Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 6

Verse 1

CONTENTS

Prosecuting the genealogy of Israel's son, the tribe of Levi is made the subject of this chapter, and particularly with an eye to the priesthood, in the person of Aaron and his sons.

1 Chronicles 6:1

The tribe of Levi, in point of rank and importance, stood very high, for God set it apart, on account of the priesthood, for himself. Perhaps it is for this reason, the relation of this tribe, in the registry of it, is more minutely attended to. If the Reader will consult Ezra 2:62-63 , he will perceive how very tenacious Israel was, concerning the relationship among the priests.

Verses 2-30

I include the whole of this register under one point of view for the sake of shortness, for it contains nothing more than a register, and, no doubt, a very trite one: but it opens nothing for improvement separately considered. If indeed we take it altogether, it serves to show the defective and fluctuating state of the priesthood under the law; for they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue, by reason of death. And how doth such a view serve to heighten and endear Him, who because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Precious Jesus, thou Great High Priest! how refreshing to thy people is the thought, that thou art a Priest forever, after the order of Melchisedeck! Hebrews 7:4-24 .

Verses 31-48

These verses give us the relation of the order respecting the psalmody in the house of the Lord. David himself is stilled, the sweet Psalmist of Israel: and it appears, from what is here said, that he presided in the choir of singers, and gave them their several stations. Some of the characters here mentioned, are noticed in the book of Psalms. Heman's name stands at the head of Psalms 88:0 . Ethan at Psalms 89:0 . Asaph at several, Psalms 73:0 to Psalms 83:0 .

Verses 49-53

Reader! do remark, with what peculiar dignity and honor Aaron is spoken of, in this sacred service of the sacrifice. Singing, no doubt, formed a very interesting part of the temple worship: but nothing compared to the ministry of sacrifices, to which Aaron and his sons were called. As all sacrifices pointed to the One Great Sacrifice: so all the priests typified that One Almighty High priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom both the altar, sacrifice, and priest shadowed forth and represented.

Verses 54-81

The sacred Scripture, having given a faithful register of the Levites names, in those verses relates their dwelling-places. Jacob, when dying, foretold that Levi should be divided in Jacob, and scattered in Israel. And here we find his prophecy accomplished. Genesis 49:7 .

Verse 81

REFLECTIONS

Who can ever read a portion of scripture concerning the priesthood, without having his heart secretly and sweetly led forth to contemplate the Lord Jesus in his priestly office? Who can behold the sons of Levi, as offering to the Lord an offering in righteousness, without connecting with it the glorious representation of Him, who made his soul an offering for sin, that his people might be made the righteousness of God in him? Who could look at Levi or any of his order in their priestly garments, and overlook Jesus there represented: who wears a vesture dipped in blood, and ever liveth to make intercession for his people. Hail! Almighty Priest of a better covenant, established upon better promises. We see in them that the law made men high priests which had infirmity: But thou, O blessed Jesus, wert consecrated with an oath, by Him that sware and will not repent, that thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchisedec. Lord, help me to come under thy censer, to be interested in thine offering, thy blood, thy sacrifice. Take, blessed Jesus, my cause, my person, my poor offering, all that I have, and all that I am, into thine own gracious hands, and let me be presented in thy most precious offering. Sure I am that I shall be eternally and everlastingly safe, because thou ever livest to make intercession for sinners; and sure I am, that thou canst, and thou wilt, save all that come to God by thee, since thou hast, by the one offering of thyself once offered, forever perfected them that are sanctified.