How does this verse connect to the broader theme of stewardship in Scripture? Verse in Focus “The sons of Jehieli: Zetham and his brother Joel; they were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD.” (1 Chronicles 26:22) Temple Stewards on Duty • Zetham and Joel are named, counted, and assigned. • Their charge is literal, material wealth—silver, gold, utensils, tithes, and free-will offerings (cf. 1 Chron 26:20). • Their appointment highlights accountability; treasure is cataloged and guarded under oath (1 Chron 9:26). • The record shows that God’s house and God’s resources are never left to chance. Order, structure, and trustworthy people are God’s chosen means of safeguarding His gifts. How the Verse Illustrates Biblical Stewardship 1. Ownership rests with God – “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). – “The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine” (Haggai 2:8). 2. Management is entrusted to people – From Eden forward: “The LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). – Temple treasurers carry the same assignment: cultivate and keep. 3. Faithfulness is the requirement – “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). – Zetham and Joel stand in the long line that includes Joseph over Egypt’s barns (Genesis 41), Nehemiah’s gatekeepers (Nehemiah 12:45), and the servants in Jesus’ parable of the minas (Luke 19:12-27). 4. Accountability is assumed – Detailed genealogies (like 1 Chron 26) name names so no one can hide neglect or theft. – New-Testament echoes: “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). 5. Reward follows diligence – Old-Testament precedent: faithful Levites shared in the offerings (Numbers 18:8-9). – New-Testament promise: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). Threads of Stewardship Woven Through Scripture • Material resources: tithes (Malachi 3:8-10), offerings for the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29), relief for Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8-9). • Spiritual gifts: “Serve one another, each according to the gift he has received, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). • The gospel itself: “We have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). • Time and opportunities: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). • Creation care: “The LORD God took the man…to cultivate and keep it” (Genesis 2:15 again). Practical Takeaways • God still assigns specific people to manage specific resources; roles differ, but the principle never changes. • Precise record-keeping, integrity, and transparency are biblical, not merely practical. • Stewardship extends beyond money to every arena of life—talents, relationships, truth, and time. • Faithful stewardship brings blessing now and reward in eternity; negligence brings loss (Luke 16:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Summing It Up 1 Chronicles 26:22 spotlights two Levites quietly guarding the temple treasury. Their simple job description embodies the sweeping biblical theme: the God who owns all appoints His people to manage a portion, expects faithfulness, and promises reward. Stewardship is not a side note of Scripture—it is woven into its very fabric from Genesis to Revelation, and it remains the calling of every believer today. |
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