Introductory notes to chapter 23-27 – Before we tackle those studies

These five chapters describe how David and the leaders of the tribes organized

before David’s death the administration of the kingdom. The first matter taken in hand was the ministry of the priests and Levites, who had charge of the Temple and its worship and also administered judgment. This is set forth in chapters 23-26. Chapter 23 speaks of the Levites as a whole, chapter 24, of the priests (verses 1-19), and their attendants (verses 20-32). Then in chapter 27 are given in lesser detail the civil and military leaders of the nation other than Levites.

Study 11  From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 23 and 24

Chapter 3, after telling of the assembly at which these matters were decided (verse 2), first gives the division of the Levites according to their work (verses 3, 4, and then their divisions according to families or house, as descended respectively from the three sons of Levi-from Gershom (verses 7-11), from Kohath (verses 12-20), and from Merari (verses 21-23).  The remainder of the chapter defines their duties. Chapter 24 speaks of those who served within the Temple, distinguishing between the sons of Aaron, who were priests (verses 1-19), and the rest, who were attendants of the priests (verses 20-31). Together these made up the 24, 000 of 23:4a.

1 1-    Compare the special duties of the priests (23:13-see Note below) with those of the other Levites who were not sons of Aaron. What part of the Levites’s former duties were now no longer necessary, and why (23:25-32)?

2 2-   Why has all this elaborate organization passed away? Cf.  Heb. 7:11-25. What has taken its place? Cf. Heb. 8:1, 2; 1 Pet. 2:4, 5, 9; Rev. 1:6.

Note. 23:13. ‘To consecrate…’ : better, ‘to sanctify as most holy him and his sons for ever’ as in RV mg. The burning of incense implies also the sprinkling of the blood of the atonement. Cf . Ex. 3010; Lv. 16:12-14.

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