These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him.

1 CHRONICLES 24:19KJV
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1 Chronicles 24:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 24:19 mean?

1 Chronicles 24:19 explains that the priestly groups listed earlier were assigned their duties for serving in the temple according to the established order, following the instructions given by God through Aaron. This verse summarizes how these divisions were organized for their responsibilities in the house of the LORD.

The book of 1 Chronicles is describing how King David, with the guidance of earlier commands given to Aaron, set up a system for the priests to take turns serving in the temple. The verse is part of a section where the priestly families are being organized, making sure everyone knows their role and when they are to serve, as God had directed.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 24:19

  • "orderings" (פְּקֻדָּה, pəquddāh): This word refers to assignments or arrangements, highlighting that the priests' service was not random but carefully structured.
  • "service" (עֲבֹדָה, ʿăvōdāh): This means the work or duties performed, emphasizing the practical tasks the priests were to carry out in the temple.
  • "manner" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpāṭ): Often translated as "custom" or "regulation," this word points to the fact that these assignments followed a set rule or legal order, not personal preference.

Why 1 Chronicles 24:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the priestly service was not left to chance or personal ambition, but was organized by divine command, ensuring fairness and order.
  • It connects the priestly duties back to Aaron, underlining the continuity of tradition and obedience to God's instructions given through Moses and Aaron.
  • The verse helps the reader see that the structure of temple service was a key part of Israel's worship life, reflecting both community organization and faithfulness to God's law.

Where else these words appear

“orderings” Hebrew H6486 · used in 31 verses

  • Numbers 3:32 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:11 Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king's office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.
  • Jeremiah 23:12 Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

“service” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:24 These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.