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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />David separated the Levites into divisions corresponding to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then David divided the Levites into divisions named after the clans descended from the three sons of Levi—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_chronicles/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And David organized them in divisions corresponding to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, <i>namely</i>, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_chronicles/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Also David separated them into divisions among the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_chronicles/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />David divided them into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />David divided them into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_chronicles/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And David divided them into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_chronicles/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And David divided them into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_chronicles/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And David organized them into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_chronicles/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David divided them into divisions according to Levi’s sons: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_chronicles/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David divided them into divisions according to Levi&#8217s sons: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_chronicles/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And David divided them into courses according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_chronicles/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />David then divided the Levites into three groups according to the clans of Levi's sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_chronicles/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And David divided them into courses according to the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_chronicles/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />David organized the Levites into divisions based on which of Levi's sons (Gershon, Kohath, or Merari) they were descended from.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_chronicles/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />David divided the Levites into three groups, according to their clans: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_chronicles/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />David divided them into divisions based on Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, Levi's sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_chronicles/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />David divided them into groups corresponding to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_chronicles/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />David divided them into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_chronicles/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_chronicles/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_chronicles/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />David divided them into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_chronicles/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And David distributes them into divisions of the sons of Levi—of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_chronicles/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And David distributeth them into courses: Of the sons of Levi: of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_chronicles/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And David will divide them into divisions to the sons of Levi, to Gershon, Kohath and Merari.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_chronicles/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And David distributed them into courses by the families of the sons of Levi, to wit, of Gerson, and of Caath, and of Merari. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_chronicles/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And David distributed them into courses according to the sons of Levi, specifically, Gershom, and Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_chronicles/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />David apportioned them into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_chronicles/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And David organized them in divisions corresponding to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_chronicles/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And David appointed administrators and managers over the poor and needy, to provide and distribute to the poor; one person over each ten, and they lacked nothing. And David appointed them all in their courses according to the sons of Levi; namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_chronicles/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And David appointed all of them in their offices of the children of Levi: Gershun and Qahath and Merari.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_chronicles/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And David divided them into courses according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_chronicles/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And David divided them <i>into</i> daily courses, for the sons of Levi, for Gedson, Caath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtNNY-qpWWI?start=6382" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/23.htm">The Divisions of the Levites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.” <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wîḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Then David</a> <a href="/hebrew/2505.htm" title="2505: way·ye·ḥā·lə·qêm (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To be smooth, to apportion, separate. A primitive root; to be smooth; by implication to apportion or separate.">divided the Levites</a> <a href="/hebrew/4256.htm" title="4256: maḥ·lə·qō·ṯs (N-fp) -- Division, course. From chalaq; a section.">into divisions</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">according to the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/3878.htm" title="3878: lê·wî (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him. From lavah; attached; Levi, a son of Jacob.">of Levi:</a> <a href="/hebrew/1648.htm" title="1648: lə·ḡê·rə·šō·wn (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Levi. Or Gershowm; from garash; a refugee; Gereshon or Gereshom, an Israelite.">Gershom,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6955.htm" title="6955: qə·hāṯ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Levi. From an unused root meaning to ally oneself; allied; Kehath, an Israelite.">Kohath,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4847.htm" title="4847: ū·mə·rā·rî (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Levi. From marar; bitter; Merari, an Israelite.">and Merari.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/3-6.htm">Numbers 3:6-9</a></span><br />“Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. / They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-16.htm">1 Chronicles 6:16-30</a></span><br />The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. / These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/24-1.htm">1 Chronicles 24:1-19</a></span><br />These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. / With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/15-4.htm">1 Chronicles 15:4-12</a></span><br />Then he gathered together the descendants of Aaron and the Levites: / From the Kohathites, Uriel the chief and 120 of his relatives; / from the Merarites, Asaiah the chief and 220 of his relatives; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-31.htm">1 Chronicles 6:31-48</a></span><br />These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. / They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them. / These are the men who served, together with their sons. From the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/25-1.htm">1 Chronicles 25:1-31</a></span><br />Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/9-10.htm">1 Chronicles 9:10-13</a></span><br />From the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin; / Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the chief official of God’s temple; / 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; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/8-14.htm">2 Chronicles 8:14</a></span><br />In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/29-25.htm">2 Chronicles 29:25-26</a></span><br />Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/12-24.htm">Nehemiah 12:24-26</a></span><br />The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God. / Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. / They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/6-16.htm">Exodus 6:16-25</a></span><br />These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. / The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans. / The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-4.htm">1 Kings 8:4</a></span><br />and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. So the priests and Levites carried them up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/5-5.htm">2 Chronicles 5:5</a></span><br />and they brought up the ark and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. The Levitical priests carried them up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-5.htm">Hebrews 7:5</a></span><br />Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Hebrews 9:6</a></span><br />When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.</p><p class="hdg">divided</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/8-14.htm">2 Chronicles 8:14</a></b></br> And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/29-25.htm">2 Chronicles 29:25</a></b></br> And he set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for <i>so was</i> the commandment of the LORD by his prophets.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/31-2.htm">2 Chronicles 31:2</a></b></br> And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">courses [heb] divisions</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/24-1.htm">1 Chronicles 24:1</a></b></br> Now <i>these are</i> the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/26-1.htm">1 Chronicles 26:1</a></b></br> Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites <i>was</i> Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/6-1.htm">1 Chronicles 6:1,16</a></b></br> The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/6-16.htm">Exodus 6:16-24</a></b></br> And these <i>are</i> the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi <i>were</i> an hundred thirty and seven years… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/26-57.htm">Numbers 26:57,58</a></b></br> And these <i>are</i> they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/6-3.htm">Corresponding</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-12.htm">Courses</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-5.htm">David</a> <a href="/luke/11-22.htm">Distributeth</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-19.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-23.htm">Divisions</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-7.htm">Gershom</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-7.htm">Gershon</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-8.htm">Groups</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-5.htm">Kohath</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-6.htm">Levi</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-17.htm">Merari</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-17.htm">Merar'i</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-23.htm">Namely</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-8.htm">Names</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-5.htm">Organized</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/26-12.htm">Corresponding</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-1.htm">Courses</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-25.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-3.htm">Distributeth</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-3.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-1.htm">Divisions</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-15.htm">Gershom</a> <a href="/genesis/46-11.htm">Gershon</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-5.htm">Groups</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-12.htm">Kohath</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-14.htm">Levi</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-21.htm">Merari</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-21.htm">Merar'i</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-21.htm">Namely</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-24.htm">Names</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-3.htm">Organized</a><div class="vheading2">1 Chronicles 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-1.htm">David in his old age makes Solomon king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-2.htm">The number and distribution of the Levites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-7.htm">The families of the Gershonites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-12.htm">The sons of Kohath</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-21.htm">The sons of Merari</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-24.htm">The office of the Levites</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This division was necessary for the efficient functioning of the temple services, which David was preparing for his son Solomon to build. The Levites were set apart for religious duties, and this division ensured that their responsibilities were clearly defined. This act of organization is reminiscent of Moses' earlier instructions in <a href="/numbers/3.htm">Numbers 3 and 4</a>, where the Levites were assigned specific roles in the tabernacle service.<p><b>according to the sons of Levi:</b><br>The sons of Levi refer to the three main family lines descending from Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Levi's descendants were chosen by God for the special role of serving in the tabernacle and later the temple. This lineage is significant because it underscores the hereditary nature of the Levitical priesthood and service, as established in the Mosaic Law. The division according to these family lines ensured that the duties were distributed fairly and in accordance with God's earlier instructions.<p><b>Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.</b><br>These are the three sons of Levi, each representing a distinct clan within the tribe of Levi. Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's fabrics and coverings, as outlined in <a href="/numbers/3-25.htm">Numbers 3:25-26</a>. The Kohathites had the most sacred duties, including the care of the ark, table, lampstand, altars, and other sacred objects, as described in <a href="/numbers/3-31.htm">Numbers 3:31</a>. The Merarites were tasked with the maintenance of the tabernacle's structural components, such as the frames, bars, pillars, and bases, as seen in <a href="/numbers/3-36.htm">Numbers 3:36-37</a>. This division of labor highlights the importance of each clan's role in maintaining the worship practices of Israel and foreshadows the organized worship in the temple. The Kohathites' role, in particular, points to the centrality of the ark, which is a type of Christ, symbolizing God's presence among His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. In this context, he is organizing the Levites for temple service.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/levites.htm">Levites</a></b><br>A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and temple service. They did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes but were given cities to live in throughout Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/gershom,_kohath,_and_merari.htm">Gershom, Kohath, and Merari</a></b><br>The three sons of Levi, from whom the Levitical clans descended. Each clan had specific roles and responsibilities in the service of the tabernacle and later the temple.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/divisions.htm">Divisions</a></b><br>The organization of the Levites into groups for the purpose of orderly service in the temple, ensuring that all duties were covered and that worship was conducted properly.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/temple_service.htm">Temple Service</a></b><br>The duties and responsibilities associated with maintaining the worship and rituals in the temple, which included music, sacrifices, and care of the sacred objects.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/order_in_worship.htm">Order in Worship</a></b><br>The division of the Levites highlights the importance of order and structure in worship. God is a God of order, and our worship should reflect that by being organized and purposeful.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/roles_and_responsibilities.htm">Roles and Responsibilities</a></b><br>Each Levite clan had specific duties, reminding us that in the body of Christ, each member has unique gifts and roles. We should seek to understand and fulfill our God-given responsibilities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_delegation.htm">Leadership and Delegation</a></b><br>David's organization of the Levites demonstrates effective leadership and delegation. Leaders in the church today should follow this example by empowering others to serve according to their gifts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/heritage_and_legacy.htm">Heritage and Legacy</a></b><br>The Levites' service was rooted in their heritage as descendants of Levi. We should value our spiritual heritage and strive to leave a legacy of faithfulness for future generations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_chronicles_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_differing_genealogies.htm">How can we reconcile 1 Chronicles 23:6–23 with other genealogical lists that appear to differ in both names and numbers? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_1_chronicles_23_stress_david's_new_levite_roles.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 23 emphasize a new organizational structure under David, when some historical records suggest Levite roles evolved more gradually?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_this_priestly_lineage.htm">If 1 Chronicles 6:31-33 directly ties certain musicians to this priestly line, where is the external historical or archaeological evidence supporting such lineage?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_1_chronicles_24's_priest_claim_plausible.htm">Is the claim in 1 Chronicles 24 of David having enough priests to fill 24 separate divisions historically plausible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_chronicles/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6-23) The twenty-four houses of the Levites.<p>(6) <span class= "bld">And David divided them into courses.</span>--Heb., <span class= "ital">he divided him them</span> (reflexive form of verb, with suffix) <span class= "ital">into divisions.</span> (Comp. <a href="/1_chronicles/24-3.htm" title="And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.">1Chronicles 24:3</a>, and <a href="/genesis/14-15.htm" title="And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.">Genesis 14:15</a>.) Others read the simple voice of the verb here, as at <a href="/context/1_chronicles/24-4.htm" title="And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar, and thus were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers.">1Chronicles 24:4-5</a>, <a href="/2_chronicles/23-18.htm" title="Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the LORD by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of the LORD, to offer the burnt offerings of the LORD, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was ordained by David.">2Chronicles 23:18</a>, <a href="/nehemiah/9-22.htm" title="Moreover you gave them kingdoms and nations, and did divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.">Nehemiah 9:22</a>; others, again, the intensive voice, as at <a href="/1_chronicles/16-3.htm" title="And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.">1Chronicles 16:3</a> (only). It is a question of pointing, the consonants remaining the same in each form. "David divided them," <span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> the 2,400 superintendents (<a href="/1_chronicles/23-4.htm" title="Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges:">1Chronicles 23:4</a>; comp. <a href="/1_chronicles/23-24.htm" title="These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.">1Chronicles 23:24</a>). Many of the names here enumerated recur in <a href="/context/1_chronicles/24-20.htm" title="And the rest of the sons of Levi were these: Of the sons of Amram; Shubael: of the sons of Shubael; Jehdeiah.">1Chronicles 24:20-31</a>; <a href="/context/1_chronicles/26-20.htm" title="And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.">1Chronicles 26:20-28</a>; whereas the names of the courses of musicians (<a href="/context/1_chronicles/25-1.htm" title="Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:">1Chronicles 25:1-31</a>), warders (<a href="/context/1_chronicles/26-1.htm" title="Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.">1Chronicles 26:1-19</a>), and scribes and judges (<a href="/context/1_chronicles/26-29.htm" title="Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.">1Chronicles 26:29-32</a>), are totally different. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_chronicles/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - Here begin the families of the Levites, as arranged in courses by David. These arrangements were scrupulously observed by Solomon (<a href="/2_chronicles/8-14.htm">2 Chronicles 8:14</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/29-25.htm">2 Chronicles 29:25</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֖יד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">divided [the Levites]</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֶּֽחָלְקֵ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(way·ye·ḥā·lə·qêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2505.htm">Strong's 2505: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be smooth, to apportion, separate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into divisions</span><br /><span class="heb">מַחְלְק֑וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(maḥ·lə·qō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4256.htm">Strong's 4256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Division, course</span><br /><br /><span class="word">according to the sons</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבְנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(liḇ·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Levi:</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵוִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(lê·wî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3878.htm">Strong's 3878: </a> </span><span class="str2">Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Gershom,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְגֵרְשׁ֖וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḡê·rə·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1647.htm">Strong's 1647: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gershom -- three Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Kohath,</span><br /><span class="heb">קְהָ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(qə·hāṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6955.htm">Strong's 6955: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kohath -- a son of Levi</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Merari.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְרָרִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·rā·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4847.htm">Strong's 4847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Merari -- a son of Levi</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">1 Chronicles 23:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">1 Chronicles 23:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">1 Chronicles 23:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">1 Chronicles 23:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">1 Chronicles 23:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">1 Chronicles 23:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">1 Chronicles 23:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">1 Chronicles 23:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">1 Chronicles 23:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">1 Chronicles 23:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">OT History: 1 Chronicles 23:6 David divided them into divisions according (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Chronicles 23:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 23:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Chronicles 23:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 23:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>