1 Chronicles 26 21

1 Chronicles 26:21 kjv

As concerning the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, even of Laadan the Gershonite, were Jehieli.

1 Chronicles 26:21 nkjv

The sons of Laadan, the descendants of the Gershonites of Laadan, heads of their fathers' houses, of Laadan the Gershonite: Jehieli.

1 Chronicles 26:21 niv

The descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and who were heads of families belonging to Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli,

1 Chronicles 26:21 esv

The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers' houses belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli.

1 Chronicles 26:21 nlt

From the family of Libni in the clan of Gershon, Jehiel was the leader.

1 Chronicles 26 verses

1 Chronicles 26 21 Meaning

1 Chronicles 26:21 identifies Jehieli as a prominent leader ("head of the fathers' houses") within the family of Ladan, a significant branch of the Gershonite Levites. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding the administrative roles within the Levitical service, specifically for those appointed over the sacred treasuries of the House of God, as detailed in the subsequent verses of this chapter. It highlights the importance of established lineage and trusted individuals in positions of responsibility for the divinely appointed temple worship structure under King David.

1 Chronicles 26 21 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 26 is part of a larger section (chapters 23-27) detailing King David's extensive and meticulously organized arrangements for the Levites' service in the future Temple. After chapters listing priests, singers, and their divisions, Chapter 26 focuses on the gatekeepers and the Levitical treasurers and administrators.

Specifically, verses 20-32 delineate the responsibilities of the Levites tasked with managing "the treasuries of the house of God and over the treasuries of the dedicated gifts." These were crucial administrative positions responsible for safeguarding all the financial resources, precious metals, and dedicated items for the Tabernacle and the future Temple. The specific mention of Jehieli in verse 21, as a "head of fathers' houses," establishes him and his family line as a key administrative lineage, whose descendants were entrusted with this vital role, highlighting the Chronicler's emphasis on divinely ordered administration and faithful stewardship within Israel's worship system.

1 Chronicles 26 21 Word Analysis

• As for the sons of Ladan (לְבְנֵי֙ לַעְדָּ֔ן - ləḇənei la‘dān): This opening phrase draws attention to a specific family lineage within the larger Levitical framework. "Ladan" is an alternative form of "Libni," who was a son of Gershon (1 Chr 6:17, 23:7). The Chronicler emphasizes precise genealogical records for maintaining order and legitimacy in temple service.

• the sons of the Gershonite Ladan (בְּנֵ֨י הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֜י לַעְדָּ֗ן - bənei hagēršunniy la‘dān): This is a reinforcing phrase that explicitly connects Ladan to his prominent tribal affiliation, the Gershonites. The Gershonites were one of the three main branches of the Levites, originally tasked with transporting parts of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness wanderings (Num 3:25). Here, their role transitions to settled administrative duties. The repetition underscores clarity and certainty of lineage.

• heads of the fathers' houses (רָאשֵׁ֣י הָאָב֔וֹת - rāshēi hāʾāvōt): This designates a position of significant leadership, authority, and prominence within a family or clan. A "head of a father's house" was a representative, often a senior and respected individual, responsible for guiding and leading their extended family unit in various societal and religious capacities. This title signifies a trusted position of responsibility and organizational capability.

• of Ladan the Gershonite (לַעְדָּן֙ הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּי֙ - la‘dān hagēršunniy): A final reiteration emphasizing the ancestral and tribal context, confirming that the following individual is identified directly from this esteemed Gershonite family.

• were Jehieli (יְחִיאֵֽלִי׃ - yəḥiyʾelī): This names the specific individual who held the prominent position described. "Jehiel" or "Jehieli" means "God lives" or "God will live," a name imbued with theological significance. Although this verse identifies him as the head of this specific Ladanite line, the subsequent verse (1 Chr 26:22) clarifies that his sons (Zetham and Joel) were directly over the treasuries, making Jehieli the progenitor of this administrative branch responsible for sacred assets.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "sons of Ladan...the Gershonite Ladan...of Ladan the Gershonite": The strong and repeated emphasis on Ladan and his Gershonite connection highlights the critical importance of lineage and specific tribal designation for sacred service in ancient Israel. It underscores that roles within the Temple structure were not arbitrary but assigned based on a divinely ordered system of tribal and family succession.
  • "heads of the fathers' houses...Jehieli": This phrase group signifies the elevation of a specific individual, Jehieli, to a position of leadership and trust. It indicates that King David meticulously organized not just by tribe but also by prominent families, selecting capable and dependable individuals (or families thereof) to handle the sensitive and important task of managing God's holy possessions. This choice emphasizes the qualities of integrity and administrative capacity deemed necessary for such a role.

1 Chronicles 26 21 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's detailed genealogies and Levitical rosters served a critical purpose for the post-exilic community. They helped re-establish proper identity, legitimate priestly and Levitical service, and the blueprint for renewed temple worship, instilling confidence and ensuring order.
• The transition of Gershonites from primarily physical service (carrying Tabernacle components) to administrative roles (treasury management) reflects the evolving needs and structure of worship from a mobile Tabernacle to a fixed Temple.
• The title "heads of fathers' houses" suggests a decentralized, familial structure of authority within the larger tribal organization, indicating the importance of family units as building blocks of Israelite society and its worship life. These family leaders would have commanded respect and trust among their kinsmen.

1 Chronicles 26 21 Commentary

1 Chronicles 26:21, though seemingly a mere genealogical notation, carries profound significance within the Chronicler's narrative. It is part of King David's intricate organization of the Levites, demonstrating a divinely inspired blueprint for Temple worship. By naming Jehieli as a "head of the fathers' houses" from the Ladan branch of the Gershonites, the verse lays the foundation for their specific, weighty role in administering the Temple treasuries (as clarified in the following verse).

This meticulous detail showcases the value God places on order, accountability, and the responsible management of sacred resources. The appointment of individuals to oversee "the treasures of the house of God and the treasures of the dedicated gifts" was not a minor task. It required immense trustworthiness and diligence. The careful genealogical listing highlights that fidelity in service was often rooted in family heritage and recognized integrity, providing continuity for future generations. Ultimately, this verse underscores the truth that even in what might seem like mundane administrative roles, serving the Lord requires a deep commitment to order, faithfulness, and proper stewardship, all for the glory of God.