First Chronicles 24 Commentary
The mention of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, always serves as an invitation to reflect on their untimely death at the Sanctuary. They had offered unauthorized fire before the LORD. The punishment was immediate and fatal.
Aaron’s remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar would live on and father generations and generations of priests. We are looking at their descendants here. However, Ithamar’s children were reduced in number because of ‘Eli’s misfortunes and Saul’s murder of the entire priestly town of Nob.’ Read the Amplified Version for an expanded understanding of this background nugget.
Eli’s wicked sons, Phinehas and Hophni, failed to honor the LORD on righteous conduct at the Sanctuary. Their punishment was extended to the entire priestly line under them. King Saul committed his own sin by murdering the priestly town of Nob, but we know where it is coming from. You easily understand why Nehemiah offered repentance on his own behalf, and also on behalf of his community and ‘those gone before.’ Sin has a way to worm itself into our lives from the past.
From each line, family heads are selected. They are leaders of family communities. There is every temptation to feel the LORD randomly selects people to various positions. One doesn’t necessarily have to qualify. Wrong. The LORD is here looking at leaders, men who know what it means to take responsibility. They are able to mobilize teams for the required work. Yes, there is a qualification required for service at the Sanctuary as a leader.
There is a note that they ministered ‘according to the regulations prescribed for them by their ancestor Aaron, as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded him. Leaders have the responsibility of ensuring that the instructions they give to the people are as commanded by the LORD.
You cannot give what you don’t have. Every leader is therefore expected to first receive from the LORD before they can dispense to the people they lead. We receive from the LORD by reading His word and constant prayer.
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