1 Chronicles 24:14
the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,
the fifteenth to Bilgah
Bilgah was one of the priestly divisions established by King David. The division of the priestly duties into 24 courses is detailed in 1 Chronicles 24, where each division was assigned specific times to serve in the temple. This system ensured that the worship and sacrifices in the temple were conducted in an orderly manner. The name Bilgah is also mentioned in Nehemiah 12:5, where it is listed among the priests who returned from the Babylonian exile. This highlights the continuity and preservation of the priestly line even after the exile. The division of Bilgah, like others, played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual life of Israel, pointing to the importance of organized worship and the priesthood in the Old Testament.

the sixteenth to Immer
Immer is another of the priestly divisions, and its mention here signifies its role in the temple service. The division of Immer is also noted in Ezra 2:37 and Nehemiah 7:40, where descendants of Immer are listed among those who returned from exile. This indicates the resilience and faithfulness of the priestly families in maintaining their heritage and duties. The name Immer is associated with a priestly family that had a significant role in the temple, as seen in Jeremiah 20:1, where Pashhur, the son of Immer, is mentioned as a chief officer in the house of the Lord. This connection underscores the historical and spiritual significance of the priestly divisions, which were integral to the religious life of Israel and foreshadowed the ultimate priesthood of Jesus Christ, who fulfills and transcends the Old Testament priestly system.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bilgah
A priestly division established by King David. The name "Bilgah" is associated with one of the 24 priestly courses that were organized to serve in the temple. The division of Bilgah is mentioned here as the fifteenth lot.

2. Immer
Another priestly division, listed as the sixteenth lot. The name "Immer" is significant in the priestly lineage and is also mentioned in other parts of the Bible, indicating its continued importance in temple service.

3. King David
The king of Israel who organized the priestly divisions. His leadership and organization were crucial in establishing a structured worship system in the temple.

4. Priestly Divisions
The 24 divisions of priests were established to ensure that the temple service was orderly and continuous. Each division served in the temple for a week at a time.

5. Temple Service
The context of this verse is the organization of temple service, which was central to the religious life of Israel. The divisions ensured that worship and sacrifices were conducted properly.
Teaching Points
Order in Worship
The organization of the priestly divisions highlights the importance of order and structure in worship. God values orderly worship that reflects His nature.

Faithfulness in Service
Each division had a specific time to serve, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and dedication in our service to God. We are called to serve diligently in our appointed times and roles.

Legacy of Leadership
David's leadership in organizing the priestly divisions had a lasting impact on Israel's worship. Our leadership and decisions can have enduring effects on future generations.

Community and Cooperation
The divisions required cooperation among the priests, reminding us of the importance of working together in unity within the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the organization of the priestly divisions in 1 Chronicles 24 reflect God's desire for order in worship, and how can we apply this principle in our church services today?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness in our service to God, similar to the priests who served in their appointed times?

3. How does the legacy of King David's leadership in organizing the temple service inspire us to consider the long-term impact of our actions and decisions?

4. What can we learn from the cooperation required among the priestly divisions about working together in unity within our own church communities?

5. How do the priestly divisions, such as Bilgah and Immer, connect to the broader account of God's plan for His people, and what does this teach us about our role in His plan today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 23
Provides context for the organization of the Levites and the establishment of the 24 priestly divisions.

Nehemiah 7:39-42
Lists the descendants of the priestly divisions, including Bilgah and Immer, showing their continued role in post-exilic temple service.

Luke 1:5
Mentions the division of Abijah, one of the 24 priestly courses, indicating the lasting impact of David's organization into the New Testament era.
Aaronites and Descendants of LeviF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 24, 25
People
Aaron, Abiathar, Abihu, Abijah, Ahimelech, Amariah, Amram, Aphses, Beno, Bilgah, David, Delaiah, Eder, Eleazar, Eliashib, Ezekiel, Gamul, Hakkoz, Harim, Hezir, Huppah, Ibri, Immer, Isshiah, Ithamar, Izharites, Jaaziah, Jachin, Jahath, Jahaziel, Jakim, Jedaiah, Jehdeiah, Jehezekel, Jehoiarib, Jekameam, Jerahmeel, Jeriah, Jerijah, Jerimoth, Jeshebeab, Jeshua, Jeshuah, Jizharites, Kish, Levi, Levites, Maaziah, Mahli, Malchijah, Merari, Micah, Michah, Mijamin, Mushi, Nadab, Nethaneel, Pethahiah, Rehabiah, Seorim, Shamir, Shecaniah, Shelomoth, Shemaiah, Shoham, Shubael, Uzziel, Zaccur, Zadok, Zechariah
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Bilgah, Fifteenth, Immer, Sixteenth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 24:10

     7769   priests, NT types

Library
Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian Hastened his Journey to Rome; but Titus his Son Returned to Jerusalem.
1. And now, when Vespasian had given answers to the embassages, and had disposed of the places of power justly, [25] and according to every one's deserts, he came to Antioch, and consulting which way he had best take, he preferred to go for Rome, rather than to march to Alexandria, because he saw that Alexandria was sure to him already, but that the affairs at Rome were put into disorder by Vitellius; so he sent Mucianus to Italy, and committed a considerable army both of horsemen and footmen to
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

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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