The Hebronites are a Levitical family descended from Hebron, the son of Kohath, who was the son of Levi. As members of the tribe of Levi, the Hebronites held a special place in the religious and social structure of ancient Israel, being set apart for specific duties related to the worship and service of God.

Genealogy and Ancestry

The Hebronites trace their lineage to Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, through Kohath. Levi's descendants were divided into three main families: the Gershonites, the Kohathites, and the Merarites. The Kohathites, to which the Hebronites belong, were further divided into sub-families, including the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites. The Hebronites are specifically mentioned in genealogical records, highlighting their role and responsibilities within the Levitical order.

Duties and Responsibilities

As part of the Kohathite division, the Hebronites were entrusted with significant responsibilities concerning the tabernacle and later the temple. Numbers 3:27-31 outlines the duties of the Kohathites, which included the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils. The Hebronites, as a subset of the Kohathites, would have participated in these duties, ensuring the proper handling and transportation of these holy items during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings.

In 1 Chronicles 23:12, the Hebronites are listed among the descendants of Kohath, emphasizing their role in the service of the temple. The chronicler records the organization of the Levites during the reign of King David, who restructured their duties to support the worship and administration of the temple in Jerusalem.

Leadership and Administration

The Hebronites also played a role in the administrative and leadership functions within the Levitical community. In 1 Chronicles 26:30-32, it is noted that during the reign of King David, the Hebronites were appointed to oversee the affairs of Israel west of the Jordan River. Jeriah, a leader among the Hebronites, was placed in charge of these duties, demonstrating the trust and responsibility placed upon this family.

Significance in Israel's History

The Hebronites, like other Levitical families, were integral to the spiritual life of Israel. Their service in the tabernacle and temple, as well as their administrative roles, underscored the importance of the Levites in maintaining the religious and social order of the nation. The Hebronites' dedication to their duties exemplified the broader Levitical commitment to serving God and the community of Israel.

Biblical References

· Numbers 3:27-31 : "To Kohath belonged the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites. The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary."
· 1 Chronicles 23:12 : "The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all."
· 1 Chronicles 26:30-32 : "From the Hebronites: Hashabiah and his relatives—1,700 capable men—had oversight of Israel west of the Jordan for all the work of the LORD and for the service of the king. As for the Hebronites, Jeriah was the chief according to the genealogies of their families. In the fortieth year of David’s reign, a search was made, and strong and capable men were found among them at Jazer in Gilead."

The Hebronites, through their faithful service and leadership, contributed significantly to the religious and administrative life of ancient Israel, fulfilling their God-given roles as part of the Levitical priesthood.The Hebronites

A family of Kohathite Levites, descendants of Hebron the son of Kohath. (Numbers 3:27; 26:58; 1 Chronicles 26:23)

2276. Chebroni -- inhab. of Hebron
... inhab. of Hebron. Transliteration: Chebroni or Chebroni Phonetic Spelling:
(kheb-ro-nee') Short Definition: Hebronites. ... of Hebron NASB Word Usage Hebronites ( ...
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