1 Chronicles 26:20 kjv
And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.
1 Chronicles 26:20 nkjv
Of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasuries of the house of God and over the treasuries of the dedicated things.
1 Chronicles 26:20 niv
Their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries for the dedicated things.
1 Chronicles 26:20 esv
And of the Levites, Ahijah had charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated gifts.
1 Chronicles 26:20 nlt
Other Levites, led by Ahijah, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the gifts dedicated to the LORD.
1 Chronicles 26 20 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Stewardship & Management | ||
| 1 Cor 4:2 | "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy." | Emphasizes trustworthiness in stewardship. |
| Lk 16:10 | "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much..." | Principle of faithfulness in managing assets. |
| Mt 25:14-30 | Parable of the talents | Illustrates responsibility for entrusted goods. |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards..." | Calls believers to be good stewards of God's grace. |
| Titus 1:7 | "For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach..." | Links oversight with divine stewardship. |
| Dedicated & Holy Things | ||
| Ex 35:4-29 | Call for offerings for the tabernacle construction | Example of dedicated offerings for sacred use. |
| Lev 27:28 | "But anything devoted to destruction...shall not be sold or redeemed..." | Describes irrevocably dedicated items. |
| Num 7 | Offerings of the tribal leaders for the dedication of the altar | Account of consecrated gifts. |
| Josh 6:18-19 | Command to devote certain items to the treasury of the Lord | Highlights items set apart for the sanctuary. |
| Mal 3:8-10 | God's warning regarding tithes and offerings | Mentions withholding things due to God. |
| Treasuries & Temple Resources | ||
| Neh 10:37-38 | Levites to receive tithes, bring portion to the house of God's treasuries | Describes handling of offerings for Temple. |
| Neh 13:12-13 | Tithes were brought into the storehouses, trustworthy men appointed over them | Demonstrates careful oversight of temple storehouses. |
| Ezra 8:28-30 | Priests and Levites commanded to guard vessels of the House of God | Underscores responsibility for sacred items. |
| Mk 12:41-44 | Jesus watching people put money into the treasury | Refers to the Temple treasury where offerings were kept. |
| Levitical Roles & Order | ||
| Num 3:25-37 | Specific duties of the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites | Shows division of labor among Levites. |
| 1 Chron 23 | David organizing the Levites and their duties | Comprehensive account of Levitical organization. |
| 1 Chron 28:12-13 | David received plans for treasury and priestly/Levitical divisions | God's instruction for precise organization. |
| Neh 11:16 | Levites put in charge of the outside work of the House of God | Broader scope of Levite responsibilities. |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches..." | Principle of order in divine service. |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | "But all things should be done decently and in order." | Reinforces the need for proper arrangement. |
| Heb 8:5 | "They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things." | The earthly tabernacle/temple prefigured heavenly realities. |
1 Chronicles 26 verses
1 Chronicles 26 20 Meaning
First Chronicles chapter 26, verse 20 specifies a particular administrative role within the Levitical assignments during David's preparations for the Temple. It states that Ahijah, a Levite, was given the vital responsibility of overseeing the treasures belonging to the House of God and, distinctly, the dedicated or consecrated things that were also part of the sanctuary's valuable possessions. This highlights the careful and organized management required for all resources consecrated for divine service.
1 Chronicles 26 20 Context
First Chronicles 26:20 is situated within David's meticulous organization of the Levitical assignments for the future Temple, even before its construction. Chapters 23 through 26 detail the divisions of the Levites into roles such as gatekeepers, musicians, and officers and judges. Chapter 26 specifically enumerates the gatekeepers by families (vv. 1-19) before shifting to other critical administrative roles. Verse 20 introduces those Levites tasked with managing the valuable resources of the sanctuary. These "treasures" would have included materials designated for Temple construction and maintenance, as well as monetary offerings and dedicated items received from the people. Following this section, the chapter continues to list other Levitical officers and judges appointed for general duties "outside the house of God" and within Israel, highlighting a comprehensive system of oversight for all national and religious affairs under divine law. This organized structure reflected David's deep commitment to ensuring the Temple and its service would operate with order, integrity, and honor.
1 Chronicles 26 20 Word analysis
- And of the Levites: (u'min haLvi'im - וּמִן֙ הַלְוִיִּ֔ם) - The Levites were a priestly tribe, set apart by God (Num 3:5-9) for service related to the Tabernacle/Temple. This phrase signifies a specific sub-division of the general Levitical body being assigned distinct administrative responsibilities, separate from the high priestly duties of the Aaronic line.
- Ahijah: (Achiyah - אֲחִיָּ֖הוּ) - Meaning "My brother is Yah" or "Brother of the Lord." A common name among Israelites, indicating a connection to God. His identity as a specific individual highlights David's detailed assignment of particular roles to trustworthy people. His name could suggest an integrity due to the presence of God in it, which is vital for this responsible role.
- was over: ('al - עַל֙) - Literally "upon" or "over." This simple preposition denotes direct oversight, authority, and responsibility. It implies a position of leadership, requiring accountability and meticulous management.
- the treasures: (ha'ots'rot - הָאוֹצְר֔וֹת) - This refers to storehouses or depositories. In the context of the Temple, it included accumulated wealth like gold, silver, bronze, dedicated vessels, precious stones, and other materials designated for the sanctuary (1 Kgs 7:51; 1 Chron 28:14-18). It signifies the valuable assets intended for divine worship and the maintenance of the sacred space.
- of the house of God: (Beit-Ha'Elohim - בֵּית־הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים) - Refers to the sanctuary, which at this time would be the tabernacle and its precincts, anticipating the permanent Temple (often used interchangeably in Chronicles with the "house of the Lord"). This designation emphasizes the divine ownership and sacred nature of the assets, indicating they are not merely human possessions but dedicated to God's glory and work.
- and over the treasures: Repetition for emphasis, indicating a separate yet related category of oversight.
- of the dedicated things: (haqodeshim - הַקֳּדָשִׁ֖ים) - This specifically refers to items consecrated, devoted, or set apart as "holy" to the Lord (Lev 27:28-29; Num 18:9). This could include spoils of war (1 Chron 26:27), vowed items, firstfruits, or anything offered specifically as a holy gift to God. Distinct from the general Temple treasures, these required separate management due to their unique sacred status.
1 Chronicles 26 20 Bonus section
The chronicler's detailed account of Levitical duties, including treasury management, underscores the divine expectation for order and careful oversight in all aspects of ministry and communal life. The clear distinction between "treasures of the house of God" (likely materials and finances for upkeep and general Temple function) and "dedicated things" (items consecrated through vows, spoil of war, etc.) highlights a sophisticated accounting system designed for transparency and the preservation of sacred assets. This intricate arrangement by King David, revealed by divine inspiration, serves as a pattern for responsible and ethical financial management within any sacred context. It also subtly emphasizes God's providence and the people's generous response to support His dwelling place.
1 Chronicles 26 20 Commentary
First Chronicles 26:20 unveils a crucial aspect of David's comprehensive organization for the worship of God: the meticulous stewardship of resources. The appointment of Ahijah and, by extension, other Levites (as seen in the following verses of the chapter), to manage "the treasures of the house of God" and "the dedicated things" underscores the profound importance of order, accountability, and integrity in handling sacred wealth. This was not merely about logistics; it was a matter of devotion and obedience. The materials and offerings given for God's dwelling were viewed as holy, belonging to Him, and therefore demanded the utmost care and uprightness in their administration. This divine oversight ensures that all aspects of worship, from the grand ceremonies to the mundane management of resources, reflect the holiness of God. It highlights that service to God extends beyond ceremonial duties to practical, financial, and administrative diligence, modeling faithfulness in stewardship that anticipates later teachings on financial integrity and selfless giving within the broader Christian life.