1 Chronicles 6:23
Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son,
Elkanah his son
Elkanah is a significant name in the lineage of the Levites, specifically from the Kohathite branch. This Elkanah is part of the priestly line, which is crucial for understanding the hereditary nature of the Levitical priesthood. The name Elkanah means "God has possessed" or "God has created," reflecting the divine calling and purpose in his life. Elkanah is also the name of Samuel's father, though this is a different Elkanah. The repetition of this name in the Levitical genealogy underscores the importance of maintaining a pure and dedicated priestly line, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:1.

Ebiasaph his son
Ebiasaph, meaning "the father has gathered," is another link in the Levitical chain. He is a descendant of Korah, who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16). Despite Korah's rebellion, his descendants were preserved and continued to serve in the temple, showing God's grace and the restoration of a family line to its intended purpose. Ebiasaph's inclusion in the genealogy highlights the continuity of the priestly duties and the importance of family heritage in maintaining the worship practices of Israel.

Assir his son
Assir, meaning "captive" or "prisoner," is a name that may reflect the experiences of the Israelites during times of captivity or oppression. The name could symbolize the trials faced by the Levitical line, yet their continued faithfulness to their calling. Assir's place in the genealogy serves as a reminder of the resilience and perseverance required to maintain one's faith and duties amidst adversity. This resilience is echoed in the broader narrative of Israel's history, where periods of captivity often led to spiritual renewal and a return to covenant faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elkanah
A descendant of Levi, Elkanah is part of the Levitical lineage, which is significant for the priestly duties in Israel. His name means "God has possessed" or "God has created."

2. Ebiasaph
The son of Elkanah, his name means "The Father has gathered." He is part of the genealogical line that traces the heritage and responsibilities of the Levites.

3. Assir
The son of Ebiasaph, his name means "captive" or "prisoner." His inclusion in the genealogy highlights the continuity of the Levitical line.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogy in Scripture
Genealogies in the Bible are not just historical records; they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises.

The Role of the Levites
The Levites were set apart for specific duties in the worship and service of God. Understanding their role helps us appreciate the structure and order God established for worship.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of these names reminds us of the importance of faithfulness to God across generations. Each generation has a role in passing down faith and obedience.

Names and Their Meanings
Biblical names often carry significant meanings that reflect character or destiny. Reflecting on the meanings of names can provide deeper insights into the text.

Continuity of God's Plan
The genealogies show the continuity of God's plan through history, reminding us that God is sovereign and His purposes prevail through time.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogy of the Levites enhance our appreciation for the structure of Israelite worship?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our faith is passed down faithfully to the next generation, as seen in the Levitical line?

3. How do the meanings of the names Elkanah, Ebiasaph, and Assir reflect their roles or significance in the biblical account?

4. What lessons can we learn from the continuity of God's plan as demonstrated through the genealogies in 1 Chronicles?

5. How can the account of Korah's rebellion in Numbers 16 inform our understanding of the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our own lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 1
Elkanah is also the name of the father of Samuel, a significant prophet in Israel. This connection highlights the importance of the Levitical line in Israel's history.

Exodus 6:24
This verse also lists the descendants of Korah, including Assir, showing the continuity and importance of the Levitical line through different biblical books.

Numbers 16
The account of Korah's rebellion provides context for the significance of the Levitical line and the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.
Lessons from Lists; Or, a Sermon in NamesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 6:1-30
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Aaron, Abdi, Abdon, Abiah, Abihu, Abijah, Abishua, Adaiah, Ahimaaz, Ahimoth, Ahitub, Alemeth, Amariah, Amasai, Amaziah, Amminadab, Amram, Amzi, Anathoth, Aner, Asaiah, Asaph, Asher, Assir, Azariah, Baaseiah, Bani, Benjamin, Berachiah, Berechiah, Bezer, Bukki, Caleb, Dan, David, Debir, Ebiasaph, Eleazar, Eliab, Eliel, Elkanah, Eshtemoa, Ethan, Ethni, Gad, Gershom, Gershomites, Gershon, Gibeon, Haggiah, Hashabiah, Heman, Hilkiah, Iddo, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Izhar, Jahath, Jeaterai, Jehozadak, Jephunneh, Jeroham, Joah, Joel, Johanan, Kishi, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Levi, Levites, Libni, Mahath, Mahli, Malchiah, Malchijah, Malluch, Manasseh, Meraioth, Merari, Merarites, Michael, Miriam, Mushi, Nadab, Nahath, Naphtali, Nebuchadnezzar, Phinehas, Rehob, Reuben, Samuel, Saul, Seraiah, Shallum, Shamer, Shaul, Shemer, Shemuel, Shimea, Shimei, Simeon, Solomon, Tahath, Toah, Uriel, Uzza, Uzzah, Uzzi, Uzziah, Uzziel, Vashni, Zadok, Zebulun, Zephaniah, Zerah, Zerahiah, Zimmah, Zophai, Zuph
Places
Abdon, Aijalon, Alemeth, Anathoth, Anem, Aner, Ashan, Ashtaroth, Assyria, Bashan, Beth-horon, Beth-shemesh, Bezer, Bileam, Daberath, Debir, Eshtemoa, Galilee, Gath-rimmon, Geba, Gezer, Gibeon, Gilead, Golan, Hammon, Hebron, Heshbon, Hilen, Hukok, Jahzah, Jattir, Jazer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jokmeam, Jordan River, Kedemoth, Kedesh, Kiriathaim, Libnah, Mahanaim, Mashal, Mephaath, Most Holy Place, Ramoth, Rehob, Shechem, Tabor
Topics
Assir, Ebiasaph, Ebi'asaph, Elkanah, Elka'nah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 6:3

     5072   Aaron, spokesman

Library
David's Choristers
'They stood in their office, according to their order.'--1 CHRON. vi. 32 (R.V. margin). This brief note is buried in the catalogue of the singers appointed by David for 'the service of song in the house of the Lord.' The waves of their choral praise have long ages since ceased to eddy round the 'tabernacle of the tent of meeting,' and all that is left of their melodious companies is a dry list of names, in spite of which the dead owners of them are nameless. But the chronicler's description of them
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean!
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

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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