1 Chronicles 9:12

Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;

Study Bible

Adaiah son of Jeroham
Adaiah is a name meaning "Yahweh has adorned" or "Yahweh has made." The mention of Adaiah here places him within the priestly lineage, which is significant in the context of 1 Chronicles, as the book often emphasizes the importance of genealogies and the roles of the Levites and priests. Jeroham, his father, is a name that appears in various genealogies, indicating a family of some standing within the priestly community.

the son of Pashhur
Pashhur is a name associated with a priestly family. In Jeremiah 20:1-6, a Pashhur is mentioned as a priest who opposed Jeremiah, though it is unclear if this is the same individual. The name means "split" or "cleft," and it is significant in the context of priestly duties and temple service.

the son of Malchijah
Malchijah, meaning "my king is Yahweh," is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with priestly or Levitical lines. This connection underscores the importance of maintaining a pure lineage for those serving in the temple, as seen in Ezra 10:25, where Malchijah is listed among those who had taken foreign wives and were called to repentance.

Maasai son of Adiel
Maasai, meaning "work of Yahweh," is another priestly figure, emphasizing the divine calling and service of the priesthood. Adiel, meaning "ornament of God," further highlights the heritage and responsibility of those in the priestly line to reflect God's glory and holiness.

the son of Jahzerah
Jahzerah is a less common name, and its meaning is not entirely clear, though it may relate to "whom God has helped." This name, like others in the genealogy, serves to establish the legitimacy and continuity of the priestly line, which was crucial for maintaining the religious and social order in Israel.

the son of Meshullam
Meshullam, meaning "friend" or "ally," is a name that appears frequently in the genealogies of the post-exilic community. This reflects the restoration and rebuilding efforts of the community, as seen in Nehemiah 3:4, where a Meshullam is involved in repairing the walls of Jerusalem.

the son of Meshillemith
Meshillemith, meaning "recompense" or "reward," is a name that underscores the theme of divine justice and reward, which is a recurring theme in the Chronicles. The genealogical record serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and the importance of faithfulness in return.

the son of Immer
Immer is a significant priestly family name, as seen in Jeremiah 20:1, where Pashhur, a son of Immer, is mentioned. The Immer family was one of the 24 priestly divisions established by King David, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 24:14. This connection highlights the structured and organized nature of temple service and the continuity of worship practices from David's time through the post-exilic period.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Adaiah
A priestly figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Levites, highlighting the continuity of the priestly line.

2. Jeroham
Father of Adaiah, part of the priestly lineage.

3. Pashhur
An ancestor in the priestly line, possibly connected to other biblical figures with the same name.

4. Malchijah
Another ancestor in the priestly genealogy, emphasizing the importance of heritage.

5. Maasai
A priest, showing the continuation of the priestly duties through generations.

6. Adiel
Father of Maasai, part of the priestly lineage.

7. Jahzerah
An ancestor in the priestly line, contributing to the heritage of the priesthood.

8. Meshullam
Another ancestor, part of the priestly genealogy.

9. Meshillemith
An ancestor in the priestly line, emphasizing the importance of family heritage.

10. Immer
A priestly family line, indicating the continuity of priestly service.

Teaching Points

Importance of Heritage
The genealogies remind us of the significance of spiritual heritage and the responsibility to pass down faith and service to future generations.

Faithfulness in Service
The continuity of the priestly line highlights the importance of faithfulness in our roles and responsibilities, whether in ministry or daily life.

God's Sovereignty in History
The detailed genealogies reflect God's sovereign plan throughout history, orchestrating events and people for His purposes.

Role of Priests
The priestly lineage underscores the role of priests as mediators between God and His people, pointing to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.

Community and Identity
The genealogies emphasize the importance of community and identity within the body of believers, encouraging us to find our place and purpose in God's family.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the genealogies in 1 Chronicles 9:12 help us appreciate the continuity of God's work through history?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of spiritual heritage in our own families and communities today?

3. How does the role of priests in the Old Testament point us to the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

4. What can we learn from the faithfulness of the priestly line in maintaining their duties and responsibilities?

5. How can we find our identity and purpose within the community of believers, as seen in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 2:36-39
This passage lists the priests who returned from exile, including descendants of Pashhur and Immer, showing the continuity of the priestly line.

Nehemiah 11:12
This verse also mentions Adaiah, linking the genealogies and emphasizing the importance of maintaining the priestly lineage.

1 Chronicles 24:14
The division of priestly duties among the descendants of Immer, showing the organized structure of priestly service.