps succession in certain duties within the gatekeepers' division.
• Jediael:
  • Word: Jediael (יְדִיעֲאֵל - Yedi’el). Meaning: "Known by God" or "Friend of God."
  • Significance: Second son listed. Like all the sons, his name holds meaning related to God, common in ancient Israelite names.
• the second:
  • Word: second (הַשֵּׁנִי - hashshēnî).
  • Significance: Maintains the precise enumeration, vital for establishing order, allocation of duties, and perhaps for future administrative records regarding the gatekeeping shifts or assignments.
• Zebadiah:
  • Word: Zebadiah (זְבַדְיָהוּ - Zĕḇaḏyāhū). Meaning: "Yahweh has bestowed" or "Gift of Yahweh."
  • Significance: Third son. Another name with direct theological reference, aligning with the pattern of the period.
• the third:
  • Word: third (הַשְּׁלִישִׁי - hashshlîšî).
  • Significance: Continues the meticulous order of listing the offspring, reinforcing the systematic organization David put in place.
• Jathniel:
  • Word: Jathniel (יַתְנִיאֵל - Yatni’el). Meaning: "God is giving" or "God has appointed."
  • Significance: Fourth son. His name, like the others, emphasizes divine favor or providence.

Words-group analysis:

• "And Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,": This complete clause provides a specific, precise record of the head of a significant gatekeeper family and his four immediate male heirs. The meticulous numbering (firstborn, second, etc.) highlights the Chronicler's intent to record a complete and ordered census, vital for the divinely appointed duties within the temple structure. This detail underscores the emphasis on hereditary roles and the divine ordering of Israel's communal and spiritual life, establishing a basis for accountability and continuity in sacred service. It mirrors the administrative rigor applied by David, anticipating the future operation of Solomon's temple.

1 Chronicles 26 2 Bonus section

The precise naming and numbering of sons within Levitical lineages were not merely bureaucratic; they confirmed divine approval and often foreshadowed specific assignments determined by lot, as seen with Zechariah in 1 Chr 26:14. The Chronicler’s exhaustive lists reflect a theology that underscores the covenant faithfulness of God in preserving a people to serve Him. This detail would have been particularly encouraging to the post-exilic community, affirming that their return to temple service was in direct continuity with the meticulously ordained plan of David and, ultimately, God Himself. The role of gatekeepers extended beyond mere security, involving responsibilities akin to customs officials, ensuring only the ritually clean and authorized accessed certain areas, reinforcing the sanctity of God's presence.

1 Chronicles 26 2 Commentary

1 Chronicles 26:2, though seemingly a dry genealogical list, is highly significant. It showcases the foundational principle of divine order and meticulous preparation for God's dwelling place during David's reign. By naming Meshelemiah's sons by birth order, the Chronicler emphasizes continuity, accountability, and the legitimacy of their roles as gatekeepers. These men were not merely guards; they were Levites appointed to safeguard the purity and sacredness of God's house, controlling access to its holy areas, securing its treasures, and upholding reverence. This attention to detail highlights David's foresight and dedication, laying the administrative and personnel groundwork that ensured a seamless transition for Solomon to build and operate the temple. It reminds us that service to God often requires precise organization and the faithful passing down of responsibilities through generations, all orchestrated by divine design.