1 Chronicles 24:5
New International Version
They divided them impartially by casting lots, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar.

New Living Translation
All tasks were assigned to the various groups by means of sacred lots so that no preference would be shown, for there were many qualified officials serving God in the sanctuary from among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar.

English Standard Version
They divided them by lot, all alike, for there were sacred officers and officers of God among both the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar.

Berean Standard Bible
Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants.

King James Bible
Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

New King James Version
Thus they were divided by lot, one group as another, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of the house of God, from the sons of Eleazar and from the sons of Ithamar.

New American Standard Bible
So they were divided by lot, the one as the other; for they were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God, both from the descendants of Eleazar and the descendants of Ithamar.

NASB 1995
Thus they were divided by lot, the one as the other; for they were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God, both from the descendants of Eleazar and the descendants of Ithamar.

NASB 1977
Thus they were divided by lot, the one as the other; for they were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God, both from the descendants of Eleazar and the descendants of Ithamar.

Legacy Standard Bible
Thus they were divided by lot, the one as the other; for they were leaders for the sanctuary and leaders for God, both from the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar.

Amplified Bible
So they were divided by lot, one group with the other; for they were officers of the sanctuary and officers (high priests) of God, both from the descendants of Eleazar and from the descendants of Ithamar.

Christian Standard Bible
They were assigned by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They were assigned by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants.

American Standard Version
Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

Contemporary English Version
However, both families included temple officials and priests, and so to make sure the work was divided fairly, David asked God what to do.

English Revised Version
Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Both groups were divided impartially by drawing lots so that there were officers for the holy place and officers for God among both Eleazar's and Ithamar's descendants.

Good News Translation
Since there were Temple officials and spiritual leaders among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar, assignments were made by drawing lots.

International Standard Version
They were chosen by impartial lottery, since there were trustees of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar's descendants and among Ithamar's descendants.

Majority Standard Bible
Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar?s and Ithamar?s descendants.

NET Bible
They divided them by lots, for there were officials of the holy place and officials designated by God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar.

New Heart English Bible
And thus were they divided impartially by drawing lots; for there were officiers of the sanctuary, and officiers of God, both of the descendants of Eleazar, and of the descendants of Ithamar.

Webster's Bible Translation
Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

World English Bible
Thus they were divided impartially by drawing lots; for there were princes of the sanctuary and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they distribute them by lots, with one another, for they have been princes of the holy place and princes of God, from the sons of Eleazar and from the sons of Ithamar.

Young's Literal Translation
And they distribute them, by lots, one with another, for princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, have been of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will be divided by lots, these with these, for the chiefs of the holy place, and the chiefs of God, were from the sons of Eleazar, and among the sons of Ithamar.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he divided both the families one with the other by lot: for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then he divided among them, in both families, by lot. For there were leaders of the sanctuary and leaders of God, as much from the sons of Eleazar as from the sons of Ithamar.

New American Bible
Their functions were assigned impartially by lot, for there were officers of the holy place, and officers of God, descended both from Eleazar and from Ithamar.

New Revised Standard Version
They organized them by lot, all alike, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Thus he divided them by lot, both families alike; for they were chief priests of the sanctuary and authorities over the priests, both of the sons of Eleazar and of the sons of Ithamar.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he divided them by lots, these with those, and from the sons of Eliazar and from the sons of Ithamar.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for they were princes of the sanctuary and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he divided them according to their lots, one with the other; for there were those who had charge of the holy things, and those who had charge of the house of the Lord among the sons of Eleazar, and among the sons of Ithamar.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Divisions of the Priests
4Since more leaders were found among Eleazar’s descendants than those of Ithamar, they were divided accordingly. There were sixteen heads of families from the descendants of Eleazar and eight from the descendants of Ithamar. 5Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants. 6The scribe, Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officers: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar, and then one from Ithamar.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 23:6
Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

1 Chronicles 25:8
They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil.

1 Chronicles 26:13
They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike.

1 Chronicles 6:31-32
These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. / They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them.

1 Chronicles 9:33
Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night.

1 Chronicles 15:16-17
David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals. / So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah;

1 Chronicles 16:4-6
David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to celebrate, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. / Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals / and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel blew the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.

1 Chronicles 28:13
for the divisions of the priests and Levites, for all the work of service in the house of the LORD, and for all the articles of service in the house of the LORD:

2 Chronicles 8:14
In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.

2 Chronicles 23:18
Moreover, Jehoiada put the oversight of the house of the LORD into the hands of the Levitical priests, whom David had appointed over the house of the LORD, to offer burnt offerings to the LORD as written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and song, as ordained by David.

2 Chronicles 31:2
Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.

Nehemiah 12:24
The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.

Nehemiah 12:45-46
They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Luke 1:5
In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron.


Treasury of Scripture

Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

they divided by lot

Joshua 18:10
And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

Jonah 1:7
And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

the governors

1 Chronicles 9:11
And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;

2 Chronicles 35:8
And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred small cattle, and three hundred oxen.

Nehemiah 11:11
Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God.

Jump to Previous
Alike Decision Descendants Distribute Divided Drawing Eleazar Elea'zar Governors Groups Holy House Impartially Ithamar Lots Officers Officials Organized Princes Rulers Sanctuary Sort
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Alike Decision Descendants Distribute Divided Drawing Eleazar Elea'zar Governors Groups Holy House Impartially Ithamar Lots Officers Officials Organized Princes Rulers Sanctuary Sort
1 Chronicles 24
1. The division of the sons of Aaron by lot into twenty-four orders.
20. The Kohathites
26. and the Merarites, divided by lot














They divided them impartially by lot
The phrase "divided them impartially by lot" reflects a practice deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition, where casting lots was a common method to discern God's will (Proverbs 16:33). The Hebrew word for "lot" is "goral," which signifies a small stone or object used in decision-making. This method ensured that human bias did not influence the division of priestly duties, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in the selection process. Historically, casting lots was seen as a sacred act, acknowledging that the ultimate decision rested with God, not man.

for there were officers of the sanctuary
The term "officers of the sanctuary" refers to those who held specific roles and responsibilities within the sacred space of the temple. The Hebrew word for "officers" is "sarim," which can mean leaders or princes. These individuals were tasked with maintaining the sanctity and order of the temple, ensuring that worship and sacrifices were conducted according to divine instructions. The sanctuary, or "miqdash" in Hebrew, was the holy place where God's presence dwelled, making the role of these officers crucial in upholding the spiritual integrity of Israel's worship.

and officers of God
This phrase highlights the dual nature of the priestly duties, serving both the sanctuary and God Himself. The "officers of God" were those who ministered directly in the service of Yahweh, performing rituals and sacrifices that were central to Israel's covenant relationship with God. The distinction between officers of the sanctuary and officers of God underscores the comprehensive nature of their service, encompassing both the physical and spiritual aspects of their duties.

among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar
Eleazar and Ithamar were the sons of Aaron, the first high priest, and their descendants formed the two main priestly lines. The mention of both Eleazar and Ithamar signifies the continuation of the Aaronic priesthood and the importance of maintaining a balanced representation from both lines. Historically, Eleazar's line held a more prominent role, but the inclusion of Ithamar's descendants ensured that the priesthood remained a unified institution. This division by lot among the descendants of both lines reflects the biblical principle of unity and equality within the priesthood, as each family had a role in serving God and the community.

(5) Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another.--Literally, And they divided them by lots, these with those: i.e., the sons of Eleazar with those of Ithamar, the clans of each standing together, apart from those of the other, and the lots being drawn for each alternately. The object was to decide the question of precedence in the order of ministration (comp. Luke 1:5; Luke 1:8-9), the liturgical functions being, of course, the same for all.

For the governors of the sanctuary . . .--Better, for there had arisen holy princes ("lords spiritual") and princes of God (both) from among the sons of Eleazar, and from among the sons of Ithamar. The decision was referred to the equal arbitrament of the lot, because there had been, and were, distinguished heads of priestly houses belonging to both lines of descent. "Princes of the sanctuary" (Isaiah 43:28)--the phrase is equivalent to "princes of the priests" (2Chronicles 36:14). "Princes of God"--an expression (s?re '?lohim) not found elsewhere; it is either synonymous with the last, or perhaps denotes the high priests. (Comp. Notes on 1Chronicles 6:4-6.) The term "Prince of God" (n?si '?lohim) is applied to Abraham (Genesis 23:6), apparently in the sense of mighty prince, which may be the meaning here. . . .

Verse 5. - Translate, And they divided them by lots, these with those; i.e. as there was no ground of choice between the two families, which differed only in number, and as the highest ecclesiastical places had been filled already by both of them, the impartiality of the "lot" was resorted to, for the settling of the order in which they would take the services now in question (1 Chronicles 25:8). The governors; read rather, the princes. The distinction intended between "the holy princes," or "princes of the sanctuary," on the one hand, and "the princes of God" on the other, is not very clear. One instance of the former expression is found in Isaiah 43:28. Keil supposes there may be no distinction between them, but adds that if there is, he would take the "princes of God" to stand for the regular high priests exclusively, viz. those who could enter into the most holy place before God. The "princes of God" is a title evidently illustrated by the word "Israel" (Genesis 32:28).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Thus they were divided
וַיַּחְלְק֥וּם (way·yaḥ·lə·qūm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2505: To be smooth, to apportion, separate

by lot,
בְּגוֹרָל֖וֹת (bə·ḡō·w·rā·lō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1486: Lot -- a lot (for casting)

for
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

there were
הָי֤וּ (hā·yū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

officers
שָֽׂרֵי־ (śā·rê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of the sanctuary
קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ (qō·ḏeš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

and officers
וְשָׂרֵ֣י (wə·śā·rê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of God
הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

among both Eleazar’s
אֶלְעָזָ֖ר (’el·‘ā·zār)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 499: Eleazar -- 'God has helped', six Israelites

and Ithamar’s
אִיתָמָֽר׃ (’î·ṯā·mār)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 385: Ithamar -- 'land of palms', a son of Aaron

descendants.
מִבְּנֵ֥י (mib·bə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 24:5 Thus were they divided impartially by drawing (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 24:4
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