Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They divided them impartially by casting lots, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar. New Living Translation All tasks were assigned to the various groups by means of sacred lots so that no preference would be shown, for there were many qualified officials serving God in the sanctuary from among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar. English Standard Version They divided them by lot, all alike, for there were sacred officers and officers of God among both the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar. Berean Standard Bible Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants. Berean Literal Bible And they were divided by lot, these with these; for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God from the sons of Eleazar and from the sons of Ithamar. King James Bible Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. New King James Version Thus they were divided by lot, one group as another, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of the house of God, from the sons of Eleazar and from the sons of Ithamar. New American Standard Bible So they were divided by lot, the one as the other; for they were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God, both from the descendants of Eleazar and the descendants of Ithamar. NASB 1995 Thus they were divided by lot, the one as the other; for they were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God, both from the descendants of Eleazar and the descendants of Ithamar. NASB 1977 Thus they were divided by lot, the one as the other; for they were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God, both from the descendants of Eleazar and the descendants of Ithamar. Legacy Standard Bible Thus they were divided by lot, the one as the other; for they were leaders for the sanctuary and leaders for God, both from the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar. Amplified Bible So they were divided by lot, one group with the other; for they were officers of the sanctuary and officers (high priests) of God, both from the descendants of Eleazar and from the descendants of Ithamar. Berean Annotated Bible Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God {Elohim} among both Eleazar’s (God has helped) and Ithamar’s (coast of palms) descendants. Christian Standard Bible They were assigned by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants. Holman Christian Standard Bible They were assigned by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants. American Standard Version Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. Contemporary English Version However, both families included temple officials and priests, and so to make sure the work was divided fairly, David asked God what to do. English Revised Version Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. GOD'S WORD® Translation Both groups were divided impartially by drawing lots so that there were officers for the holy place and officers for God among both Eleazar's and Ithamar's descendants. Good News Translation Since there were Temple officials and spiritual leaders among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar, assignments were made by drawing lots. International Standard Version They were chosen by impartial lottery, since there were trustees of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar's descendants and among Ithamar's descendants. NET Bible They divided them by lots, for there were officials of the holy place and officials designated by God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar. New Heart English Bible And thus were they divided impartially by drawing lots; for there were officiers of the sanctuary, and officiers of God, both of the descendants of Eleazar, and of the descendants of Ithamar. Webster's Bible Translation Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants. World English Bible Thus they were divided impartially by drawing lots; for there were princes of the sanctuary and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they distribute them by lots, with one another, for they have been princes of the holy place and princes of God, from the sons of Eleazar and from the sons of Ithamar. Berean Literal Bible And they were divided by lot, these with these; for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God from the sons of Eleazar and from the sons of Ithamar. Young's Literal Translation And they distribute them, by lots, one with another, for princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, have been of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. Smith's Literal Translation And they will be divided by lots, these with these, for the chiefs of the holy place, and the chiefs of God, were from the sons of Eleazar, and among the sons of Ithamar. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he divided both the families one with the other by lot: for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. Catholic Public Domain Version Then he divided among them, in both families, by lot. For there were leaders of the sanctuary and leaders of God, as much from the sons of Eleazar as from the sons of Ithamar. New American Bible Their functions were assigned impartially by lot, for there were officers of the holy place, and officers of God, descended both from Eleazar and from Ithamar. New Revised Standard Version They organized them by lot, all alike, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThus he divided them by lot, both families alike; for they were chief priests of the sanctuary and authorities over the priests, both of the sons of Eleazar and of the sons of Ithamar. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he divided them by lots, these with those, and from the sons of Eliazar and from the sons of Ithamar. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for they were princes of the sanctuary and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he divided them according to their lots, one with the other; for there were those who had charge of the holy things, and those who had charge of the house of the Lord among the sons of Eleazar, and among the sons of Ithamar. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Divisions of the Priests…4Since more leaders were found among Eleazar’s descendants than those of Ithamar, they were divided accordingly. There were sixteen heads of families from the descendants of Eleazar and eight from the descendants of Ithamar. 5Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants. 6The scribe, Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officers: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar, and then one from Ithamar.… Cross References Thus they were divided by lot, Joshua 18:10 And Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh, where he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions. Acts 1:26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles. Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. for there were officers of the sanctuary Numbers 18:5 And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. Numbers 3:28 The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. 1 Chronicles 23:32 So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD. and officers of God Exodus 28:1 “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. Numbers 16:9 Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants. Exodus 6:23 And Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Numbers 3:2-4 These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, then Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / These were Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. / Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron. 2 Samuel 20:25 Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 1 Chronicles 23:6 Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 1 Chronicles 25:8 They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil. 1 Chronicles 26:13 They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. / They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them. Treasury of Scripture Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. they divided by lot Joshua 18:10 And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions. Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. Jonah 1:7 And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. the governors 1 Chronicles 9:11 And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God; 2 Chronicles 35:8 And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred small cattle, and three hundred oxen. Nehemiah 11:11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God. Jump to Previous Alike Decision Descendants Distribute Divided Drawing Eleazar Elea'zar Governors Groups Holy House Impartially Ithamar Lots Officers Officials Organized Princes Rulers Sanctuary SortJump to Next Alike Decision Descendants Distribute Divided Drawing Eleazar Elea'zar Governors Groups Holy House Impartially Ithamar Lots Officers Officials Organized Princes Rulers Sanctuary Sort1 Chronicles 24 1. The division of the sons of Aaron by lot into twenty-four orders.20. The Kohathites 26. and the Merarites, divided by lot Thus they were divided by lot The division by lot was a common practice in ancient Israel to ensure fairness and impartiality, as seen in other biblical instances such as the allocation of the Promised Land among the tribes (Joshua 18:10). This method underscores the belief in divine sovereignty, suggesting that God’s will was revealed through the casting of lots. It reflects a trust in God’s providence to guide decisions, especially in matters of religious and communal importance. for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants Persons / Places / Events 1. EleazarThe third son of Aaron, Eleazar was a priest and played a significant role in the priestly lineage. His descendants were among those chosen to serve in the temple. 2. Ithamar The fourth son of Aaron, Ithamar also contributed to the priestly line. His descendants, like those of Eleazar, were selected for temple duties. 3. Officers of the Sanctuary These were individuals responsible for the sacred duties within the temple, ensuring that worship and sacrifices were conducted according to God's commands. 4. Officers of God This term refers to those who held positions of authority in religious matters, overseeing the spiritual well-being of the people. 5. Division by Lot This was a method used to ensure fairness and impartiality in the selection process for temple service, reflecting a trust in God's sovereignty over the outcome. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipThe use of lots underscores the belief in God's control over leadership appointments. We can trust God to guide decisions in our lives and communities. Impartiality in Service The division by lot ensured fairness, reminding us of the importance of impartiality and justice in our dealings with others, especially in leadership roles. The Role of Heritage and Calling The descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar were chosen based on their lineage, highlighting the importance of heritage and calling in God's service. We should recognize and honor the spiritual legacies in our lives. Diversity in Ministry The inclusion of both Eleazar's and Ithamar's descendants shows the value of diverse contributions in ministry. We should embrace and encourage diverse gifts and perspectives within the church. Faithfulness in Assigned Roles Each officer had specific duties, emphasizing the need for faithfulness in whatever role God assigns us. We should serve diligently and with integrity in our respective callings. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 24:5?2. How does 1 Chronicles 24:5 demonstrate God's order in priestly duties? 3. What role does "sacred lots" play in decision-making according to 1 Chronicles 24:5? 4. How can we apply the principle of fairness from 1 Chronicles 24:5 today? 5. What other Scriptures emphasize God's impartiality in leadership roles? 6. How can church leadership reflect the fairness seen in 1 Chronicles 24:5? 7. How does 1 Chronicles 24:5 reflect God's sovereignty in assigning duties to the priests? 8. What is the significance of casting lots in 1 Chronicles 24:5? 9. How does 1 Chronicles 24:5 demonstrate fairness in priestly duties? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 24? 11. How can the list of priestly divisions in 1 Chronicles 24 be reconciled with conflicting genealogies in other Old Testament passages? 12. Nehemiah 11:1 – How can we verify historically or archaeologically that exactly one-tenth of the people were chosen by lot to live in Jerusalem? 13. How many fighting men were in Israel? (2 Samuel 24:9 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:5) 14. Why are the census figures in 1 Chronicles 21:5 different from those in 2 Samuel 24:9? What Does 1 Chronicles 24:5 Mean Thus they were divided by lot• Casting lots let the priests acknowledge God’s direct rule over their assignments—“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:33). • Lots prevented favoritism and preserved unity, just as Israel had done when allotting the land (Joshua 18:6, 10). • Because the house of Aaron had grown large (1 Chronicles 24:4), this impartial method kept every clan content with the outcome, illustrating that divine order triumphs over human politics. for there were officers of the sanctuary • “Sanctuary” points to the physical temple complex; its “officers” supervised everything from furnishings to daily offerings (1 Chronicles 23:28-31). • These men protected holiness much like the gatekeepers who “stood guard at the gates of the LORD’s house” (2 Chronicles 23:19). • By formalizing the post, David ensured that worship stayed reverent and uninterrupted, foreshadowing Paul’s later call for “all things to be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). and officers of God • This phrase widens the scope: some priests handled spiritual and judicial matters beyond the temple precincts, serving as “officers and judges” over Israel (1 Chronicles 26:30). • Hezekiah later relied on such men for reform—“Conaniah the Levite was the chief officer, with Shimei his brother as second” (2 Chronicles 31:12-13). • The dual titles—sanctuary and God—signal that every sphere of service, sacred or civil, belongs to the same Lord (Colossians 3:17). among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants • Though Eleazar had sixteen chief families and Ithamar eight (1 Chronicles 24:4), each clan still drew lots, underscoring equal dignity. • Eleazar’s line traced through Phinehas, famed for zeal (Numbers 25:10-13); Ithamar’s line had produced Eli, later replaced for unfaithfulness (1 Samuel 2:27-36). Even so, God’s plan embraced both, testifying that grace, not pedigree, secures ministry. • The balanced distribution echoes Moses’ earlier charge that “the Levites shall serve... each man according to his duty” (Numbers 3:6-8), reinforcing that every believer has a God-assigned place (Romans 12:4-6). summary 1 Chronicles 24:5 shows David arranging priestly service by lots so that God, not man, chose each task. The verse highlights two complementary roles—officers of the sanctuary (temple caretakers) and officers of God (broader spiritual overseers)—drawn from both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s families. The process safeguarded fairness, honored God’s sovereignty, and modeled orderly worship that still speaks to the church today. (5) Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another.--Literally, And they divided them by lots, these with those: i.e., the sons of Eleazar with those of Ithamar, the clans of each standing together, apart from those of the other, and the lots being drawn for each alternately. The object was to decide the question of precedence in the order of ministration (comp. Luke 1:5; Luke 1:8-9), the liturgical functions being, of course, the same for all.For the governors of the sanctuary . . .--Better, for there had arisen holy princes ("lords spiritual") and princes of God (both) from among the sons of Eleazar, and from among the sons of Ithamar. The decision was referred to the equal arbitrament of the lot, because there had been, and were, distinguished heads of priestly houses belonging to both lines of descent. "Princes of the sanctuary" (Isaiah 43:28)--the phrase is equivalent to "princes of the priests" (2Chronicles 36:14). "Princes of God"--an expression (s?re '?lohim) not found elsewhere; it is either synonymous with the last, or perhaps denotes the high priests. (Comp. Notes on 1Chronicles 6:4-6.) The term "Prince of God" (n?si '?lohim) is applied to Abraham (Genesis 23:6), apparently in the sense of mighty prince, which may be the meaning here. . . . Verse 5. - Translate, And they divided them by lots, these with those; i.e. as there was no ground of choice between the two families, which differed only in number, and as the highest ecclesiastical places had been filled already by both of them, the impartiality of the "lot" was resorted to, for the settling of the order in which they would take the services now in question (1 Chronicles 25:8). The governors; read rather, the princes. The distinction intended between "the holy princes," or "princes of the sanctuary," on the one hand, and "the princes of God" on the other, is not very clear. One instance of the former expression is found in Isaiah 43:28. Keil supposes there may be no distinction between them, but adds that if there is, he would take the "princes of God" to stand for the regular high priests exclusively, viz. those who could enter into the most holy place before God. The "princes of God" is a title evidently illustrated by the word "Israel" (Genesis 32:28).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Thus they were dividedוַיַּחְלְק֥וּם (way·yaḥ·lə·qūm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural Strong's 2505: To be smooth, to apportion, separate by lot, בְּגוֹרָל֖וֹת (bə·ḡō·w·rā·lō·wṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1486: Lot -- a lot (for casting) for כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction there were הָי֤וּ (hā·yū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be officers שָֽׂרֵי־ (śā·rê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of the sanctuary קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ (qō·ḏeš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity and officers וְשָׂרֵ֣י (wə·śā·rê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of God הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative among both Eleazar’s אֶלְעָזָ֖ר (’el·‘ā·zār) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 499: Eleazar -- 'God has helped', six Israelites and Ithamar’s אִיתָמָֽר׃ (’î·ṯā·mār) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 385: Ithamar -- 'land of palms', a son of Aaron descendants. מִבְּנֵ֥י (mib·bə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son Links 1 Chronicles 24:5 NIV1 Chronicles 24:5 NLT 1 Chronicles 24:5 ESV 1 Chronicles 24:5 NASB 1 Chronicles 24:5 KJV 1 Chronicles 24:5 BibleApps.com 1 Chronicles 24:5 Biblia Paralela 1 Chronicles 24:5 Chinese Bible 1 Chronicles 24:5 French Bible 1 Chronicles 24:5 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Chronicles 24:5 Thus were they divided impartially by drawing (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |
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