1 Chronicles 6:50
These were the descendants of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,
These were the descendants of Aaron
The phrase introduces a genealogical record, emphasizing the importance of lineage in the priestly tradition. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest of Israel, and his descendants were set apart for priestly duties. The Hebrew word for "descendants" is "בְּנֵי" (benei), meaning "sons" or "children," indicating a direct line of succession. This lineage underscores the continuity of the priesthood, which was central to Israel's worship and religious life. The priesthood was not just a role but a divine calling, passed down through generations, signifying God's enduring covenant with Israel.

Eleazar his son
Eleazar, whose name means "God has helped," was Aaron's third son. After the death of his brothers Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar assumed a prominent role in the priesthood. He served as a high priest after Aaron, highlighting the theme of divine assistance and faithfulness. Eleazar's leadership during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land is a testament to God's provision and guidance. His life exemplifies the responsibilities and privileges of the priesthood, serving as a mediator between God and His people.

Phinehas his son
Phinehas, meaning "mouth of brass" or "oracle," is renowned for his zealousness for God's holiness. His decisive action in Numbers 25, where he stopped a plague by executing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman engaged in idolatry, earned him a covenant of peace and a perpetual priesthood. This act of zeal is celebrated as a model of righteous indignation against sin, reflecting the seriousness with which God views idolatry and immorality. Phinehas' legacy is one of fervent commitment to God's commands, illustrating the balance of justice and mercy in the priestly office.

Abishua his son
Abishua, whose name means "father of deliverance," is a less prominent figure in the biblical narrative, yet his inclusion in the genealogy signifies the unbroken line of priestly succession. The name itself suggests themes of salvation and deliverance, pointing to the priestly role in interceding for the people and facilitating their relationship with God. Abishua's position in the lineage underscores the continuity of God's promises and the enduring nature of the priestly covenant, which ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and a key figure in the Exodus account. He was chosen by God to serve as the mediator between God and the Israelites.

2. Eleazar
Aaron's son, who succeeded him as high priest. He played a significant role in the leadership of Israel after Aaron's death.

3. Phinehas
Son of Eleazar, known for his zealous act in Numbers 25, which stopped a plague among the Israelites. His actions earned him a covenant of peace and a lasting priesthood.

4. Abishua
Son of Phinehas, mentioned in the genealogies as part of the priestly line, though not much is detailed about his life in the scriptures.

5. The Levitical Lineage
This passage is part of a larger genealogical record in 1 Chronicles, emphasizing the continuity and faithfulness of God's covenant with the priestly line.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly Heritage
The genealogies remind us of the importance of passing down faith and values through generations. We are called to be faithful stewards of the spiritual heritage we have received.

Zeal for God's Holiness
Phinehas' example teaches us the importance of being zealous for God's holiness in our lives. We should be vigilant in maintaining purity and righteousness in our personal and communal lives.

Continuity of God's Promises
The genealogical records in Chronicles emphasize God's faithfulness in keeping His promises. Despite human failures, God's covenant remains steadfast.

Priestly Role of Believers
As believers in Christ, we are called to a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). This passage encourages us to live out our priestly role by interceding for others and living lives that reflect God's holiness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 6:50 emphasize the faithfulness of God in maintaining His covenant with the priestly line?

2. In what ways can we, like Phinehas, demonstrate zeal for God's holiness in our daily lives?

3. How does understanding our spiritual heritage impact the way we live and pass on our faith to the next generation?

4. What are some practical ways we can fulfill our role as a "royal priesthood" in our communities today?

5. How does the continuity of the priestly line in the Old Testament point us to the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ as described in the book of Hebrews?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 28-29
These chapters describe the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing the priestly line that is continued in 1 Chronicles 6:50.

Numbers 25
Phinehas' zealous act is recounted here, highlighting his role in maintaining the purity and holiness of Israel.

Hebrews 7
This New Testament passage discusses the priesthood, contrasting the Levitical priesthood with the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, our High Priest.
Religious CultureW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 6:32-81
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Aaron, Abdi, Abdon, Abiah, Abihu, Abijah, Abishua, Adaiah, Ahimaaz, Ahimoth, Ahitub, Alemeth, Amariah, Amasai, Amaziah, Amminadab, Amram, Amzi, Anathoth, Aner, Asaiah, Asaph, Asher, Assir, Azariah, Baaseiah, Bani, Benjamin, Berachiah, Berechiah, Bezer, Bukki, Caleb, Dan, David, Debir, Ebiasaph, Eleazar, Eliab, Eliel, Elkanah, Eshtemoa, Ethan, Ethni, Gad, Gershom, Gershomites, Gershon, Gibeon, Haggiah, Hashabiah, Heman, Hilkiah, Iddo, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Izhar, Jahath, Jeaterai, Jehozadak, Jephunneh, Jeroham, Joah, Joel, Johanan, Kishi, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Levi, Levites, Libni, Mahath, Mahli, Malchiah, Malchijah, Malluch, Manasseh, Meraioth, Merari, Merarites, Michael, Miriam, Mushi, Nadab, Nahath, Naphtali, Nebuchadnezzar, Phinehas, Rehob, Reuben, Samuel, Saul, Seraiah, Shallum, Shamer, Shaul, Shemer, Shemuel, Shimea, Shimei, Simeon, Solomon, Tahath, Toah, Uriel, Uzza, Uzzah, Uzzi, Uzziah, Uzziel, Vashni, Zadok, Zebulun, Zephaniah, Zerah, Zerahiah, Zimmah, Zophai, Zuph
Places
Abdon, Aijalon, Alemeth, Anathoth, Anem, Aner, Ashan, Ashtaroth, Assyria, Bashan, Beth-horon, Beth-shemesh, Bezer, Bileam, Daberath, Debir, Eshtemoa, Galilee, Gath-rimmon, Geba, Gezer, Gibeon, Gilead, Golan, Hammon, Hebron, Heshbon, Hilen, Hukok, Jahzah, Jattir, Jazer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jokmeam, Jordan River, Kedemoth, Kedesh, Kiriathaim, Libnah, Mahanaim, Mashal, Mephaath, Most Holy Place, Ramoth, Rehob, Shechem, Tabor
Topics
Aaron, Abishua, Abishu'a, Eleazar, Elea'zar, Phinehas, Phin'ehas, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 6:49-53

     7767   priests, OT institution

Library
David's Choristers
'They stood in their office, according to their order.'--1 CHRON. vi. 32 (R.V. margin). This brief note is buried in the catalogue of the singers appointed by David for 'the service of song in the house of the Lord.' The waves of their choral praise have long ages since ceased to eddy round the 'tabernacle of the tent of meeting,' and all that is left of their melodious companies is a dry list of names, in spite of which the dead owners of them are nameless. But the chronicler's description of them
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean!
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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