1 Chronicles 26:22

the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD.

Study Bible

the sons of Jehieli
Jehieli is a Levite, and his lineage is significant in the context of temple service. The Levites were set apart for religious duties, and their genealogies are meticulously recorded to ensure the purity of their service. This phrase highlights the importance of family lineage in maintaining the sanctity and order of temple responsibilities. The mention of Jehieli's sons underscores the continuity of service and the passing down of duties from one generation to the next, reflecting the biblical emphasis on heritage and faithfulness.

Zetham, and his brother Joel
Zetham and Joel are identified as brothers, which emphasizes the familial aspect of their service. In the biblical context, brothers often worked together in ministry, reflecting unity and cooperation. The naming of these individuals indicates their specific roles and responsibilities, which were crucial for the functioning of the temple. This also points to the broader biblical theme of God using families to accomplish His purposes, as seen in other scriptural examples like Moses and Aaron or James and John.

They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD
Being in charge of the treasuries was a position of great responsibility and trust. The treasuries contained offerings and valuable items dedicated to the temple, which were used for its maintenance and the support of the Levites. This role required integrity and faithfulness, as mishandling these resources would have been a serious offense. The phrase highlights the organizational structure of temple service, where specific duties were assigned to ensure the proper functioning of worship. This can be connected to the New Testament teaching on stewardship, where believers are called to manage God's resources wisely. The treasuries also symbolize the spiritual wealth and blessings found in God's house, pointing to the greater treasure found in Christ, who is the fulfillment of the temple and its services.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehieli
A Levite whose sons were appointed to oversee the treasuries of the house of the LORD. His lineage highlights the importance of family roles in temple service.

2. Zetham
One of Jehieli's sons, entrusted with the responsibility of managing the sacred treasuries, indicating his reliability and faithfulness.

3. Joel
Zetham's brother, who shared the responsibility of overseeing the treasuries, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their service.

4. Treasuries of the House of the LORD
These were storerooms in the temple where offerings, tithes, and other valuable items dedicated to God were kept. Their management was crucial for the functioning of temple services.

5. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

Teaching Points

Faithful Stewardship
The role of Zetham and Joel underscores the importance of being trustworthy stewards of God's resources. We are called to manage our time, talents, and treasures in a way that honors God.

Family Legacy in Ministry
Jehieli's sons serving together highlights the impact of a family committed to serving God. Encouraging family involvement in ministry can strengthen faith and community.

Collaborative Service
The joint responsibility of Zetham and Joel illustrates the value of working together in ministry. Collaboration can enhance effectiveness and foster unity within the church.

Sacred Responsibility
Managing the treasuries was a sacred duty, reminding us that all roles in God's service, whether visible or behind the scenes, are significant and require dedication.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Zetham and Joel in managing the treasuries inspire you to be a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to you?

2. In what ways can families today serve together in ministry, and what impact might this have on their spiritual growth?

3. How can you apply the principle of collaborative service in your church or community involvement?

4. Reflect on the concept of storing treasures in heaven. How does this perspective influence your daily decisions and priorities?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that your service to God, whether public or private, is carried out with dedication and integrity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 9:26-27
This passage describes the duties of the Levites, including the oversight of the treasuries, highlighting the continuity and importance of their roles.

Nehemiah 13:13
Nehemiah appoints treasurers over the storehouses, showing the ongoing need for trustworthy individuals to manage God's resources.

Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven, which can be connected to the faithful stewardship of earthly resources for God's purposes.