What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 23:10? And the sons of Shimei 1 Chronicles 23 sits in the middle of David’s careful organization of the Levites for the soon-to-be-built temple. Verse 10 begins, “And the sons of Shimei,” immediately linking us to Shimei, a Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 23:7). Every name that follows is a literal descendant, reminding us that God works through real people and real families. Like the earlier census of Levi in Numbers 3:15-20, this record shows: • God’s covenant faithfulness to preserve a priestly line. • The importance of accurate records so each clan knows its calling (see also Ezra 8:15-20). • The emphasis on service, not status; each son will have a role just as every believer is gifted for service today (Romans 12:4-6). Jahath The first name, “Jahath,” often signals the firstborn or the leader among brothers (1 Chronicles 23:11). Throughout Chronicles, first-listed sons commonly carry administrative weight (compare 1 Chronicles 24:4-5 with the priestly divisions). Jahath’s clan later appears among skilled overseers in Josiah’s reforms (2 Chronicles 34:12-13), showing that faithful service in one generation can bless many that follow. Zina Next comes “Zina” (rendered “Zizah” in 1 Chronicles 23:11). Scripture occasionally shows variant spellings of the same person, underscoring that these are real individuals, not mythical figures. Zina’s inclusion proves that no descendant was overlooked. Compare this care with Moses’ earlier record of Levi’s grandsons (Exodus 6:17-19); every name matters to God. Jeush “Jeush” shares his name with sons in other tribes (Genesis 36:5; 1 Chronicles 7:10). Repeated names across Scripture remind us that God works simultaneously in multiple family lines. Jeush’s branch helps bring the total Gershonites fit for service to 2,630 men (1 Chronicles 23:11, 24). Each clan contributed to worship—some cared for curtains (Numbers 3:25-26), others for song (1 Chronicles 25:1). Diversity of tasks, unity of purpose. Beriah Finally, “Beriah.” The name appears earlier among Danites and Benjamites (Genesis 46:17; 1 Chronicles 8:13), yet here marks a Levite. Chronicles later notes that Beriah’s line shared duties with Jahath’s because they were “numerous and distinguished” (1 Chronicles 23:11). God often pairs families so strengths complement weaknesses, echoing New-Testament partnership language (Philippians 1:5). These were the sons of Shimei—four in all The closing tally underscores order. David could only assign duties after knowing exact family counts (1 Chronicles 23:3-5). Numbering “four in all” shows completeness; nothing is vague or accidental. Similar summaries pepper the chapter (v. 8, 9, 11), reflecting Paul’s later principle that worship is to be done “in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Accuracy in records leads to excellence in service. summary 1 Chronicles 23:10 is more than a list; it’s a snapshot of God’s precision in preparing His people for worship. Shimei’s four sons—Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah—each stand as proof that every individual and every family has a God-appointed place in His unfolding plan. |
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