1 Chronicles 9:31

A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with baking the bread.

Study Bible

Mattithiah
The name "Mattithiah" means "gift of Yahweh" in Hebrew. This name reflects the belief that children are blessings from God, and it underscores the importance of recognizing divine providence in the lives of individuals. Mattithiah's role in the temple service highlights how God equips and appoints His people for specific tasks within His kingdom.

a Levite
The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties and temple service. Their role was crucial in maintaining the spiritual life of Israel. Being a Levite, Mattithiah was part of a lineage dedicated to serving God, emphasizing the importance of heritage and the continuation of faith through generations.

the firstborn son
In ancient Israelite culture, the firstborn son held a place of prominence and responsibility. This status often came with specific duties and privileges. Mattithiah's position as the firstborn signifies a role of leadership and responsibility within his family and his service to God.

Shallum the Korahite
Shallum, Mattithiah's father, belonged to the Korahites, a subgroup of the Levites. The Korahites had specific duties in the temple, including gatekeeping and other services. This lineage connects Mattithiah to a rich heritage of temple service, illustrating the continuity of God's work through family lines.

was entrusted
The phrase "was entrusted" indicates a position of trust and responsibility. In the context of temple service, being entrusted with a task was a significant honor, reflecting one's faithfulness and reliability. It serves as a reminder that God entrusts His people with responsibilities according to their abilities and faithfulness.

with baking the bread
Baking the bread refers to the preparation of the showbread, which was placed in the temple as an offering to God. This task was not merely culinary but deeply spiritual, symbolizing God's provision and the sustenance He provides. The bread also foreshadows the spiritual nourishment found in Christ, the Bread of Life. Mattithiah's role in this task highlights the sacredness of even the most seemingly mundane duties when performed for God's glory.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mattithiah
A Levite, specifically noted as the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite. He was given the responsibility of baking the bread for the offerings, indicating a role of service and dedication within the temple duties.

2. Shallum
The father of Mattithiah, identified as a Korahite. The Korahites were a subgroup of the Levites, descendants of Korah, who had specific duties in the temple service.

3. Levites
A tribe set apart for religious duties and temple service in Israel. They were responsible for various tasks, including music, gatekeeping, and preparing offerings.

4. Bread for the Offerings
This refers to the showbread or "bread of the Presence," which was placed on a table in the Holy Place of the tabernacle and later the temple. It symbolized God's provision and presence among His people.

5. Temple Service
The organized system of worship and sacrifice in ancient Israel, centered around the tabernacle and later the temple, where the Levites played a crucial role.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Service
Mattithiah's role, though seemingly mundane, was crucial in the worship of God. This teaches us the importance of faithfulness in whatever task God assigns us, no matter how small it may seem.

Symbolism of Bread
The bread of the Presence symbolizes God's provision and presence. In our lives, we are reminded that God is our provider and is always present with us.

Heritage and Responsibility
As a descendant of the Korahites, Mattithiah inherited a legacy of service. This highlights the importance of passing down faith and responsibilities through generations.

Holiness in Daily Tasks
The preparation of the bread was a holy task, reminding us that our daily work can be an act of worship when done for God's glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Mattithiah's role in baking the bread teach us about the importance of seemingly small tasks in God's kingdom?

2. How can we apply the concept of God's provision, as symbolized by the showbread, to our daily lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our work, like Mattithiah's, is done as an act of worship?

4. How does understanding the heritage and responsibilities of the Levites help us appreciate our own spiritual heritage and duties?

5. What are some practical ways we can pass down our faith and responsibilities to the next generation, as seen in the lineage of the Korahites?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:30
This verse describes the command to place the showbread on the table before the Lord continually, connecting to Mattithiah's role in preparing this bread.

Leviticus 24:5-9
These verses provide detailed instructions on the preparation and placement of the showbread, highlighting the sacredness and importance of Mattithiah's task.

Numbers 4:4-15
This passage outlines the duties of the Kohathites, a subgroup of the Levites, in the tabernacle service, providing context for the responsibilities of the Korahites.