Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, son of Azrikam, son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Chronicles 9:14
What does 1 Chronicles 9:14 mean?
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1 Chronicles 9:14
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It's easy to skim over genealogies, but notice how this verse anchors Shemaiah not just to his father, but also to his grandfather and great-grandfather. This isn't just about who begat whom; it emphasizes the deep roots and lineage that were so crucial to the Levites' identity and God's plan for them.
Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, son of Azrikam, son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears in a lengthy genealogical list detailing who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. It's part of a census of the people, specifically focusing on the Levites and their responsibilities in rebuilding the temple. Following this, the chapter will continue listing families and their appointed tasks within the restored community.
Why do we read lists of names that seem to go nowhere? These genealogies aren't just historical records; they're foundational to understanding God's people and His promises.
Tracing the Divine Thread
Genealogies in the Bible, like the one in 1 Chronicles, serve a crucial purpose. They demonstrate the faithfulness of God in preserving His chosen people and lineage, especially as the Old Testament narrative moves towards the return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple.
We often focus on the priests, but who were the Levites? They were the backbone of worship, essential for the smooth running of the Tabernacle and later, the Temple.
More Than Just Support Staff
The Levites, a tribe descended from Levi, were set apart by God for service related to the Tabernacle and Temple. While the priests (from Aaron's line) offered sacrifices, the Levites performed a wide range of essential tasks:
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Shemaiah, from the line of Merari, belonged to one of the three main divisions of Levites, each with specific responsibilities. Their service was a visible, tangible expression of Israel's devotion to God.
Understand the original words
Levi · Hebrew Proper Noun/Noun
The tribe set apart by God for the service of the tabernacle and later the temple. They were responsible for the care, maintenance, and musical duties associated with the worship of the Lord.
The detailed genealogies of the Levites in 1 Chronicles, including the specific lineage mentioned here, highlight the efforts to restore and organize temple service after the devastating Babylonian exile and destruction of Jerusalem.
~1050 BC
United Monarchy Established
Saul becomes the first king of Israel, followed by David and Solomon, uniting the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as the capital. This period sees the organization of temple services.
~970 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
King Solomon completes the First Temple in Jerusalem, a central place for worship and the Levitical service. This solidifies the Levites' roles in temple administration and worship.
931 BC
Kingdom Divides
After Solomon's death, the kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel (10 tribes) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (2 tribes). This division impacts the organization and location of Levitical service.
722 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of many Israelites. This event significantly disrupts the Levitical families residing in the north.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians conquer Jerusalem and deport thousands of Judeans, including many priests and Levites. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple. The remaining Judean population, including more Levites, are exiled to Babylon.
538 BC
Return from Exile
After the Persian Empire conquers Babylon, Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing the Judeans to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. The lists in Chronicles reflect the re-established order upon return.
This passage lists the families of the Levites, showing that the division of the Levites into clans, like the Merarites mentioned here, was established from the beginning of Israel's journey in the wilderness.
1 Chronicles 23:6-11David organized the Levites, and this verse confirms the role of the Merarites within that larger structure, highlighting their ongoing service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple.
Ezra 2:40-42This passage from the return from exile shows that the families of the Levites, including the Merarites, were still identifiable and serving their God centuries after David's organization, demonstrating their enduring lineage and purpose.
Nehemiah 11:15-19Similar to 1 Chronicles, this section details the Levites who returned to Jerusalem and settled there, again naming the sons of Merari and their responsibilities, reinforcing the continuity of their service.
It's easy to skim over genealogies, but notice how this verse anchors Shemaiah not just to his father, but also to his grandfather and great-grandfather. This isn't just about who begat whom; it emphasizes the deep roots and lineage that were so crucial to the Levites' identity and God's plan for them.
This verse appears in a lengthy genealogical list detailing who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. It's part of a census of the people, specifically focusing on the Levites and their responsibilities in rebuilding the temple. Following this, the chapter will continue listing families and their appointed tasks within the restored community.
This verse appears in a lengthy genealogical list detailing who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. It's part of a census of the people, specifically focusing on the Levites and their responsibilities in rebuilding the temple. Following this, the chapter will continue listing families and their appointed tasks within the restored community.
"Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, son of Azrikam, son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;" — It's easy to skim over genealogies, but notice how this verse anchors Shemaiah not just to his father, but also to his grandfather and great-grandfather. This isn't just about who begat whom; it…
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Last reviewed October 2026