1 Chronicles 26:31
As for the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites, according to the genealogies of his ancestors. In the fortieth year of David's reign the records were searched, and strong, capable men were found among the Hebronites at Jazer in Gilead.
As for the Hebronites
The Hebronites were a Levitical family descended from Hebron, a son of Kohath, who was a son of Levi. The Levites were set apart for religious duties and temple service. The Hebronites, as part of the Kohathite clan, had specific responsibilities related to the tabernacle and later the temple. This highlights the importance of lineage and tribal affiliation in Israelite society, where roles and duties were often inherited.

Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites
Jerijah, also known as Jeriah, was a leader among the Hebronites. Leadership within the tribes of Israel was often based on lineage, ability, and divine appointment. Jerijah's position as chief indicates his recognized authority and capability to lead his family group. This reflects the biblical principle of God raising leaders from among His people to fulfill specific roles.

according to the genealogies of his ancestors
Genealogies were crucial in ancient Israel for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and fulfilling God's covenant promises. They provided a record of God's faithfulness through generations. The mention of genealogies underscores the importance of maintaining accurate family records, which were essential for the Levites to prove their right to serve in the temple.

In the fortieth year of David’s reign
The fortieth year of David's reign marks a significant period in Israel's history, as David was nearing the end of his rule. This was a time of consolidation and preparation for the transition to Solomon's reign. The fortieth year is symbolic of completion and fulfillment, often associated with periods of testing and preparation in the Bible, such as Israel's 40 years in the wilderness.

the records were searched
The search of records indicates a deliberate effort to organize and prepare for the future, likely in anticipation of Solomon's temple construction. This action reflects the biblical principle of diligence and stewardship, ensuring that those who served were qualified and capable. It also highlights the importance of documentation and accountability in leadership.

and strong, capable men were found among the Hebronites
The identification of strong, capable men emphasizes the need for qualified individuals in service to God. Strength and capability were not only physical attributes but also included spiritual and moral qualities. This selection process mirrors other biblical instances where God chooses individuals based on their heart and ability to fulfill His purposes, such as David's own selection as king.

at Jazer in Gilead
Jazer was a city in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. This location indicates the widespread distribution of the Levites and their service throughout Israel. Gilead was known for its balm, a healing ointment, symbolizing the restorative and healing role of the Levites in spiritual matters. The mention of Jazer highlights the geographical spread and influence of the Levitical ministry across the land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hebronites
A clan within the Levites, descendants of Hebron, who were responsible for various duties in the service of the temple.

2. Jerijah
The chief of the Hebronites, noted for his leadership and organizational skills in the genealogical records.

3. David
The King of Israel, under whose reign the search for capable men among the Hebronites took place.

4. Jazer
A city in Gilead, east of the Jordan River, where capable men from the Hebronites were found.

5. Gilead
A region known for its balm, located east of the Jordan River, significant in Israel's history for its fertile land and strategic location.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
Jerijah's role as chief highlights the importance of leadership and responsibility within the community of faith. Leaders are called to be diligent and discerning in their duties.

God's Timing and Provision
The search for capable men in the fortieth year of David's reign underscores God's perfect timing and provision. Believers can trust that God will provide the right people at the right time for His purposes.

The Importance of Genealogy and Heritage
The genealogical records emphasize the value of understanding one's spiritual heritage and identity. Believers are encouraged to appreciate their spiritual lineage and the roles they are called to play in God's kingdom.

Diligence in Service
The search for capable men among the Hebronites serves as a reminder of the need for diligence and excellence in service to God. Every believer is called to serve with integrity and dedication.

Community and Cooperation
The collaboration between different groups and regions, such as the Hebronites and those in Jazer, illustrates the importance of community and cooperation in achieving God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. What qualities do you think made Jerijah a suitable leader among the Hebronites, and how can these qualities be applied in your own leadership roles?

2. How does the search for capable men in the fortieth year of David's reign demonstrate God's timing in your life?

3. In what ways can understanding your spiritual heritage and genealogy enhance your faith and service to God?

4. How can you ensure that you are serving God with diligence and excellence in your current roles and responsibilities?

5. What steps can you take to foster community and cooperation within your church or faith community, similar to the collaboration seen in 1 Chronicles 26:31?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 23:12-19
Provides background on the Levites and their divisions, including the Hebronites, highlighting their roles and responsibilities in temple service.

2 Samuel 8:15-18
Describes King David's administration and the organization of his officials, which parallels the search for capable men in 1 Chronicles 26:31.

Numbers 26:58
Lists the families of the Levites, including the Hebronites, emphasizing their importance in the priestly and temple duties.

Exodus 6:18
Mentions Hebron as a son of Kohath, establishing the genealogical roots of the Hebronites.

1 Chronicles 29:26-28
Chronicles the end of David's reign, providing context for the timing of the events in 1 Chronicles 26:31.
Doorkeepers, Treasure-Keepers, and External ServicesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 26:1-32
The Business of the Lord and the Service of the KingW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 26:29-32
People
Abner, Ahijah, Ammiel, Amramites, Asaph, Chenaniah, David, Ebiasaph, Elam, Eliezer, Elihu, Elioenai, Elzabad, Ezra, Gadites, Gershom, Gershonites, Hashabiah, Hebronites, Hilkiah, Hosah, Isaiah, Issachar, Izharites, Jathniel, Jediael, Jehieli, Jehielites, Jehohanan, Jehozabad, Jeriah, Jerijah, Jeshaiah, Jizharites, Joab, Joah, Joel, Johanan, Joram, Kish, Korah, Korahites, Kore, Korhites, Laadan, Levites, Manasseh, Manassites, Merari, Meshelemiah, Ner, Nethaneel, Obed, Obededom, Othni, Peulthai, Rehabiah, Rephael, Reubenites, Sacar, Samuel, Saul, Semachiah, Shebuel, Shelemiah, Shelomith, Shelomoth, Shemaiah, Shimri, Shuppim, Simri, Tebaliah, Uzzielites, Zebadiah, Zechariah, Zeruiah, Zetham, Zichri
Places
Gilead, Jazer, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Shallecheth
Topics
Ability, Able, Capability, Capable, Chief, David, David's, Families, Fathers, Fortieth, Genealogical, Genealogies, Genealogy, Generations, Gilead, Hebronite, Hebronites, He'bronites, Households, Houses, Investigated, Jaazer, Jazer, Jeriah, Jerijah, Jeri'jah, Mighty, Ones, Outstanding, Records, Reign, Rule, Search, Sought, Valor, Valour, Whatever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 26:31

     7230   genealogies

1 Chronicles 26:29-32

     8345   servanthood, and worship

Library
Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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