📖WEB · 1 Chronicles 24:17
What does 1 Chronicles 24:17 mean?
"the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul,"
— 1 Chronicles 24:17 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,
the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez,
the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel,
the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul,
the twenty-third to Delaiah, and the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.
This was their ordering in their service, to come into Yahweh’s house according to the ordinance given to them by Aaron their father, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, had commanded him.
Of the rest of the sons of Levi: of the sons of Amram, Shubael; of the sons of Shubael, Jehdeiah.
Explanation
First Chronicles 24:17 simply records the results of a lottery: "the twenty-first lot fell to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul." It is one line in a longer list (1 Chronicles 24:7-18) naming the twenty-four divisions into which the descendants of Aaron were organized for priestly service in Israel's worship. Jachin received the twenty-first assignment, and Gamul the twenty-second. Beyond their names and place in the sequence, the text tells us nothing further about these two men individually.
The context is King David's reorganization of Israel's religious life late in his reign, as he prepared for Solomon to build the temple. Aaron's descendants had grown numerous, so David, working with the priests Zadok and Ahimelech, divided them into twenty-four courses or "divisions" (1 Chronicles 24:1-6). Rather than assigning duty by favoritism or seniority, they cast lots — a practice understood throughout Scripture as a way of submitting a decision to God's sovereign will (compare Proverbs 16:33). Each division would serve at the temple for a set rotation throughout the year, ensuring orderly, continu
Compare translations
Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI
Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.