1 Chronicles 6
-This chapter gives many names associated with the
Tabernacle and later Temple worship systems of Israel. It focuses on the sons
of Levi, from which Aaron and Moses came. It mentions Samuel, who was a great
prophet and almost single handedly revived the nation in the time of the
judges. An important question arises here for biblical scholars. Was Samuel’s
father, Elkanah, a Levite or an Ephraimite (see 1 Samuel 1:1)? He was a Levite
by ancestry, but the sons of Levi were assigned to dwell in certain areas
within the Promised Land since they were not given land allotments as a tribe
(Genesis 49:6-7, Numbers 35:6). Therefore, Elkanah, a Levite assigned to the
land of Ephraim is an Ephraimite by tribal descent only, not his tribal
ancestry. In fact, Samuel could not have become Eli’s Temple assistant with
this Levitical lineage (Numbers 8:5-26, 1 Samuel 2:11, 1 Chronicles 23:28-32).
This seemingly biblical contradiction is smoothed out with proper historical
understanding.
-The chapter also goes into depth on the worship leaders in
song that were appointed by David, the king, in the house of the LORD, after
the ark rested there (1 Chronicles 6:31). Aaron and his son’s role was
important for all the work of the most holy place and in making atonement for Israel
before the LORD according to all that Moses, the servant of God, had commanded
(1 Chronicles 6:49). These were the high priestly line and were given lands in
the different parts of the nation for settlement and cities of refuge (Numbers
35).
-*Application* The work of the most holy place is indeed
given credence when we look at passages like this one. God wants men of
dedication to lead in the worship of Him and there is a place for those who are
truly called to this type of ministry. In our churches today we see many of the
same principles at work, or at least we should. Provide for God’s people to
maintain the work of ministry, whether it be the teaching aspects, the
organizational parts, the arts and music, or other God given responsibilities.
Enable the work of the LORD to run smoothly without interference. They are the
equippers of the saints (Ephesians 4:4-16).
Verses to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 6:31, 49
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