1 Chronicles 26:22

the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD.

Study Bible

The sons of Jehieli
This phrase introduces us to the lineage and family responsibilities within the Levitical order. "Jehieli" is a name that can be traced back to the Hebrew root "Yechi'el," meaning "God lives" or "May God live." This name reflects a deep-seated faith and acknowledgment of God's eternal presence and sovereignty. The mention of "sons" indicates a generational continuity in service to God, emphasizing the importance of family legacy in spiritual duties.

Zetham and his brother Joel
These individuals are specifically named, highlighting their roles and responsibilities. "Zetham" is a name that is less common, but it signifies the importance of each individual in God's plan, regardless of their prominence in the biblical narrative. "Joel," on the other hand, is derived from the Hebrew "Yo'el," meaning "Yahweh is God." This name is a testament to the monotheistic faith of Israel and serves as a reminder of the centrality of God in the lives of His people. The mention of "brother" underscores the theme of unity and cooperation in fulfilling divine duties.

were in charge of the treasuries
This phrase indicates a position of significant responsibility and trust. The "treasuries" refer to the storage of valuable items, including offerings and sacred objects, within the temple. Being "in charge" implies a role of stewardship, where Zetham and Joel were entrusted with managing and safeguarding the resources dedicated to the worship and service of God. This role required integrity, diligence, and a heart aligned with God's purposes.

of the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple, the central place of worship for the Israelites. It was not merely a physical structure but a symbol of God's presence among His people. The temple was a place where heaven and earth met, and where the Israelites could offer sacrifices and worship. The phrase emphasizes the sacredness of the duties performed by Zetham and Joel, as they were serving in a place that was considered holy and set apart for God's glory. This service was not just a job but a divine calling, reflecting the broader theme of dedication and reverence in the life of a believer.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehieli
A Levite whose sons were appointed to oversee the treasuries of the house of the LORD. His lineage highlights the importance of family roles in temple service.

2. Zetham
One of Jehieli's sons, entrusted with the responsibility of managing the sacred treasuries, indicating his reliability and faithfulness.

3. Joel
Zetham's brother, who shared the responsibility of overseeing the treasuries, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their service.

4. Treasuries of the House of the LORD
These were storerooms in the temple where offerings, tithes, and other valuable items dedicated to God were kept. Their management was crucial for the functioning of temple services.

5. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

Teaching Points

Faithful Stewardship
The role of Zetham and Joel underscores the importance of being trustworthy stewards of God's resources. We are called to manage our time, talents, and treasures in a way that honors God.

Family Legacy in Ministry
Jehieli's sons serving together highlights the impact of a family committed to serving God. Encouraging family involvement in ministry can strengthen faith and community.

Collaborative Service
The joint responsibility of Zetham and Joel illustrates the value of working together in ministry. Collaboration can enhance effectiveness and foster unity within the church.

Sacred Responsibility
Managing the treasuries was a sacred duty, reminding us that all roles in God's service, whether visible or behind the scenes, are significant and require dedication.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Zetham and Joel in managing the treasuries inspire you to be a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to you?

2. In what ways can families today serve together in ministry, and what impact might this have on their spiritual growth?

3. How can you apply the principle of collaborative service in your church or community involvement?

4. Reflect on the concept of storing treasures in heaven. How does this perspective influence your daily decisions and priorities?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that your service to God, whether public or private, is carried out with dedication and integrity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 9:26-27
This passage describes the duties of the Levites, including the oversight of the treasuries, highlighting the continuity and importance of their roles.

Nehemiah 13:13
Nehemiah appoints treasurers over the storehouses, showing the ongoing need for trustworthy individuals to manage God's resources.

Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven, which can be connected to the faithful stewardship of earthly resources for God's purposes.