1 Chronicles 9 15

1 Chronicles 9:15 kjv

And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;

1 Chronicles 9:15 nkjv

Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;

1 Chronicles 9:15 niv

Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal and Mattaniah son of Mika, the son of Zikri, the son of Asaph;

1 Chronicles 9:15 esv

and Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal and Mattaniah the son of Mica, son of Zichri, son of Asaph;

1 Chronicles 9:15 nlt

Bakbakkar; Heresh; Galal; Mattaniah son of Mica, son of Zicri, son of Asaph;

1 Chronicles 9 verses

1 Chronicles 9 15 Meaning

First Chronicles 9:15 lists six specific individuals: Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub. These men were all designated gatekeepers for the temple, emphasizing their crucial role in managing access, security, and the sacred space in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian exile. The verse underscores the precise re-establishment of the Levitical services and the structured order of worship under God's appointed individuals.

1 Chronicles 9 15 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 9 focuses on the residents of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, specifically listing the first returnees who settled there. The chapter meticulously details the various groups: Israelites (primarily from Judah and Benjamin), priests, Levites, and temple servants. This comprehensive record emphasizes the re-establishment of the community and, crucially, the temple worship. Verses 14 through 34 delve into the roles and responsibilities of the Levites serving the temple, distinguishing between those appointed as gatekeepers, singers, and caretakers of the sacred vessels. Verse 15, therefore, is part of this specific listing of temple functionaries, highlighting the careful, detailed organization put in place to ensure proper worship according to the Mosaic Law after the return from a land of spiritual and physical displacement. The chronicler’s detailed genealogies and organizational lists aimed to legitimize the returning community's claim to the land and, especially, to their ancestral roles in sacred service. This precision underscores the divine importance placed on order and lineage in the renewed worship of Yahweh.

1 Chronicles 9 15 Word analysis

• and: Connects this specific group of individuals to the previous lists of priests and Levites. It signifies continuity within the broader demographic and functional roster of those residing in Jerusalem and serving the temple.

• Mattaniah (מַתַּנְיָהוּ, Mattanyahú): Meaning "Gift of Yahweh." This name, common among Levites, suggests divine provision and blessing, recognizing that service in God’s house is a gift. It implies that these individuals, named here, were perceived as God’s instruments in re-establishing proper worship.

• Bakbukiah (בַּקְבּוּקְיָהוּ, Baqbûqyahú): Meaning "Flask of Yahweh" or "Bottle of Yahweh." This unusual name might symbolically connect to holding precious contents, like the Spirit, or possibly an individual of humility. Its 'Yahweh' component underscores divine ownership and connection.

• Obadiah (עֹבַדְיָהוּ, ʿÔbadhyahú): Meaning "Servant of Yahweh." A very common name, reflecting devotion and active service to God. For a gatekeeper, this name emphasizes that their seemingly mundane task was an act of profound spiritual servitude.

• Meshullam (מְשֻׁלָּם, Mᵉshullām): Meaning "Paid for" or "Completed" or "Reconciled/Friend." Often associated with faithfulness or one who is wholehearted. Its presence here may suggest reliability and dedication in a vital role requiring trust.

• Talmon (טַלְמוֹן, Ṭalmon): The exact meaning is uncertain, possibly related to "oppression" or "dew/rain." This name is consistently listed alongside Akkub as gatekeepers (Ezra 2:42; Neh 7:45). Its inclusion, despite an unclear etymology, stresses the historical accuracy of the records and the specific identity of each person in God's eyes.

• Akkub (עַקּוּב, ʿAqqûb): Meaning "Insidious" or "Supplanter" (like Jacob). While the literal meaning might seem negative, names often had complex significances, or they simply functioned as identifiers without judgment. Its recurrence alongside Talmon indicates specific families and their assigned duties.

• gatekeepers (הַשֹּׁעֲרִים, haššoʿarîm): The definite article "the" points to their recognized and specific office. These individuals were not merely guards; they were responsible for the proper and pure entry and exit from the sacred precincts. Their duties included maintaining order, guarding the treasury (1 Chron 26:20-22), controlling access to priests and temple areas, and ensuring cleanliness. This role was sacred, vital for the sanctity of the temple, and appointed directly by God (1 Chron 26:1). They acted as a filter, protecting the holy from the profane.

• words-group: "and Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, and Obadiah, and Meshullam, and Talmon, and Akkub, gatekeepers."This structured listing highlights a divinely ordered society returning to its sacred foundations. The emphasis on individual names within a specific functional group (gatekeepers) shows God's detailed knowledge and care for each person fulfilling His purpose. It also reinforces the precision required in the re-establishment of temple service, with roles defined and assigned to specific individuals and their families. This careful documentation would serve to prevent confusion, maintain genealogical integrity for temple service, and establish a firm foundation for future generations.

1 Chronicles 9 15 Bonus section

The inclusion of these specific names, many of which reappear in Ezra and Nehemiah, underscores the historical accuracy and continuity of the post-exilic accounts. The Chronicler's primary theological message is often seen as demonstrating that God's covenant with Israel, particularly through David and the Levites, remained faithful despite the exile. The meticulous listing of individuals like these gatekeepers signifies that divine order persists, and every designated role contributes to the whole. These seemingly minor figures become crucial illustrations of God's restoration efforts, ensuring that every facet of sacred life, from grand offerings to guarding gates, was properly managed according to His will. This commitment to detail reinforces the sacred nature of all service directed toward the Lord, demonstrating that in God's economy, no faithful work is insignificant.

1 Chronicles 9 15 Commentary

First Chronicles 9:15 exemplifies the meticulousness of the Chronicler in detailing the re-establishment of Judah’s community in Jerusalem, particularly focusing on the roles crucial for renewed temple worship. The verse, listing six named individuals as "gatekeepers," emphasizes that the restoration was not merely about population numbers but about the orderly return to divine mandate. These gatekeepers were more than just guards; they were Levitical appointees critical for maintaining the sanctity and operational flow of God’s house, controlling access and ensuring purity. Their very names, often reflecting their dedication or God’s attribute, signify a deep covenantal connection. This highlights God's particular attention to every person who contributes to His sacred work, no matter how seemingly mundane their task. It reminds believers of the importance of dedicated, specific service within God's appointed order, fulfilling one's divine calling with diligence for the holiness of God’s dwelling among His people. It implicitly encourages believers to faithfully execute their designated roles within the spiritual "temple" of God, the Church, with the same precision and commitment, for the glory of Christ.