and Johanan fathered Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem).
English Standard Version (ESV)
1 Chronicles 6:10
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Here's a key insight for that verse: It's easy to overlook that this verse pinpoints Azariah as the first priest to serve in Solomon's magnificent temple, linking him directly to the very foundation of that sacred place. This highlights how the lineage of service, established by families like Johanan's, was crucial to the ongoing worship and establishment of God's presence among His people.
and Johanan fathered Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem).
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogy tracing the lineage of the priests, specifically those descended from Aaron. It shows the unbroken line of priestly service through the generations, culminating in the priesthood established in Solomon's magnificent Temple. Immediately following this, the text will continue to list more descendants and their roles within the Levites and priests who served there.
Ever feel like you're just one person in a long line of history? This verse reminds us that every generation, every name, plays a crucial role in God's unfolding story.
The Old Testament loves genealogies. They aren't just boring lists; they trace the lineage of key figures, showing God's faithfulness through time.
This verse highlights Johanan and his son Azariah. While their names might not be as famous as David or Solomon, they are essential links in the chain. God's plan for Israel, for the priesthood, and ultimately for bringing Jesus into the world, depended on these individuals and their faithfulness.
Solomon's Temple was the pinnacle of worship in ancient Israel. What does it mean for Azariah to have served there, and what does that teach us about sacred service today?
The text points out that Azariah "served as priest in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem." This wasn't just any job; it was a sacred calling.
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Understand the original words
kohēn · Hebrew Noun
The office or duty of one who mediates between God and humanity, offering sacrifices and performing ritual duties on behalf of the people. In the Old Testament, this office was held by the descendants of Aaron.
bayit · Hebrew Noun
The central place of worship for Israel where the presence of the Lord dwelt in the Holy of Holies. It represents the fulfillment of the promise that God would have a permanent dwelling place among His people.
Yərūšālayim · Hebrew Noun
The capital city of Israel, central to the life of the nation and the site of the Temple. It is frequently referred to as the city of God, symbolizing His kingdom and presence on earth.
This verse places Azariah as a priest serving in Solomon's Temple just before its destruction. Its inclusion in Chronicles, written after the exile, serves to highlight the continuity of the priesthood and the sanctity of the Temple even in the face of devastating judgment and loss.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Temple Dedicated
King Solomon completes and dedicates the First Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and sacrifice for Israel.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many Israelites and ending its existence as a nation.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Judeans, including members of the royal family and elite, to Babylon.
c. 597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
More Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel and King Jehoiachin, are exiled to Babylon following a siege of Jerusalem.
587/586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling the remaining population of Judah to Babylon.
This verse identifies the 'house that Solomon built in Jerusalem' as the Temple, directly linking to the setting where Azariah served as priest.
2 Chronicles 5:1This passage describes the completion of the Temple, emphasizing its divine purpose and providing context for the priestly service performed there.
Ezra 7:10Ezra, like Azariah, was a priest who prepared his heart to study and follow God's law, highlighting the importance of devoted service to the Lord's house and teachings.
Psalm 132:13-14This psalm speaks of God choosing Zion as His dwelling place and desiring it, echoing the significance of the Temple and the sacredness of the priestly role within it.
Here's a key insight for that verse:
It's easy to overlook that this verse pinpoints Azariah as the first priest to serve in Solomon's magnificent temple, linking him directly to the very foundation of that sacred place. This highlights how the lineage of service, established by families like Johanan's, was crucial to the ongoing worship and establishment of God's presence among His people.
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogy tracing the lineage of the priests, specifically those descended from Aaron. It shows the unbroken line of priestly service through the generations, culminating in the priesthood established in Solomon's magnificent Temple. Immediately following this, the text will continue to list more descendants and their roles within the Levites and priests who served there.
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogy tracing the lineage of the priests, specifically those descended from Aaron. It shows the unbroken line of priestly service through the generations, culminating in the priesthood established in Solomon's magnificent Temple. Immediately following this, the text will continue to list more descendants and their roles within the Levites and priests who served there.
"and Johanan fathered Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem)." — Here's a key insight for that verse:
It's easy to overlook that this verse pinpoints Azariah as the first priest to serve in Solomon's magnificent temple, linking him directly to the very foundati…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026