1 Chronicles 26 9

1 Chronicles 26:9 kjv

And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.

1 Chronicles 26:9 nkjv

And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, eighteen able men.

1 Chronicles 26:9 niv

Meshelemiah had sons and relatives, who were able men?18 in all.

1 Chronicles 26:9 esv

And Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, able men, eighteen.

1 Chronicles 26:9 nlt

Meshelemiah's eighteen sons and relatives were also very capable men.

1 Chronicles 26 verses

1 Chronicles 26 9 Meaning

This verse precisely details the ninth division of gatekeepers serving the house of God, highlighting Iddo as its leader and specifying that eighteen of his sons and relatives were men of capability and strength, suitable for their assigned duties. It emphasizes the meticulous organization and the caliber of individuals appointed by King David for sacred service.

1 Chronicles 26 9 Context

This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 26, which meticulously details the divisions of the gatekeepers for the house of the Lord under King David's extensive organization. Chapters 23 through 26 comprehensively record David's detailed preparations for the future Temple service, encompassing the distribution of duties among the Levites: assistants to the priests, judges, officers, treasurers, and critically, the gatekeepers. Historically, this organizational effort was undertaken by David, though Solomon would build the Temple. David, under divine guidance, foresaw the need for a well-ordered and disciplined system to ensure the security, purity, and proper functioning of worship activities at the sacred site. The verse's specificity regarding "Iddo," his role as "chief," and the exact number of "able men" from his family underscores the emphasis on precise delegation, hereditary service, and qualified personnel in the dedicated service of God's sanctuary.

1 Chronicles 26 9 Word analysis

• The ninth,: This ordinal number highlights the highly organized, structured, and precise nature of King David's arrangements for the Temple service. It signifies that Iddo's division was one in a sequential and orderly series, reflecting divine preference for order in worship and ministry (1 Cor 14:33).
• Iddo,: A proper Hebrew name (יִדּוֹ, Yiddô), possibly meaning "beloved" or "praise." He is a descendant of Obed-Edom, whose family was greatly blessed by the Lord (1 Chron 26:4-5), linking Iddo's appointment to a lineage that exemplified faithfulness and God's favor.
• a chief;: The Hebrew word is rosh (רֹאשׁ), meaning "head," "chief," "leader." This signifies Iddo's position of authority, responsibility, and oversight within his gatekeeping division. He was not merely a participant but a designated leader entrusted with directing his men in their important duties.
• eighteen: This specific number emphasizes the detailed, deliberate, and accountable nature of David's administrative planning. It points to precise enumeration of personnel involved in the sacred work, indicating a robust and adequately staffed division.
• of his sons and brothers: This phrase reveals the generational and familial aspect of Levitical service. Ministry roles were often passed down through family lines, fostering continuity, tradition, and a collective commitment within kinship groups to the Lord's work. It implies shared responsibility and a communal effort.
• were able men.: The crucial phrase is gibborê ḥayil (גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל) in Hebrew.
  • Gibborê (גִּבּוֹרֵי) means "mighty ones," "strong ones," or "valiant ones."
  • Ḥayil (חַיִל) denotes "strength," "power," "ability," "wealth," or "virtue."
  • Together, gibborê ḥayil signifies men who possess physical strength, capability, moral uprightness, courage, and general competence. It's often used for warriors or men of significant standing (e.g., Ruth 2:1, 1 Sam 16:18), but here, in the context of Temple service, it indicates men fully fit and qualified for their responsibilities, capable of ensuring the security and integrity of the sanctuary, upholding order, and discharging duties faithfully. It means they were not just physically capable but also trustworthy and proficient in their specialized tasks.

1 Chronicles 26 9 Bonus section

The Chronicler places a heavy emphasis on the meticulous organization of the Levites and their duties, contrasting with earlier narratives in Samuel-Kings which focus more on the kingship itself. This highlights the Chronicler's theological agenda: to underscore the importance of proper worship, priestly and Levitical service, and faithfulness to God's ordinances as foundational for national well-being and blessing. The detailed listing of gatekeepers and their qualifications serves as a model of ordered piety and effective administration within God's people, ensuring the purity and accessibility of sacred space while maintaining its holiness. This commitment to detail for the sanctuary personnel indicates that God is concerned not just with worship itself but with those who facilitate it.

1 Chronicles 26 9 Commentary

This concise verse encapsulates profound principles regarding divine service. King David, though not building the Temple himself, meticulously prepared for its operation, ensuring that God's house would be served with the utmost order, competence, and reverence. The focus on "able men" from Iddo's family highlights that service to God is not to be performed negligently or by the unqualified. Instead, it requires individuals who are strong, capable, diligent, and trustworthy—not just in terms of physical ability but in character and dedication. The familial emphasis points to the generational transfer of spiritual heritage and responsibility. Just as in ancient Israel, today, God desires that those who serve in His house or in any capacity of ministry exhibit faithfulness, capability, and a spirit of order, reflecting His own nature (1 Cor 14:33). It teaches that God values excellence and competence in service, irrespective of the role's perceived prominence.