The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,
1 CHRONICLES 24:14KJVWhat does 1 Chronicles 24:14 mean?
1 Chronicles 24:14 records the assignment of the fifteenth and sixteenth lots to the priestly families of Bilgah and Immer, as part of organizing the duties of the priests in the temple. This verse is part of a list that details how the priestly service was divided among the descendants of Aaron.
The book of 1 Chronicles was written to document the organization of Israel’s religious life after the exile. In this chapter, the writer is listing the priestly divisions established by King David, with the names representing family heads. The verse shows the careful and orderly way in which temple responsibilities were distributed among the priests.
The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 24:14
- חֲמֵשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵה (chamesh-esreh, "fifteenth"): This word combines "five" and "ten" to mean "fifteenth," showing the specific order in which the priestly families were assigned their duties.
- בִּלְגָּה (Bilgah): This is the name of a priestly family. Each family had its own time of service in the temple, and Bilgah’s place in the order is noted here.
- שֵׁשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵה (shesh-esreh, "sixteenth"): This word combines "six" and "ten" to mean "sixteenth," again emphasizing the structured rotation.
- אִמֵּר (Immer): Another priestly family name, showing that each group had a designated turn in the temple service.
Why 1 Chronicles 24:14 matters
- This verse highlights the fairness and structure in how temple duties were assigned, preventing favoritism and ensuring every priestly family had a role.
- It connects to the larger passage, which shows King David’s efforts to organize worship and priestly service for future generations.
- Understanding these assignments helps clarify how the ancient Israelites maintained order and continuity in their religious practices.