The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Chronicles 23:18
What does 1 Chronicles 23:18 mean?
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1 Chronicles 23:18
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This brief mention isn't just a name drop; it's a powerful reminder that even within the lineage of priests, there were women who held significant leadership roles. Shelomith is named as "chief," showing that leadership and spiritual authority weren't exclusively male, even in the Old Testament's structured temple service.
The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In the lead-up to this verse, David is orchestrating the organization of the Levites for their crucial roles in worship and service at the temple. This chapter details the census and assignments of the Levites, focusing on specific family lines and their appointed duties. Verse 18, therefore, fits into this larger structural plan, naming the head of a particular lineage within the Kohathite clan, who will be responsible for a segment of the Levitical administration.
We often focus on the kings and prophets, but what about the dedicated workers behind the scenes? This verse shines a light on one such individual.
The books of Chronicles are filled with genealogies and lists, often seeming like dry historical records. However, embedded within these lists are the names of people whose roles were vital to the life and worship of Israel. Even a brief mention, like Shelomith being named 'chief' among the sons of Izhar, points to significant responsibility and leadership in the service of the Lord. It reminds us that God sees and values every person who contributes faithfully, no matter how prominent their role might seem.
Why does the Bible take the time to list these names and their roles? It's all about understanding the foundation of faithfulness.
1 Chronicles 23 details the organization of the Levites for temple service. The sons of Izhar, Shelomith's family, were specifically tasked with responsibilities related to the temple treasury and administration (as seen in the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 26:23-28). By naming Shelomith as chief, the text preserves the memory of a leader who managed crucial aspects of God's house. This underscores a key theme in Chronicles: God's people are called to organized, dedicated service, and honoring those who faithfully fulfill their duties is part of that legacy.
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This passage lists the same lineage, tracing it back to Levi and showing Shelomith as a son of Izhar.
Exodus 6:21This verse specifically names Shelomith as one of the sons of Izhar, reinforcing the identity and family line.
1 Chronicles 26:26This verse mentions Shelomith again, but this time describes him as being over the treasuries, showing his appointed role within the service of the temple.
1 Chronicles 29:8This passage lists different Levitical families who brought treasures for the temple, mentioning descendants of Shelomith, thus connecting him to later temple service.
This brief mention isn't just a name drop; it's a powerful reminder that even within the lineage of priests, there were women who held significant leadership roles. Shelomith is named as "chief," showing that leadership and spiritual authority weren't exclusively male, even in the Old Testament's structured temple service.
In the lead-up to this verse, David is orchestrating the organization of the Levites for their crucial roles in worship and service at the temple. This chapter details the census and assignments of the Levites, focusing on specific family lines and their appointed duties. Verse 18, therefore, fits into this larger structural plan, naming the head of a particular lineage within the Kohathite clan, who will be responsible for a segment of the Levitical administration.
In the lead-up to this verse, David is orchestrating the organization of the Levites for their crucial roles in worship and service at the temple. This chapter details the census and assignments of the Levites, focusing on specific family lines and their appointed duties. Verse 18, therefore, fits into this larger structural plan, naming the head of a particular lineage within the Kohathite clan, who will be responsible for a segment of the Levitical administration.
"The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief." — This brief mention isn't just a name drop; it's a powerful reminder that even within the lineage of priests, there were women who held significant leadership roles. Shelomith is named as "chief," sho…
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Last reviewed October 2026