1 Chronicles 6 40

1 Chronicles 6:40 kjv

The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah,

1 Chronicles 6:40 nkjv

the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah,

1 Chronicles 6:40 niv

the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malkijah,

1 Chronicles 6:40 esv

son of Michael, son of Baaseiah, son of Malchijah,

1 Chronicles 6:40 nlt

Michael, Baaseiah, Malkijah,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 40 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:40 is part of a comprehensive genealogy of the Levites, specifically detailing the ancestors of Heman, a principal musician appointed by King David for temple worship. This verse names Michael, Baaseiah, and Malchijah as three consecutive paternal links in Heman's lineage, reaffirming the historical and familial foundation of the Levitical roles and responsibilities in ancient Israel's organized worship. Its inclusion underscores the importance of proper descent for divine service.

1 Chronicles 6 40 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 6 extensively details the genealogies of the Levites, who were chosen for the Tabernacle and Temple service. The Chronicler, writing post-exile, meticulously records these lineages to affirm the legitimacy of the Levitical families, particularly for those returning to Jerusalem and re-establishing the proper worship. Verses 31-48 focus specifically on the Levitical musicians—Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (or Jeduthun)—whom King David appointed for praise and worship. Verse 40 is a specific segment within the ancestral line of Heman (beginning from v. 33), tracing his forebears backwards to ensure his credentials for leadership in the Temple choir. This emphasis on correct lineage was vital for continuity, ensuring that only those duly appointed by birthright performed the sacred duties according to divine command.

1 Chronicles 6 40 Word analysis

• the son of (Hebrew: ben, בֶּן): This phrase is standard in biblical genealogies, signifying direct paternal descent. Its repetition, a common feature throughout Chronicles, underscores the linear and chronological nature of the family tree. The meticulous detailing of "son of" connections validates the lineage's purity and the legitimate claim to a particular role or inheritance. In the Levitical context, this was crucial for qualifying for Temple service.
• Michael (Hebrew: Mîḵā’ēl, מִיכָאֵל): This name means "Who is like God?" or "Who is like El?" (a general term for God). It is a theophoric name, containing the element "El" referring to God, which was common in ancient Israel and subtly suggests a devotion or aspiration concerning God. While many individuals bore this name in the Bible, in 1 Chronicles 6:40, it refers to a specific ancestor of Heman, holding a vital link in the unbroken chain of descent leading to the celebrated musician. Its theological meaning reminds believers of God's incomparability and uniqueness.
• Baaseiah (Hebrew: Baʿăśēyāh, בַּעֲשֵׂיָה): The meaning of this name is debated but generally understood to be "in the work of Yah" or "work of Yahweh." It combines an element possibly related to "work" or "service" (ba'as) with "Yah," a shortened form of Yahweh. If the former meaning is correct, it aptly describes someone in a line of Temple servants, implicitly affirming a life dedicated to God's purpose. It reinforces the theological commitment often embedded in ancient Israelite naming conventions.
• Malchijah (Hebrew: Malkiyyāh, מַלְכִּיָּה): This name means "My King is Yah" or "Yahweh is king." It is another theophoric name, expressing a confession of God's sovereignty. The presence of such a name in a genealogical list subtly reiterates the core belief of ancient Israel: Yahweh's supreme kingship. This individual, like the others, contributes to the sacred lineage leading to a key figure in the ordered worship of Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 6 40 Bonus section

The detailed genealogies in Chronicles provided hope and continuity for the post-exilic community. By tracing their ancestry back through many generations, they were reminded of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, preserving a remnant and restoring them to their land and practices. These lists were not just dry historical records but served as anchors, connecting the returning exiles to their heritage and God's ongoing redemptive plan. The names recorded, like Michael, Baaseiah, and Malchijah, though fleetingly mentioned, were part of the tapestry of God's enduring faithfulness, reminding the audience that God works through generations and honors the details of their lives and callings. They affirmed the legitimacy of leadership and service, ensuring orderly progression in divine assignments.

1 Chronicles 6 40 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:40, seemingly a mere list of names, is part of the Chronicler's grand design to emphasize the proper ordering and purity of worship in Israel, especially following the Babylonian exile. The meticulous preservation of genealogies served several critical functions: validating land claims, ensuring tribal identity, and most importantly for the Levites, authenticating their right to perform sacred duties. Heman's lineage, documented here, assures that his prominent role in Temple music was divinely sanctioned through an unbroken chain of descent, confirming his family's qualification for spiritual service. The repetition of "the son of" highlights the meticulous record-keeping. The names themselves, imbued with theological meaning (e.g., "Who is like God," "Yahweh is King"), silently proclaim the faith of the generations within the Levitical priesthood, embedding doctrinal affirmations even within simple lists. This focus on divinely appointed order and legitimate authority underscores God's sovereignty over the details of His people's worship.