1 Chronicles 24:12
the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,
the eleventh to Eliashib
Eliashib is a name that appears several times in the Old Testament, often associated with priestly duties. In this context, Eliashib is one of the priests assigned to the divisions of service in the temple. The division of priests into 24 courses was established by King David to organize temple worship efficiently. This system ensured that the temple was staffed with priests throughout the year, each serving in their appointed time. The name Eliashib means "God restores," which can be seen as a reflection of the priestly role in restoring the people to God through sacrifices and intercession. This division highlights the importance of order and structure in worship, a principle that is echoed in the New Testament with the orderly conduct of church gatherings (1 Corinthians 14:40).

the twelfth to Jakim
Jakim, like Eliashib, is another priestly figure assigned to a specific division. The name Jakim means "He will raise," which can be seen as a prophetic nod to the resurrection power of God, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The twelfth division signifies completeness and divine government, as the number twelve often represents in biblical numerology (e.g., twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles). This division system reflects the continuity and faithfulness of God's covenant with Israel, ensuring that worship and sacrifices were maintained. The priestly service points to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus, who intercedes for believers and offers a once-for-all sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 7:25-27).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eliashib
A priestly figure mentioned in the division of the priestly duties. His name means "God restores," indicating a role of spiritual renewal and leadership within the priesthood.

2. Jakim
Another priestly figure assigned duties in the temple service. His name means "He will establish," reflecting a role of stability and continuity in worship practices.

3. Division of Priestly Duties
This event involves the organization of the priestly service into 24 divisions, a system established by King David to ensure orderly worship in the temple.
Teaching Points
Order in Worship
The division of priestly duties underscores the importance of order and structure in worship. God values organization in how we approach Him, reflecting His nature of peace and order.

Continuity of Service
The mention of Eliashib and Jakim highlights the continuity of service across generations. Our faithfulness in serving God can have lasting impacts beyond our lifetime.

Names with Meaning
The names Eliashib and Jakim remind us that God restores and establishes. In our lives, we can trust God to restore what is broken and establish us in His purposes.

Role of Leadership
The priestly divisions illustrate the significance of leadership in spiritual communities. Effective leaders are essential for guiding worship and maintaining spiritual health.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the division of priestly duties in 1 Chronicles 24 reflect God's desire for order in worship, and how can we apply this principle in our church services today?

2. In what ways do the names Eliashib ("God restores") and Jakim ("He will establish") encourage us in our personal spiritual journeys?

3. How does the continuity of priestly service from the Old Testament to the New Testament (e.g., Zechariah in Luke 1) inspire us to be faithful in our roles within the church?

4. What lessons can we learn from the leadership structure established by David for the priests, and how can these lessons be applied to modern church leadership?

5. Reflect on a time when God restored or established something in your life. How can you use that experience to encourage others in their faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 23
Provides context for the division of the Levites and the establishment of their roles, highlighting the importance of order and structure in worship.

Nehemiah 12
Mentions Eliashib in the context of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, showing the continuity of priestly service and leadership across generations.

Luke 1
References the division of Abijah, one of the 24 priestly divisions, connecting the Old Testament priestly order to the New Testament account of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist.
Aaronites and Descendants of LeviF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 24, 25
People
Aaron, Abiathar, Abihu, Abijah, Ahimelech, Amariah, Amram, Aphses, Beno, Bilgah, David, Delaiah, Eder, Eleazar, Eliashib, Ezekiel, Gamul, Hakkoz, Harim, Hezir, Huppah, Ibri, Immer, Isshiah, Ithamar, Izharites, Jaaziah, Jachin, Jahath, Jahaziel, Jakim, Jedaiah, Jehdeiah, Jehezekel, Jehoiarib, Jekameam, Jerahmeel, Jeriah, Jerijah, Jerimoth, Jeshebeab, Jeshua, Jeshuah, Jizharites, Kish, Levi, Levites, Maaziah, Mahli, Malchijah, Merari, Micah, Michah, Mijamin, Mushi, Nadab, Nethaneel, Pethahiah, Rehabiah, Seorim, Shamir, Shecaniah, Shelomoth, Shemaiah, Shoham, Shubael, Uzziel, Zaccur, Zadok, Zechariah
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Eleventh, Eliashib, Eli'ashib, Jakim, Twelfth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 24:10

     7769   priests, NT types

Library
Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian Hastened his Journey to Rome; but Titus his Son Returned to Jerusalem.
1. And now, when Vespasian had given answers to the embassages, and had disposed of the places of power justly, [25] and according to every one's deserts, he came to Antioch, and consulting which way he had best take, he preferred to go for Rome, rather than to march to Alexandria, because he saw that Alexandria was sure to him already, but that the affairs at Rome were put into disorder by Vitellius; so he sent Mucianus to Italy, and committed a considerable army both of horsemen and footmen to
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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