Lexical Summary Seorim: Barley Original Word: שְׂעֹרִים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Seorim Masculine plural of s'orah; barley grains; Seorim, an Israelite -- Seorim. see HEBREW s'orah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as sear Definition an Isr. priest NASB Translation Seorim (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שְׂעֹרִים proper name, masculine priest 1 Chronicles 24:8; Σεωρειμ. Topical Lexicon Meaning of the Name Derived from the Hebrew word for “barley,” שְׂעֹרִים (Seorim) carries an agricultural nuance that evokes ideas of provision, harvest, and sustenance. As a personal name it testifies to Israel’s practice of commemorating everyday tokens of God’s care within covenant life. Biblical Occurrence Seorim appears once in the Old Testament, in the catalog of priestly rotations established by King David: “the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim” (1 Chronicles 24:8). Historical Background 1 Chronicles 24 records David’s reorganization of the descendants of Aaron into twenty-four “courses” (families or divisions). This plan, confirmed by “prophecy with the guidance of the sons of Eleazar and of Ithamar” (1 Chronicles 24:5), ensured a regular, orderly ministry at the future Temple. Each family headed by a leading priest served for one week at a time, twice annually, with additional duty during the pilgrimage feasts (2 Chronicles 23:8). The fourth course fell to Seorim, taken by lot—underscoring divine sovereignty rather than human preference (Proverbs 16:33). Role within the Priestly Courses • Ancestry: Seorim descended from Eleazar, Aaron’s elder surviving son (1 Chronicles 24:1). Spiritual Lessons 1. Order in Worship. David’s arrangement reflects a God who values structure (1 Corinthians 14:40). Seorim’s fixed place illustrates that order does not quench the Spirit but channels service into faithfulness. Foreshadowing of Christ The priestly courses collectively prefigure the once-for-all priesthood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:23-27). Seorim’s barley-themed name connects symbolically to the firstfruits of the barley harvest (Leviticus 23:10-11), which typifies Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20). Thus a priest named “Barley” served during weeks associated with Israel’s harvest festivals—an unintended yet providential pointer to the greater Firstfruits who would rise and minister eternally. Contemporary Ministry Application • Scheduling teams for public worship, children’s instruction, or mercy ministries can follow the Davidic pattern—clear rotation, prayerful selection, mutual accountability. Summary Seorim encapsulates the intersection of ordinary life (barley) with sacred calling (priestly service). Though briefly mentioned, his place in David’s priestly courses reinforces divine order, highlights the dignity of routine ministry, and anticipates the ultimate High Priest who gathers and sustains His people like a nourishing harvest. Forms and Transliterations לִשְׂעֹרִ֖ים לשערים liś‘ōrîm liś·‘ō·rîm lisoRimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 24:8 HEB: לְחָרִם֙ הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י לִשְׂעֹרִ֖ים הָרְבִעִֽי׃ NAS: for Harim, the fourth for Seorim, KJV: to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, INT: Harim the third Seorim the fourth 1 Occurrence |
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