King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 15:18 Mean?

1 Chronicles 15:18 in the King James Version says “And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, E...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.”

1 Chronicles 15:18 · KJV

Context

16

And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

17

So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;

18

And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

19

So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;

20

And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Ordained worship according to God's prescription. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ as true temple and worship center.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Ordained worship according to God's prescription challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ as true temple and worship center teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְעִמָּהֶ֖ם1 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲחֵיהֶ֣ם2 of 19

“And with them their brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הַמִּשְׁנִ֑ים3 of 19

“of the second”

H4932

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

זְכַרְיָ֡הוּ4 of 19

“degree Zechariah”

H2148

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

בֵּ֡ן5 of 19

“Ben”

H1122

ben, an israelite

וְיַֽעֲזִיאֵ֡ל6 of 19

“and Jaaziel”

H3268

jaaziel, an israelite

וּשְׁמִֽירָמ֡וֹת7 of 19

“and Shemiramoth”

H8070

shemiramoth, the name of two israelites

וִֽיחִיאֵ֣ל׀8 of 19

“and Jehiel”

H3171

jechiel (or jechavel), the name of eight israelites

וְעֻנִּ֡י9 of 19

“and Unni”

H6042

unni, the name of two israelites

אֱלִיאָ֡ב10 of 19

“Eliab”

H446

eliab, the name of six israelites

וּבְנָיָ֡הוּ11 of 19

“and Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

וּמַֽעֲשֵׂיָ֡הוּ12 of 19

“and Maaseiah”

H4641

maasejah, the name of sixteen israelites

וּמַתִּתְיָהוּ֩13 of 19

“and Mattithiah”

H4993

mattithjah, the name of four israelites

וֶאֱלִ֨יפְלֵ֜הוּ14 of 19

“and Elipheleh”

H466

eliphelehu, an israelite

וּמִקְנֵיָ֨הוּ15 of 19

“and Mikneiah”

H4737

miknejah, an israelite

וְעֹבֵ֥ד16 of 19
H0
אֱדֹ֛ם17 of 19

“and Obededom”

H5654

obed-edom, the name of five israelites

וִֽיעִיאֵ֖ל18 of 19

“and Jeiel”

H3273

jeiel, the name of six israelites

הַשֹּֽׁעֲרִֽים׃19 of 19

“the porters”

H7778

a janitor

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 15:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 15:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 26:41 Chronicles 13:141 Chronicles 25:9-311 Chronicles 25:2-61 Chronicles 16:5-61 Chronicles 26:15

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