1 Chronicles 6 9

1 Chronicles 6:9 kjv

And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan,

1 Chronicles 6:9 nkjv

Ahimaaz begot Azariah, and Azariah begot Johanan;

1 Chronicles 6:9 niv

Ahimaaz the father of Azariah, Azariah the father of Johanan,

1 Chronicles 6:9 esv

Ahimaaz fathered Azariah, Azariah fathered Johanan,

1 Chronicles 6:9 nlt

Ahimaaz was the father of Azariah.
Azariah was the father of Johanan.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 9 Meaning

This verse, listing "Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar," succinctly identifies three of Aaron's four sons. Within the genealogical focus of 1 Chronicles, it serves as a foundational declaration of the origins of the legitimate priesthood. Crucially, it highlights the distinct fates and ongoing roles of Aaron’s offspring in God's divinely appointed system of worship, establishing the family lines from which all subsequent Aaronic priests descended.

1 Chronicles 6 9 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 6 focuses extensively on the lineage of Levi, specifically emphasizing the descendants of Aaron for the establishment of the priestly line. The Chronicler, writing in the post-exilic period, carefully details these genealogies to confirm identity, inheritance rights, and, most importantly, the legitimacy and divine appointment of the priesthood. This was crucial for a community striving to rebuild its worship life and Temple service according to divine command.

Verses 1-3 briefly state the sons of Levi, Kohath, Amram, and then Aaron, explicitly naming all four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. However, the subsequent tracing of the high priestly line from verse 4 onwards immediately picks up with Eleazar. Therefore, this specific verse ("and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar"), if a distinct listing or a summary elsewhere in Chronicles, serves to delineate the actual lineage through whom priestly functions would continue. Its most significant implicit point is the exclusion of Nadab from this practical listing for priestly succession, reinforcing the consequence of his disobedience detailed in the Torah.

1 Chronicles 6 9 Word analysis

• and: (Hebrew: וְ - wə-) A conjunctive particle, linking these names directly to Aaron, implying continuation or elaboration of his immediate family members who held significant roles, directly or indirectly, in the priesthood.
• Abihu: (Hebrew: אֲבִיהוּא - ’Ǎḇîhû’) Meaning "He is my father" or "My father (is) He (God)." Abihu was the second son of Aaron. His inclusion here, despite his early death, acknowledges his birthright as one of Aaron’s sons. However, his significant act of offering "strange fire" with his brother Nadab, leading to their immediate divine judgment (Lev 10:1-2), makes his presence in this list, particularly if it stands in contrast to full listings that include Nadab, a poignant reminder of God's unyielding holiness and the dire consequences of disobedience, especially for those in sacred office.
• Eleazar: (Hebrew: אֶלְעָזָר - ’El‘āzār) Meaning "God has helped" or "My God is helper." Eleazar was Aaron's third son. He became the High Priest upon Aaron's death (Num 20:25-28) and led the people alongside Joshua during the conquest of Canaan. His lineage became the primary line for the High Priesthood through generations, culminating in Zadok's family during David's reign. His consistent obedience and faithfulness ensured the continuation of the priestly covenant through his descendants.
• Ithamar: (Hebrew: אִיתָמָר - ’Îṯāmār) Meaning possibly "Island of Tamarisks/Palms" or "Land of Palms," potentially suggesting fruitfulness or enduring presence. Ithamar was Aaron's fourth son. His descendants also served in the priesthood. For instance, Eli, the high priest during Samuel's time, descended from Ithamar, illustrating that both Eleazar's and Ithamar's lines functioned as priests (Exod 38:21, Num 4:28). Although Ithamar's line did not hold the High Priesthood consistently after the era of Eli's failure (1 Sam 2:35), it remained a valid part of the Aaronic priesthood.

Word-groups analysis:

• "Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar": This specific enumeration is significant not just for whom it includes, but potentially for whom it implicitly excludes (Nadab). If viewed as a list focusing on the continuation of the priestly function or significant figures, Abihu's tragic but notable story marks one end, while Eleazar and Ithamar represent the two continuing, albeit differently prominent, lines of the priesthood. This grouping undergirds the Chronicler's intent to clarify the structure and legitimate foundation of Israel's priestly service, emphasizing God's strictness and His faithfulness in establishing lasting channels for ministry.

1 Chronicles 6 9 Bonus section

The Chronicler's primary goal in compiling these genealogies was not merely historical record-keeping, but to affirm the divine order for Israel's post-exilic community. By meticulously tracing the Aaronic line through Eleazar and Ithamar (and by implication, demonstrating the non-continuation of Nadab's line for high priestly succession), 1 Chronicles establishes an unbroken, legitimate authority for the Temple service and sacrificial system. This was vital for the returned exiles seeking to re-establish their covenant relationship with God according to His prescribed pattern. The very act of documenting these priestly lines underscored the importance of lineage, not as an end in itself, but as God's chosen method for ensuring the sanctity and proper conduct of His worship in perpetuity until the arrival of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.

1 Chronicles 6 9 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:9, as provided, serves as a concise yet powerful summation of the critical figures who formed the foundational lineage of the Aaronic priesthood. The listing of "Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar" immediately draws attention to the notable omission of Nadab, Aaron's firstborn. This implied exclusion, particularly given that Nadab is typically listed alongside his brothers elsewhere (e.g., 1 Chr 6:3), serves as a solemn underscore of the divine judgment meted out to Nadab and Abihu for their unauthorized offering of "strange fire" (Lev 10:1-2). While Abihu is still named as a son, his and Nadab's disqualification from active, continuous high priestly service due to their sacrilege sets a precedent for the holiness required in divine service.

Consequently, Eleazar and Ithamar emerged as the two remaining progenitors of the Aaronic priestly lines. Eleazar's line eventually rose to primary prominence, holding the High Priesthood (as seen through Phinehas and later the Zadokites), which provided the unbroken chain for the sacred office through much of Israel's history. Ithamar's line also served, producing prominent figures like Eli, although his house later faced divine judgment for unfaithfulness (1 Sam 2:27-36), leading to a shift in high priestly authority. Thus, this succinct verse encapsulates both the severity of God's standards for His appointed ministers and His unwavering commitment to establish a legitimate, enduring priestly structure through which His people could approach Him. It subtly foreshadows the future trajectories of these priestly houses and reinforces the Chronicler's theme of order and fidelity in the worship of Yahweh.