Assignment of Priests

I Chronicles Chapter 24

Aaron's descendants were priests an were divided into groups for service in the Temple. The sons were: Nadab, Eleazar, and Ithamar. But Nadad and Abihu died early before their father did, and they had no sons. So only Eleazar and Ithamar were left to carry on as priests.

With the help of Zadok, who was a descendant of Eleazar, and of Ahimelech, who was a descendant of Ithamar, David divided Aaron's descendants into groups according to their various duties. Eleazar's descendants were divided into sixteen groups and Ithamar's into eight. All tasks were assigned to various groups by means of sacred lots so that no preference would be shown for there were many qualified officials serving God in the sanctuary from among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar. Shemaiahson of Nethanel, a Levite acted as the secretary and wrote down the names and assignments in the presence of the king,Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the family leaders of the priests and Levites. The descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar took turn casting lots. The sequence of lots is listed in verses 7 through 18.

Each group carried out its duties in the house of the Lord according to procedures established by their ancestor Aaron in obedience to the commands of the Lord, the God of Israel. The family leaders descended from Levi are listed in verses 20 through 30.

These descendants of Levi in their various families were like the descendants of Aaron and were assigned to their duties by means of sacred lots, without regard for age or rank.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Ahimelech was the son of ABiathar and grandson of another Ahimelech, one of the priests massacred by Saul. Abiahar and Zadok were high priests under David. One was at Jerusalem where the Ark was kept and one was at Gibeon serving at the Tabernacle.

Each of the 24 groups of priests served two week shifts each year in the house of the Lord. The rest of the time they served in their hometowns. This system was still in place in Jesus' time.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? This chapter shows how highly structured the Temple service was, but this did not hinder the Spirit of God. Rather, it provided an orderly context to the worship. I know that sometimes we feel that planning and structure are unspiritual activities that go against spontanaity in worship. But order and structure can free us to respond to God. Order brings glory to God as we experience joy and freedom that comes when we have wisely planned in advance. In these cases: order is a good thing.

Yours in Christ,
Mary


Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.