1 Chronicles 6 44

1 Chronicles 6:44 kjv

And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

1 Chronicles 6:44 nkjv

Their brethren, the sons of Merari, on the left hand, were Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

1 Chronicles 6:44 niv

and from their associates, the Merarites, at his left hand: Ethan son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluk,

1 Chronicles 6:44 esv

On the left hand were their brothers, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch,

1 Chronicles 6:44 nlt

Heman's second assistant was Ethan from the clan of Merari. Ethan's genealogy was traced back through Kishi, Abdi, Malluch,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 44 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:44 specifically details part of the ancestral line of Ethan (also known as Jeduthun), a prominent Levite and one of the chief musicians appointed by King David for ministering worship in the house of the Lord. The verse serves as a genealogical link, stating his lineage as "the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, the son of Amzi," thus establishing the Levite's heritage and affirming the continuity of his sacred function within the established order of Israel's worship life.

1 Chronicles 6 44 Context

This verse is situated within a detailed and extensive section of genealogies provided by the Chronicler in 1 Chronicles chapter 6.

• Verse Context: 1 Chronicles 6:44 specifically lists three generations – Amaziah, Hilkiah, and Amzi – who are ancestors in the lineage of Ethan, also known as Jeduthun (compare 1 Chr 15:17-19, 25:1). This section (1 Chr 6:31-47) focuses on establishing the authentic lineages of the three prominent Levitical choirmasters—Heman, Asaph, and Ethan/Jeduthun—who were appointed by King David to lead music and song in the worship services before the tabernacle, and later, the Temple. The verse is part of validating Jeduthun's divinely appointed role through his ancestral connection to the tribe of Levi.
• Chapter Context: Chapter 6 of 1 Chronicles is primarily dedicated to the genealogy of the tribe of Levi, from its patriarch to specific priestly and Levitical families. It meticulously outlines the descendants of Levi's three sons: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. This chapter not only traces the line of high priests through Aaron (Kohath's descendant) but also extensively details the roles and families of other Levites, especially those appointed for service, guardianship, and sacred music. The Chronicler's intense focus on the Levites highlights their integral role in the sacred service and orderly worship life of Israel.
• Historical Context: In ancient Israel, genealogies were profoundly important. They served as authoritative records to establish tribal identity, rightful inheritance, and legitimate claim to positions, particularly within the priesthood and Levitical service. The Chronicler, writing after the Babylonian exile (possibly in the 5th or 4th century BC), aimed to restore a sense of national identity, continuity, and purity to the returned exiles. By meticulously recording these lineages, he underscored the divine faithfulness to His covenant promises, validated the current leadership and service in the rebuilt Temple, and emphasized the ongoing importance of proper worship according to the ancient Mosaic and Davidic blueprints. These genealogies reassured the community of their deep-rooted heritage and their connection to God's chosen people, providing legitimacy and structure in the post-exilic period.

1 Chronicles 6 44 Word analysis

• the son of:

  • Hebrew: בֶּן (ben).
  • Meaning: Literally "son," but broadly denotes a male descendant, an individual belonging to a particular family, or even a member of a group or class.
  • Significance: In genealogies, "son of" establishes the direct generational link, forming an unbreakable chain of lineage. It serves as a foundational element to trace one's heritage, affirming their rightful place and connection within a specific family or tribal line. Its repetition ensures clarity and emphasizes the sequential progression of generations, which was vital for validating hereditary roles, such as those within the Levite order.

• Amaziah:

  • Hebrew: אֲמַצְיָה ('Amatzyah).
  • Meaning: "Yahweh is mighty" or "Yahweh strengthens/is strengthened."
  • Significance: A common theophoric name in ancient Israel, meaning it incorporates a divine element (Yah). While the name itself speaks to God's power, in this specific genealogical context, Amaziah is an identifying link. His individual life or actions are not described; his sole purpose here is to confirm the lineage leading to the designated Levitical singer, Ethan/Jeduthun. This shows that even seemingly small entries hold importance for historical and functional accuracy within the divine plan for worship.

• Hilkiah:

  • Hebrew: חִלְקִיָּהוּ (Ḥilqiyyahu).
  • Meaning: "My portion is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my portion/lot."
  • Significance: Another significant theophoric name, Hilkiah proclaims a profound spiritual truth: God Himself is the believer's inheritance or all-sufficiency. Although the most famous Hilkiah was the high priest who discovered the Book of the Law (2 Ki 22), this Hilkiah is a different individual, here serving as a critical generational link in Jeduthun's line. His name, like Amaziah's, reflects a theological statement about the relationship with God that was often embedded in Hebrew names, though the verse primarily uses it for identification in the lineage.

• Amzi:

  • Hebrew: עַמְצִי ('Amtsi).
  • Meaning: "My strength" or "My People are Strength."
  • Significance: This name conveys a sense of power or communal might. As with the other names in this genealogy, Amzi's significance here lies solely in his position as an ancestor. He represents an earlier, foundational link in the genealogical chain of the Merarite Levites that culminated in Ethan/Jeduthun, emphasizing the long and unbroken tradition behind the sacred music ministry in Israel.

• Words-group Analysis: "the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, the son of Amzi"

  • This repeated "the son of" construction is characteristic of biblical genealogies. It highlights the lineal progression and emphasizes continuity through generations. This is not merely a historical record but a theological statement asserting legitimacy and divine preservation of chosen lines. For the Levites, who inherited their ministry by birthright, proving direct descent was paramount for their authorized service in the tabernacle and later the Temple. Each successive "son of" reinforces the unbroken sacred chain, verifying the authenticity of Ethan's Levitical heritage and, by extension, the validity of his appointment to the sacred music ministry. Such meticulous records served as irrefutable proof of identity and qualification in a society where status and role were tied directly to one's lineage.

1 Chronicles 6 44 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's primary purpose in extensively detailing Levitical genealogies, as seen in this verse, was to reinforce the divine appointment and enduring validity of the Levitical service in the restored temple. This provided reassurance and authority for the returning exiles.
• While 1 Chronicles often condenses genealogies compared to earlier books, the specific listing here is consistent with the Chronicler's greater emphasis on cultic affairs, which typically includes detailed records of the Levitical divisions and their heads.
• The names listed in these genealogies often carry intrinsic spiritual meanings, which, while not explicitly interpreted by the text itself, reflect the piety and theological understanding prevalent in ancient Israel. "Yahweh is mighty," "Yahweh is my portion," and "My strength" all point to God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
• The precision in recording genealogies also serves a forward-looking theological purpose, laying a foundational expectation for the exact lineage required for the coming Messiah, even though His ultimate priesthood would transcend the Levitical line (Heb 7).

1 Chronicles 6 44 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:44, a mere three generations deep in a long genealogical list, is a testament to the Chronicler's careful preservation of the legitimate order for divine worship in Israel. By precisely detailing the ancestry of Ethan, a leading figure in sacred music, the verse underscores the principle that those serving in such significant capacities were part of a divinely ordained, historically traceable lineage. It is not an arbitrary assignment but a inherited spiritual trust. For the post-exilic community, such precise details would have been incredibly encouraging, reaffirming God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant and appointments despite national upheaval. It highlights that the intricate structure of Israel's worship, from priesthood to the singing of praise, was rooted in an enduring heritage, designed to point the community back to God's unchanging nature and His careful plans for His people. This verse, though brief, thus silently affirms continuity, legitimacy, and the reverent importance of orderly, Spirit-led worship.