King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 23:26 Mean?
“And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.”
Context
24
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.
25
For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever: that: or, and he dwelleth in Jerusalem, etc
26
And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.
27
For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above: numbered: Heb. number
28
Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God; their: Heb. their station was at the hand of the sons of Aaron
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(26) **And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry** **. . .**—Rather, *And the Levites also have not* (now) *to carry the dwelling and all its vessels for its service,* as they had to do in the wanderings of Israel in the desert. The sacred dwelling-place (*mishkān*) had long been fixed at Gibeon; and the service of the Levites was so much the lighter, as in the olden time they not only had to carry about from place to place, but also to guard the holy tent and its belongings against the attacks of marauders. The inference is that as the duties had become so much less arduous, they might well be undertaken at an earlier age than the ancient custom permitted.
**They shall no more carry.**—Comp. the same infinitival construction in 2Chronicles 5:11.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 23:26 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 23:26
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge