1 Chronicles 24:1-31 (June 24, 2025)

David Organizes the Priests

24:1 The divisions of the sons of Aaron were these. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their father and had no children, so Eleazar and Ithamar became the priests. 3 With the help of Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, David organized them according to the appointed duties in their service. 4 Since more chief men were found among the sons of Eleazar than among the sons of Ithamar, they organized them under sixteen heads of fathers' houses of the sons of Eleazar, and eight of the sons of Ithamar. 5 They divided them by lot, all alike, for there were sacred officers and officers of God among both the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar. 6 And the scribe Shemaiah, the son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded them in the presence of the king and the princes and Zadok the priest and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar and the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites, one father's house being chosen for Eleazar and one chosen for Ithamar.

7 The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, 8 the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, 9 the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin, 10 the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, 11 the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, 12 the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, 13 the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab, 14 the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer, 15 the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez, 16 the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel, 17 the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul, 18 the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. 19 These had as their appointed duty in their service to come into the house of the Lord according to the procedure established for them by Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him.

20 And of the rest of the sons of Levi: of the sons of Amram, Shubael; of the sons of Shubael, Jehdeiah. 21 Of Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, Isshiah the chief. 22 Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the sons of Shelomoth, Jahath. 23 The sons of Hebron:[a] Jeriah the chief,[b] Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth. 24 The sons of Uzziel, Micah; of the sons of Micah, Shamir. 25 The brother of Micah, Isshiah; of the sons of Isshiah, Zechariah. 26 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Jaaziah: Beno.[c] 27 The sons of Merari: of Jaaziah, Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri. 28 Of Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons. 29 Of Kish, the sons of Kish: Jerahmeel. 30 The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites according to their fathers' houses. 31 These also, the head of each father's house and his younger brother alike, cast lots, just as their brothers the sons of Aaron, in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of fathers' houses of the priests and of the Levites.

Footnotes

1 Chronicles 24:23 Compare 23:19; Hebrew lacks Hebron

1 Chronicles 24:23 Compare 23:19; Hebrew lacks the chief

1 Chronicles 24:26 Or his son; also verse 27

Summary

1 Chronicles 24 describes how David, with the help of Zadok and Ahimelech, organized the priesthood into twenty-four divisions. These divisions were not based on favoritism or political influence but were assigned by sacred lot. Each group of priests would take turns serving in the house of the Lord according to the order appointed. This system ensured both order and equity among the descendants of Aaron—Eleazar and Ithamar. Although Eleazar’s line had more family heads, both lines were equally included in the rotation.

This chapter might seem administrative at first glance, but it reflects deep theological truths: God is a God of order, equity, and faithfulness to His covenant people. It also lays the groundwork for the priestly service that will continue into Solomon’s Temple and points ahead to the orderly priesthood of all believers in Christ.

Reflections

God values order in worship and ministry.

David didn’t organize the priesthood according to popularity or human preference. Instead, he sought divine guidance and fairness. Even when one branch had more leaders, both were honored and included. In the church today, we are reminded that our roles may differ, but each part of the body is equally needed. God’s order promotes peace and shared responsibility.

God gives every priestly family a meaningful share in His work.

Each division had its season of service, reinforcing that no one person or group bore the full burden or received the full glory. This is a beautiful pattern for collaborative ministry. Every believer has a place, a time, and a calling to contribute to God’s house, according to His design, not ours.

God’s design in worship anticipates the priesthood of all believers.

Though only Aaron’s descendants served in the temple, their organized service foreshadowed the New Covenant reality. In Christ, all believers are priests (1 Peter 2:9). We each have access to God and a role in His worship and mission. The emphasis on fairness and shared responsibility in this text anticipates the unity and diversity of the church.

Application

Let us seek to serve in God’s house with humility, fairness, and a spirit of unity. We must remember that our place in God’s kingdom is not earned by merit but assigned by grace. Let us honor one another’s callings and delight in the order God has established for His glory and our good.

Prayer

Gracious and wise Father,

You are not a God of confusion but of peace and order. Thank you for the way you established worship in Israel and for how it points to the body of Christ today. Teach us to honor one another’s roles and to serve with joy, humility, and faithfulness. Please help us to remember that our true significance comes not from our position, but from your presence. May your house be a place of harmony and reverence as we all minister before you.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.