1 Chronicles 9 32

1 Chronicles 9:32 kjv

And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the shewbread, to prepare it every sabbath.

1 Chronicles 9:32 nkjv

And some of their brethren of the sons of the Kohathites were in charge of preparing the showbread for every Sabbath.

1 Chronicles 9:32 niv

Some of the Kohathites, their fellow Levites, were in charge of preparing for every Sabbath the bread set out on the table.

1 Chronicles 9:32 esv

Also some of their kinsmen of the Kohathites had charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.

1 Chronicles 9:32 nlt

And some members of the clan of Kohath were in charge of preparing the bread to be set on the table each Sabbath day.

1 Chronicles 9 verses

1 Chronicles 9 32 Meaning

1 Chronicles 9:32 describes a specific responsibility of a portion of the Kohathite Levites: their oversight of the showbread, including its preparation, to be done every Sabbath. This highlights the ongoing, meticulous service required for the worship in the tabernacle/temple, underscoring the ordered and diligent upkeep of God's appointed rituals by a designated group.

1 Chronicles 9 32 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 9 continues the extensive genealogies from previous chapters, but here shifts focus specifically to the inhabitants of Jerusalem following the return from Babylonian exile. It details the re-establishment of the community in the holy city and, significantly, the resumption of organized temple service. This chapter meticulously lists priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and other temple servants who returned and took up their inherited or appointed responsibilities. The purpose of Chronicles was to affirm continuity with God's covenant promises, remind the post-exilic community of their identity as God's people, and reinforce the centrality of temple worship according to Mosaic law. Verse 32 fits within this larger narrative, specifically categorizing a particular and sacred duty of a Levitical family, ensuring the precise continuation of cultic practice crucial for maintaining covenant fidelity. The meticulous detailing of these roles served to instruct and remind the audience of the divine order for worship.

1 Chronicles 9 32 Word analysis

• And some of their brothers: This phrase highlights that not all Kohathites had the same role. "Brothers" refers to fellow Levites, specifically within the Kohathite lineage, indicating a shared tribal and familial bond dedicated to the temple.
• of the sons of the Kohathites (בְּנֵי הַקְּהָתִים - Bənei haQəhāṯîm): The Kohathites were a principal division of the Levites, descended from Kohath, a son of Levi. Their primary responsibilities were often associated with the most holy articles of the Tabernacle/Temple, as seen in Numbers where they carried the Ark, table of showbread, lampstand, altars, and other sanctuary articles (Num 3:31, Num 4:4, 15). Here, after the return from exile, their role evolves to overseeing the showbread preparation.
• were in charge of (עַל - ʿal): This preposition indicates responsibility, oversight, or authority "over" something. It implies a direct, supervisory role rather than merely performing the physical act.
• the showbread (לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים - leḥem happānîm, literally "bread of the presence/face"): This was twelve loaves of unleavened bread arranged in two stacks of six, placed on a gold table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle/Temple (Exo 25:30; Lev 24:5-9). It symbolized God's ongoing presence among His people and their provision by Him. It was to be replaced fresh every Sabbath. Only priests were allowed to eat it (Lev 24:9).
• to prepare it (לְהָכִין - ləhāḵîn): The infinitive form "to prepare" or "to make ready." This verb signifies the entire process of baking, setting, and possibly removing the old bread, ensuring all was ready according to the precise instructions. This was a continuous, active duty.
• every Sabbath (שַׁבָּת בְּשַׁבָּת - shabbāṯ bəshabbāṯ, literally "Sabbath in Sabbath" or "Sabbath by Sabbath"): This emphatic repetition stresses the regularity and strict adherence to the weekly schedule. The showbread was one of the few items in the Tabernacle/Temple that required this exact weekly change, tying directly into the command for Sabbath observance. This detail underscores the divine command for consistent worship and provision.

Words-group analysis:

• "And some of their brothers, of the sons of the Kohathites, were in charge...": This clarifies a specific assignment within a broader lineage. It highlights the specialization of roles even within the same Levitical family, reflecting the organized and meticulous nature of temple service. Not every Kohathite performed the same task, emphasizing delegation and order within God's service.
• "were in charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath": This phrase details the specific task, its object (showbread), and its unwavering schedule (every Sabbath). It emphasizes continuity of ritual, divine provision, and strict adherence to sacred time. The ongoing preparation of the showbread was a visual sign of God's enduring covenant presence and the regular communion between God and Israel, manifested through the priestly consumption of the bread. This service connected directly to the weekly observance of the Sabbath, integrating the rhythm of divine command into daily (or rather, weekly) life.

1 Chronicles 9 32 Bonus section

• The detail of Kohathites being "in charge of" rather than directly "making" the bread suggests a supervisory role. Priests (descendants of Aaron, a Kohathite himself, but designated specifically for priestly duties) were typically responsible for the actual baking, while the Kohathites managed the process and associated logistics for the sacred objects. This highlights the intricate layers of responsibility within the Levitical and priestly systems.
• The emphasis on "every Sabbath" is significant. It links a specific liturgical act directly to one of the Ten Commandments, demonstrating how civil and religious life were interwoven under the Mosaic covenant. This regular change of showbread served as a weekly renewal of God's covenant with Israel and His continued care.
• While 1 Chronicles largely focuses on the physical temple and its services, these Old Testament rituals often prefigured deeper spiritual realities. The "bread of the Presence" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35), signifying that He is the continuous, life-sustaining presence of God for believers, nourishing them spiritually. Just as the old bread was removed and new bread set, Christ's perfect sacrifice and resurrected life offer new, eternal communion with God.
• The detailed administrative arrangements in 1 Chronicles serve not only as a historical record but also as a theological statement about divine order, accountability, and the proper way to approach a holy God. Every small duty contributed to the grand tapestry of national worship.

1 Chronicles 9 32 Commentary

1 Chronicles 9:32, though a single verse embedded in a list, offers profound insight into the meticulous nature of ancient Israelite worship and the dedication required for its performance. The showbread service was not merely a ceremonial act; it was a weekly, tangible expression of Israel's relationship with God, reminding them of His sustained provision and constant presence. By assigning a segment of the Kohathites, known for their weighty duties concerning holy articles, to oversee this task, the verse underscores its sanctity and the necessity of skilled, dedicated leadership. This verse, coming after the return from exile, particularly highlights the community's commitment to rebuilding and meticulously observing God's law, emphasizing fidelity to the old ways as a foundation for their restored identity. It conveys the principle that even seemingly routine tasks in God's service are of profound importance and demand precise execution, "every Sabbath," signifying an unbroken covenantal rhythm. It illustrates the principle of ordered service, where different parts of the body of servants perform their unique, indispensable roles for the unified worship of God.