What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 24:15? the seventeenth to Hezir “the seventeenth to Hezir” (1 Chronicles 24:15) • Context – David is literally arranging “the sons of Aaron” into twenty-four courses so “that they might minister in the house of the LORD” (1 Chron 24:1–5). – Sixteen lots fell to the line of Eleazar, eight to Ithamar (24:4), and the seventeenth course—first beyond the initial sixteen—lands on the family of Hezir. – This was not a symbolic exercise; each course would take its scheduled week at the sanctuary, then step aside for the next (2 Chron 31:2; Luke 1:8–9 for the Abijah course). • What it means – God values orderly, scheduled worship. “Everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner” (1 Corinthians 14:40). – Hezir’s household, though only one clan among many, received a clear appointment. Literal slots prevent rivalry and assure every priest a turn. – The system points to faithful perseverance: century after century the Hezir line would report on time—see Nehemiah 12:15, where descendants of Hezir are still serving after the exile. • Takeaway – In the Lord’s work, clarity of calling frees us to serve joyfully. When Hezir’s week arrived they did not guess or negotiate; they showed up, trusting the divine schedule. the eighteenth to Happizzez “the eighteenth to Happizzez” (1 Chronicles 24:15) • Context – Immediately after Hezir, the lot identifies Happizzez as the eighteenth course. The name is rare, yet the calling is as weighty as the most prominent priest’s. – The eighteenth week kept the sequence moving toward the twenty-fourth (Jehozabad), ensuring a full six-month cycle before the roster repeated (24:18–19). • What it means – No priestly family is overlooked. Happizzez may be little-known, but the Spirit records his place forever (24:19; cf. Malachi 3:16, “a scroll of remembrance was written before Him”). – The verse underlines stewardship: when Happizzez’s course arrived, Jerusalem’s worship life depended on their readiness (Ezekiel 44:15). – It also illustrates shared ministry. The eighteenth course supported public praise, sacrifices, and teaching—roles later echoed in every believer-priest (1 Peter 2:9). • Takeaway – Visibility is not the measure of importance. Happizzez teaches us to embrace assignments God gives, confident He sees and rewards faithful service (Hebrews 6:10). summary 1 Chronicles 24:15 records two specific priestly turns—Hezir seventeenth, Happizzez eighteenth—within David’s divinely guided rota. The literal listing underscores God’s commitment to order, fairness, and continuity in worship. Hezir reminds us that scheduled service fosters peaceful cooperation, while Happizzez highlights the dignity of every calling, no matter how obscure. Together they encourage believers to accept our appointed roles with readiness and trust, knowing our labor in the Lord is never in vain. |
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