1 Chronicles 6:26
Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son,
Elkanah his son
The name "Elkanah" in Hebrew means "God has possessed" or "God has created." Elkanah is a significant figure in the lineage of the Levites, a tribe set apart for religious duties in Israel. This name is also associated with the father of the prophet Samuel, highlighting the importance of divine purpose and calling in one's life. The mention of Elkanah here underscores the continuity of God's covenant with His people through the generations, emphasizing the faithfulness of God in maintaining His promises.

Zophai his son
The name "Zophai" is less commonly known, but it is believed to be a variant of "Zuph," which means "honeycomb" or "watchman" in Hebrew. This name suggests a role of vigilance and sweetness, perhaps indicating a life characterized by attentiveness to God's will and the nurturing of spiritual sweetness or wisdom. The lineage here reflects the importance of each generation in preserving the faith and duties entrusted to them by God.

Nahath his son
"Nahath" means "rest" or "quiet" in Hebrew. This name may symbolize a period of peace or stability within the lineage, suggesting that the spiritual heritage passed down through these generations brought about a sense of divine rest and assurance. In the broader biblical narrative, rest is often associated with God's presence and blessing, as seen in the Sabbath rest and the promised rest in the land of Canaan. Nahath's inclusion in this genealogy serves as a reminder of the peace that comes from living in accordance with God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elkanah
A descendant of Levi, Elkanah is part of the Levitical lineage, which is significant in the context of Israel's religious and priestly heritage. He is also known as the father of Samuel, a major prophet in Israel.

2. Zophai
Also known as Zuph in some translations, Zophai is a lesser-known figure in the Bible, but he is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage of the Levites.

3. Nahath
Another descendant in the Levitical line, Nahath's mention underscores the importance of maintaining the genealogical records of the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties.
Teaching Points
Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
The genealogies in the Bible, such as in 1 Chronicles 6, highlight the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises through specific lineages.

Role of the Levites
The Levites were set apart for service to God, reminding us of the importance of dedicating our lives to God's service and the unique roles we each play in His kingdom.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of multiple generations in this verse encourages us to consider the impact of our faithfulness on future generations and the legacy we leave behind.

God's Sovereignty in History
The detailed genealogies reflect God's sovereign hand in history, orchestrating events and lineages to fulfill His divine purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogy of the Levites enhance our appreciation for the role of the priesthood in Israel's history?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of being "set apart" like the Levites in our own lives today?

3. How does the faithfulness of individuals like Elkanah inspire us to be faithful in our own families and communities?

4. What can we learn from the genealogical records about God's faithfulness and His plans for His people?

5. How does the Levitical lineage connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as our High Priest, and what implications does this have for our faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 1
This chapter provides a broader context for Elkanah, detailing his role as the father of Samuel and his dedication to God, which is a significant event in Israel's history.

Exodus 6:16-25
This passage lists the genealogy of Levi, providing a foundational understanding of the Levitical line and its importance in the priestly duties of Israel.

Hebrews 7
This chapter discusses the priesthood and the importance of lineage, drawing connections between the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Christ.
Lessons from Lists; Or, a Sermon in NamesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 6:1-30
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
Elkanah, Elka'nah, Nahath, Sons, Zophai
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 6:3

     5072   Aaron, spokesman

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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