1 Chronicles 9:31

A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with baking the bread.

Study Bible

A Levite named Mattithiah
Mattithiah was a member of the Levitical tribe, which was set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. The Levites were descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and were responsible for various tasks related to worship and the maintenance of the temple. Mattithiah's role highlights the importance of the Levites in the religious life of Israel, as they were integral to the daily operations and rituals.

the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite
Being the firstborn son often carried significant responsibilities and privileges in ancient Israelite culture. Shallum, Mattithiah's father, was a Korahite, indicating descent from Korah, a Levite who led a rebellion against Moses but whose descendants were later restored to service in the temple. The Korahites were known for their role as gatekeepers and musicians, emphasizing the diverse functions within the Levitical duties.

was entrusted with baking the bread
Baking the bread refers to the preparation of the showbread, also known as the "bread of the Presence," which was placed on a table in the Holy Place of the tabernacle and later the temple. This bread was a symbol of God's provision and presence with His people. The task of baking the bread was a sacred duty, reflecting the care and reverence required in handling items associated with worship. This role underscores the theme of God's provision and the importance of maintaining a continual offering before Him. The bread can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is referred to as the "bread of life" in the New Testament, symbolizing spiritual sustenance and life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mattithiah
A Levite, specifically noted as the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite. He was given the responsibility of baking the bread for the offerings, indicating a role of service and dedication within the temple duties.

2. Shallum
The father of Mattithiah, identified as a Korahite. The Korahites were a subgroup of the Levites, descendants of Korah, who had specific duties in the temple service.

3. Levites
A tribe set apart for religious duties and temple service in Israel. They were responsible for various tasks, including music, gatekeeping, and preparing offerings.

4. Bread for the Offerings
This refers to the showbread or "bread of the Presence," which was placed on a table in the Holy Place of the tabernacle and later the temple. It symbolized God's provision and presence among His people.

5. Temple Service
The organized system of worship and sacrifice in ancient Israel, centered around the tabernacle and later the temple, where the Levites played a crucial role.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Service
Mattithiah's role, though seemingly mundane, was crucial in the worship of God. This teaches us the importance of faithfulness in whatever task God assigns us, no matter how small it may seem.

Symbolism of Bread
The bread of the Presence symbolizes God's provision and presence. In our lives, we are reminded that God is our provider and is always present with us.

Heritage and Responsibility
As a descendant of the Korahites, Mattithiah inherited a legacy of service. This highlights the importance of passing down faith and responsibilities through generations.

Holiness in Daily Tasks
The preparation of the bread was a holy task, reminding us that our daily work can be an act of worship when done for God's glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Mattithiah's role in baking the bread teach us about the importance of seemingly small tasks in God's kingdom?

2. How can we apply the concept of God's provision, as symbolized by the showbread, to our daily lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our work, like Mattithiah's, is done as an act of worship?

4. How does understanding the heritage and responsibilities of the Levites help us appreciate our own spiritual heritage and duties?

5. What are some practical ways we can pass down our faith and responsibilities to the next generation, as seen in the lineage of the Korahites?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:30
This verse describes the command to place the showbread on the table before the Lord continually, connecting to Mattithiah's role in preparing this bread.

Leviticus 24:5-9
These verses provide detailed instructions on the preparation and placement of the showbread, highlighting the sacredness and importance of Mattithiah's task.

Numbers 4:4-15
This passage outlines the duties of the Kohathites, a subgroup of the Levites, in the tabernacle service, providing context for the responsibilities of the Korahites.