1 Chronicles 6:3
The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
The children of Amram
This phrase introduces us to the lineage of Amram, a significant figure in the Levitical genealogy. Amram, a descendant of Levi, is a pivotal character in the history of Israel as the father of three of the most influential leaders in the Old Testament. The Hebrew root of "Amram" can be understood as "exalted people," which is fitting given the prominence of his children in the biblical narrative. This highlights the importance of family lineage and God's providence in raising leaders for His people.

Aaron
Aaron, the first name mentioned, is the elder brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. His role as high priest is foundational in establishing the priestly line and the sacrificial system that would become central to Israelite worship. The name "Aaron" is believed to mean "mountain of strength" or "enlightened," reflecting his role as a spiritual leader and mediator between God and the Israelites. Aaron's life and ministry underscore the importance of obedience and the consequences of failing to uphold God's holiness, as seen in various accounts throughout the Pentateuch.

Moses
Moses is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and receiving the Law at Mount Sinai. His name, derived from the Hebrew "Mosheh," is traditionally understood to mean "drawn out," referencing his rescue from the Nile River. Moses' life is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, as well as the importance of humility and reliance on divine guidance. His leadership and prophetic role set a standard for future leaders and foreshadow the coming of Christ as the ultimate deliverer.

Miriam
Miriam, the sister of Aaron and Moses, is recognized as a prophetess and a leader among the women of Israel. Her name, possibly meaning "bitter" or "rebellion," reflects the struggles and challenges faced by the Israelites. Miriam's story, including her role in the Exodus and her moment of rebellion against Moses, illustrates the complexities of leadership and the need for unity and faithfulness within the community of God's people.

And the sons of Aaron
This phrase transitions to the next generation, emphasizing the continuation of the priestly line through Aaron's descendants. The priesthood was a hereditary office, and Aaron's sons were set apart for service in the tabernacle, highlighting the importance of legacy and the transmission of faith and responsibility from one generation to the next.

Nadab, Abihu
Nadab and Abihu, the first two sons of Aaron, are known for their tragic end due to offering unauthorized fire before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1-2). Their account serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him with reverence and obedience. Their names, meaning "generous" and "he is my father," respectively, reflect the potential and promise of their roles, which were ultimately unfulfilled due to their disobedience.

Eleazar
Eleazar, the third son of Aaron, succeeded his father as high priest and played a crucial role in the leadership of Israel after Aaron's death. His name means "God has helped," signifying the divine assistance and favor that marked his ministry. Eleazar's faithful service and leadership exemplify the qualities of a true servant of God, committed to upholding His commands and guiding His people.

Ithamar
Ithamar, the youngest son of Aaron, also served as a priest and contributed to the administration of the tabernacle. His name, meaning "island of palms" or "land of palms," suggests a place of refuge and peace, which is fitting for his role in maintaining the order and sanctity of worship. Ithamar's inclusion in the priestly line underscores the theme of God's provision and the importance of each individual's contribution to the community of faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Amram
The father of Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. He was a member of the tribe of Levi, which was set apart for priestly duties.

2. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel and brother of Moses. He played a crucial role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and establishing the priesthood.

3. Moses
A central figure in the Old Testament, known for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and receiving the Ten Commandments from God.

4. Miriam
The sister of Aaron and Moses, recognized as a prophetess and leader among the women of Israel.

5. Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar
The sons of Aaron. Nadab and Abihu are known for their disobedience in offering unauthorized fire before the Lord, resulting in their deaths. Eleazar and Ithamar continued the priestly line.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Family Legacy
The lineage of Amram shows the significance of family in God's plan. Each member had a unique role, reminding us of the importance of our own family heritage and spiritual legacy.

Obedience to God's Commands
The account of Nadab and Abihu serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience. It underscores the need for reverence and adherence to God's instructions in our lives.

Leadership and Responsibility
Aaron, Moses, and Miriam were leaders chosen by God. Their lives teach us about the responsibilities that come with leadership and the need for humility and faithfulness.

God's Sovereign Choice
The selection of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood illustrates God's sovereign choice in appointing leaders. It encourages us to trust in God's wisdom and timing in our own callings.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the family of Amram illustrate the importance of spiritual heritage in our own lives?

2. What lessons can we learn from the disobedience of Nadab and Abihu, and how can we apply these lessons to our daily walk with God?

3. In what ways did Aaron, Moses, and Miriam demonstrate leadership, and how can we emulate their positive qualities in our own spheres of influence?

4. How does the account of Aaron's family connect with the broader account of God's covenant with Israel, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's sovereign choice for your life. How did this experience shape your faith and understanding of God's plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 6:20
Provides the genealogy of Amram, confirming his role as the father of Moses and Aaron.

Exodus 28:1
Describes the appointment of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, highlighting their sacred duties.

Numbers 12:1-15
Details an incident involving Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses, showing the dynamics within this family.

Leviticus 10:1-2
Narrates the account of Nadab and Abihu's disobedience, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands precisely.
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
Aaron, Abihu, Abi'hu, Amram, Eleazar, Elea'zar, Ithamar, Ith'amar, Miriam, Nadab, Sons
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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