1 Chronicles 9:16

Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.

Study Bible

Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun;
Obadiah is a name that means "servant of Yahweh," which reflects a common theme in biblical names where individuals are often identified by their relationship to God. The lineage provided here connects Obadiah to Jeduthun, a significant figure in the musical worship of Israel. Jeduthun was one of the chief musicians appointed by King David to lead worship in the temple (1 Chronicles 16:41-42). This connection suggests that Obadiah may have been involved in temple worship or music, continuing the legacy of his forefather. The mention of Shemaiah and Galal, though less prominent in biblical records, indicates the importance of family lineage and heritage in maintaining religious duties and roles within the community.

and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah,
Berechiah, meaning "Yahweh blesses," is another name that emphasizes the relationship between the individual and God. The genealogy here traces back to Elkanah, a name associated with several biblical figures, including the father of the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1). This connection may imply a heritage of faithfulness and service to God. Asa, another name in this lineage, was a king of Judah known for his religious reforms and dedication to God (1 Kings 15:11-14). Although this Asa is not the same individual, the name itself carries connotations of piety and reform. The inclusion of these names highlights the importance of spiritual legacy and the continuation of faith through generations.

who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.
The Netophathites were inhabitants of Netophah, a village near Bethlehem in the tribal territory of Judah. This geographical detail provides insight into the distribution of the Levites and their roles outside of Jerusalem. The villages of the Netophathites were likely agricultural communities, and the Levites living there would have been responsible for teaching the law and maintaining religious practices among the people. This dispersion of Levites throughout the land ensured that worship and adherence to the covenant were not confined to the temple in Jerusalem but were accessible to all Israelites. The mention of these villages underscores the integration of worship and daily life, as well as the role of the Levites in preserving the spiritual health of the nation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Obadiah
A Levite mentioned in the genealogies of those who returned to Jerusalem. His name means "servant of Yahweh," reflecting a life dedicated to serving God.

2. Shemaiah, Galal, and Jeduthun
Ancestors of Obadiah. Jeduthun is particularly notable as a chief musician appointed by King David, indicating a lineage involved in temple worship.

3. Berechiah
Another Levite, whose name means "Yahweh blesses." He is part of the lineage of temple servants.

4. Asa and Elkanah
Ancestors of Berechiah, with Elkanah being a name associated with several notable figures in the Bible, including the father of the prophet Samuel.

5. Netophathites
Residents of Netophah, a village near Bethlehem. This location is significant as it was home to several families who served in the temple.

Teaching Points

Generational Faithfulness
The genealogies remind us of the importance of passing down faith and service to God through generations. Each name represents a legacy of dedication to God's work.

The Role of Worship in Community
The mention of musicians and temple servants underscores the centrality of worship in the life of God's people. Worship is not just a personal act but a communal one that strengthens the faith community.

God's Blessing in Service
Names like Berechiah ("Yahweh blesses") remind us that serving God brings blessings, not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual richness and fulfillment.

The Importance of Place in God's Plan
The reference to the Netophathites highlights how God uses specific places and communities to fulfill His purposes. Our own communities can be places of significant spiritual impact.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the lineage of Obadiah and Berechiah reflect the importance of family heritage in spiritual service?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship is both personal and communal, as seen in the roles of the Levites?

3. How can we identify and cultivate the "places" in our lives where God is calling us to serve?

4. What are some practical ways to pass down a legacy of faithfulness to the next generation?

5. How do the blessings of serving God manifest in our lives today, and how can we recognize them amidst daily challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 25
This chapter details the organization of temple musicians, including Jeduthun, highlighting the importance of worship and music in Israel's spiritual life.

1 Samuel 1
Elkanah, the father of Samuel, is another figure with the same name, emphasizing the recurring theme of faithful service to God across generations.

Nehemiah 11
This passage also lists the inhabitants of Jerusalem, including Levites, showing the continuity of service and worship from the time of the Chronicles to the post-exilic period.