1 Chronicles 27:17
over Levi was Hashabiah son of Kemuel; over Aaron was Zadok;
over Levi was Hashabiah son of Kemuel;
The tribe of Levi was set apart for religious duties and service in the tabernacle and later the temple. Hashabiah, a Levite, is mentioned here as a leader, indicating his role in overseeing the Levitical duties. The Levites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary and assisting the priests, who were descendants of Aaron. Hashabiah's lineage, being the son of Kemuel, suggests a respected family within the tribe, possibly indicating a hereditary position of leadership. The name Hashabiah means "Yahweh has considered," reflecting a common practice of naming that acknowledges God's providence. The Levites' role is crucial in maintaining the spiritual life of Israel, and their leadership is often highlighted in the Old Testament, as seen in Numbers 3:6-13, where the Levites are given to Aaron to assist in the priestly duties.

over Aaron was Zadok;
Zadok was a prominent priest during the reigns of David and Solomon. His appointment over Aaron signifies his high priestly role, as Aaron's descendants were the only ones eligible for the priesthood. Zadok's lineage is traced back to Eleazar, Aaron's son, which legitimizes his position. He is known for his loyalty to King David during Absalom's rebellion and later to Solomon during Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne (2 Samuel 15:24-29, 1 Kings 1:32-35). Zadok's priesthood is significant as it represents a faithful and legitimate continuation of the Aaronic line, contrasting with the line of Eli, which was rejected due to corruption (1 Samuel 2:27-36). The name Zadok means "righteous," and he is often seen as a type of Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who is both righteous and faithful. His role in anointing Solomon prefigures the anointing of Jesus as the eternal King and Priest.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hashabiah
A Levite leader mentioned in this passage, Hashabiah was responsible for overseeing the Levites. His name means "Yahweh has considered" or "Yahweh has regarded," reflecting a divine acknowledgment or favor.

2. Kemuel
The father of Hashabiah, though not much is detailed about him in this passage, his name means "God's congregation" or "assembly of God," indicating a heritage of faith.

3. Levites
A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and temple service. They were descendants of Levi, one of Jacob's sons, and played a crucial role in the spiritual life of Israel.

4. Zadok
A priest from the line of Aaron, Zadok was a significant figure in the priesthood, known for his faithfulness and service during King David's reign. His name means "righteous" or "just."

5. Aaronites
Descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who were designated as priests. They held a special status among the Levites, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the sanctuary.
Teaching Points
Faithful Leadership
The roles of Hashabiah and Zadok remind us of the importance of faithful and righteous leadership in spiritual communities. Leaders are called to serve with integrity and dedication.

Heritage of Faith
The mention of lineage, such as "son of Kemuel," underscores the value of a spiritual heritage. We are encouraged to pass down faith and values to future generations.

Service and Responsibility
The Levites and Aaronites had specific duties that required commitment and diligence. Believers today are called to serve in their communities with the same dedication.

Righteousness and Justice
Zadok's name meaning "righteous" serves as a reminder of the call to live justly and uphold righteousness in all aspects of life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the leadership of Hashabiah and Zadok reflect the qualities God desires in spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a heritage of faith within our families and communities, similar to the lineage of Kemuel and Aaron?

3. What responsibilities has God entrusted to you, and how can you fulfill them with the dedication shown by the Levites and Aaronites?

4. How can the example of Zadok inspire us to pursue righteousness and justice in our daily lives?

5. Reflect on the roles of the Levites and Aaronites in the context of the New Testament priesthood of all believers. How does this understanding impact your view of service in the church?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 3
This chapter provides background on the roles and responsibilities of the Levites and Aaronites, highlighting their importance in the religious structure of Israel.

1 Samuel 2
The account of Eli and his sons contrasts the faithfulness of Zadok, emphasizing the importance of righteous leadership in the priesthood.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Melchizedek and Jesus, drawing parallels to the Aaronic priesthood and highlighting the eternal priesthood of Christ.
The Army, Tribal Princes, Royal PossessionsF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 27:1-34
Wisdom, Kindness, and FollyW. Clarkson, B. A.1 Chronicles 27:1-34
Wisdom, Kindness, and FollyW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 27:1-34
People
Aaron, Aaronites, Abiathar, Abiezer, Abner, Adiel, Adlai, Ahithophel, Ammizabad, Arkite, Asahel, Azareel, Azaziah, Azmaveth, Azriel, Baalhanan, Benaiah, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Chelub, Dan, David, Dodai, Eleazar, Eliezer, Elihu, Ezri, Hachmoni, Hanan, Hashabiah, Heldai, Helez, Hosea, Hoshea, Hushai, Iddo, Ikkesh, Ira, Ishmaiah, Israelites, Issachar, Jaasiel, Jashobeam, Jaziz, Jehdeiah, Jehiel, Jehoiada, Jehonathan, Jeremoth, Jerimoth, Jeroham, Joab, Joash, Joel, Jonathan, Kemuel, Levi, Levites, Maacah, Maachah, Maharai, Manasseh, Michael, Mikloth, Naphtali, Obadiah, Obil, Omri, Othniel, Pedaiah, Perez, Reubenites, Shamhuth, Shaphat, Shephatiah, Shimei, Shitrai, Sibbecai, Sibbechai, Simeonites, Uzziah, Zabdi, Zabdiel, Zadok, Zarhites, Zebadiah, Zebulun, Zechariah, Zerahites, Zeruiah, Zichri
Places
Anathoth, Gilead, Jerusalem, Netophah, Pirathon, Sharon, Shephelah
Topics
Aaron, Aaronite, Aaronites, Hashabiah, Hashabi'ah, Kemuel, Kem'uel, Levi, Levite, Levites, Zadok
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 27:1-22

     5544   soldiers

1 Chronicles 27:16-17

     7266   tribes of Israel

1 Chronicles 27:16-22

     5434   officer

Library
Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
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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