1 Chronicles 9:31 kjv
And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans.
1 Chronicles 9:31 nkjv
Mattithiah of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the trusted office over the things that were baked in the pans.
1 Chronicles 9:31 niv
A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with the responsibility for baking the offering bread.
1 Chronicles 9:31 esv
and Mattithiah, one of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with making the flat cakes.
1 Chronicles 9:31 nlt
Mattithiah, a Levite and the oldest son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with baking the bread used in the offerings.
1 Chronicles 9 31 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lev 2:5 | If your grain offering is of unleavened bread baked on a griddle, it shall be of fine flour mixed with oil. | Details 'griddle cakes' for grain offerings. |
| Lev 6:21 | Every grain offering of a priest shall be a whole offering; it shall not be eaten. Every grain offering you make on a griddle… | Priests' daily griddle offerings. |
| Lev 7:12 | If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then with the thank offering he shall offer unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil, and cakes mingled with oil of fine flour, fried. | Griddle cakes as part of peace offerings. |
| Exo 29:2 | and unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes of fine flour mingled with oil for a food offering. | Cakes for priestly ordination. |
| Num 3:6-8 | Bring the tribe of Levi near and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him. They shall keep guard… | Levites set apart for tabernacle service. |
| Num 4:15 | And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy furniture and all the holy utensils, as the camp sets out, then the sons of Kohath shall come… | Meticulous care for temple objects. |
| Num 18:21-24 | “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service… the service of the tent of meeting.” | Provision for Levitical service. |
| 1 Chr 6:31-32 | These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there… | Other specific Levitical duties (music). |
| 1 Chr 23:28-32 | Their duty was to assist the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD… over all work for the service of the house of God. | Comprehensive summary of Levitical duties. |
| 1 Chr 23:29 | ...also for the bread of the arrangement, and for the fine flour for a grain offering, and for the unleavened wafers, and for what is baked in pans… | Explicitly mentions baked items in Levitical duty. |
| 1 Chr 26:1, 19 | As for the divisions of the gatekeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph... these are the gatekeepers… | Korahites involved in various temple roles. |
| Ezr 3:10-11 | And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites… | Re-establishment of temple worship post-exile. |
| Neh 10:39 | For the people of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of grain, wine, and oil to the storerooms… | Maintaining provisions for the temple. |
| Neh 11:24 | And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the sons of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people. | Specific roles assigned to individuals. |
| Mal 3:3 | He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. | Purification and restoration of priestly service. |
| Psa 122:3-4 | Jerusalem, which is built as a city that is bound firmly together… to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD… | Significance of Jerusalem as a center of worship. |
| Col 3:23-24 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. | All work done for God's glory. |
| 1 Cor 10:31 | So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. | Glorifying God in all actions. |
| 1 Cor 12:4-7 | Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord… | Diversity of gifts and roles within God's people. |
| Rom 12:4-5 | For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ… | Every role contributes to the whole. |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry… | Equipping believers for various service roles. |
| Acts 6:1-4 | ...it is not right for us to give up preaching the word of God to serve tables… choose… seven men of good repute… for this duty. | Division of labor for effective service. |
1 Chronicles 9 verses
1 Chronicles 9 31 Meaning
1 Chronicles 9:31 states the specific responsibility of Mattithiah, a Levite and a descendant of Korah, in the restored temple service. His duty was to oversee or directly manage the preparation and baking of the sacred cakes used in various temple offerings and the provisions for the priests. This highlights the meticulously organized nature of temple duties, where every task, even seemingly domestic ones, was consecrated service to God.
1 Chronicles 9 31 Context
1 Chronicles 9 describes the re-establishment of the community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, detailing those who were resettled there. Chapters 1-9 primarily focus on genealogies, establishing continuity from Abraham to the post-exilic community. Chapter 9 specifically transitions from broader genealogies to a meticulous listing of priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and other temple servants who returned to reside in Jerusalem and take up their responsibilities for the temple service. Verses 26-32 delve into the precise, daily duties of various Levite groups, highlighting the intricate logistical and operational requirements of maintaining the tabernacle and later the temple. Mattithiah's role, therefore, fits into this detailed account of orderly temple worship and provision, emphasizing the divine importance placed on every aspect of the sacred service.
1 Chronicles 9 31 Word analysis
Mattithiah (מַתִּתְיָה - Mattithyāh): This name means "Gift of Yahweh." Its mention highlights that specific individuals were appointed by divine provision for particular sacred roles.
Levites (הַלְוִיִּם - hal'wiym): The priestly tribe descended from Levi, set apart by God for tabernacle and temple service. They assisted the priests (sons of Aaron) in various capacities, from carrying tabernacle parts to serving as musicians, gatekeepers, and supervisors of temple provisions.
Firstborn (הַבְּכוֹר - habbᵉkōr): This indicates a specific lineage and status, often carrying authority or significance within a family or tribal group. Being the firstborn suggests a position of responsibility.
Shallum (שַׁלּוּם - Shallûm): A common name, meaning "recompense" or "peace." Shallum appears elsewhere as a gatekeeper in 1 Chronicles 9:17, indicating this was a family devoted to temple service.
Korahite (הַקֹּרְחִי - haqqōrḥî): A descendant of Korah. Despite Korah's rebellion in the wilderness (Numbers 16), some of his descendants were divinely preserved and later prominent in temple roles, especially as gatekeepers and singers (Psalms 42-49, 84-88). This lineage emphasizes God's grace and restoration.
was in charge of (עַל - ʿal): The Hebrew preposition ʿal means "upon," "over," or "concerning," denoting a supervisory role, direct responsibility, or a position of authority regarding the stated task.
the baking (הַמַּעֲשֵׂה הַחַבִּתִּים - hammaʿaśēh haḥabittîm): This phrase translates to "the work of the baking-pans" or "the work of the cakes made in a pan/griddle."
Ma'aseh(מַעֲשֵׂה): "work," "deed," or "product." It highlights the practical labor involved.Chabbittim(חַבִּתִּים): A plural noun referring to "griddle cakes" or "pancakes." These were a specific type of unleavened bread prepared on a machăvat (griddle) for various offerings, particularly grain offerings and peace offerings (e.g., Lev 2:5; 7:12). Their preparation was sacred and detailed.
Words-group Analysis:
- "Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite": This specific identification by name and lineage underscores the highly organized and systematic nature of temple service. Each individual had a distinct, appointed place and purpose. It also implicitly conveys the enduring significance of Levitical lines for divine service, despite historical challenges or previous misdeeds (as with Korah).
- "was in charge of the baking of the cakes": This phrase defines the specific, essential, and daily logistical duty of this Levite. It highlights that seemingly mundane tasks within the temple complex were elevated to sacred service, requiring dedicated personnel and careful management. The preparation of these specific cakes was vital for the sacrificial system and the daily life of the priests.
1 Chronicles 9 31 Bonus section
The mention of a "Korahite" holding such a significant and specific temple responsibility like baking cakes for offerings beautifully illustrates God's grace and the principle of corporate responsibility within covenant families. Despite Korah's historical rebellion against Levitical authority (Num 16), his lineage was not entirely cut off; some of his descendants were re-integrated into temple service, eventually becoming celebrated musicians (e.g., Psalms 42, 84) and, as seen here, practical overseers of essential provisions. This demonstrates that divine mercy and restoration extend beyond individual failures, allowing a family's legacy to be transformed from rebellion to faithful service in God's house. It implicitly teaches that the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable (Rom 11:29) for those who turn back to Him and are purposed for His service.
1 Chronicles 9 31 Commentary
1 Chronicles 9:31 serves as a snapshot of the restored, orderly worship life in post-exilic Jerusalem, underscoring the vital, intricate organization of the temple. Mattithiah, though perhaps engaged in a less "glamorous" task than priests offering sacrifices or musicians leading praise, was central to the ongoing function of the temple. This verse reveals several key aspects: God's emphasis on meticulous order in His service, the divine appointment of individuals for specific functions regardless of their apparent grandeur, and the sacredness of even the most practical or logistical duties when performed for God. It speaks to the theological principle that all tasks within the house of the Lord are indispensable, contributing to the whole, and are worthy of dedication and care. This attention to detail reflects a renewed commitment to adhering strictly to God's commands after the exile, signifying that proper worship involves diligent execution of all prescribed tasks.