Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 15:9 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 15:9 lists Eliel as the chief among the sons of Hebron, along with eighty of his brothers, as part of a record of those assigned to help carry the Ark of the Covenant. This verse highlights the specific family group and their leader who were chosen for this important religious task. This verse appears in a section where King David is organizing the Levites for the safe and proper transport of the Ark to Jerusalem. The chronicler is carefully naming each family and its leaders to show the order and seriousness with which this sacred duty was approached, emphasizing the involvement of the sons of Hebron and their chief, Eliel.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 15:9

Accepted Answer

"sons" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word means "descendants" or "members of the family," showing that the group comes from the line of Hebron. "chief" (שַׂר, sar): This word is often used for a leader, prince, or head of a group. Here, it highlights Eliel’s authority among his relatives. "fourscore" (שְׁמוֹנִים, shəmonim): This word means "eighty." The verse is specific about the number of Hebron’s descendants involved, showing the size and importance of this family’s contribution.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 15:9 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps clarify the careful organization and structure King David used when moving the Ark, showing that it was not a casual event but a well-planned, communal effort. By naming Eliel as chief and listing the exact number of his brothers, the chronicler emphasizes the importance of leadership and family roles in Israel’s worship practices. The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that every Levite family had a part to play, reinforcing the idea that serving God was a shared responsibility among the people.

1 Chronicles 15:9 (KJV)