“These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the Lord, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him.” — 1 Chronicles 24:19

The visitor who comes into a church sanctuary and enjoys a Sunday morning service probably gives little or no thought to the labors of love that make such a service possible. However, the many behind-the-scenes tasks done for the Lord in preparation for a Gospel meeting require organization. Consider what a different experience that visitor would have if no one came to provide music or operate the sound system. What if no one were assigned to drive the Sunday school van, vacuum the carpets, turn on the lights, or make sure the furnace was working? What if no preacher showed up? Any group of believers who meet on a regular basis must have some form of organization in order to function successfully. 

In today’s text, the author of 1 Chronicles gave us a glimpse into the operational structure put in place for duties in the Temple at Jerusalem. King David understood that the religious leaders of Israel must be organized to fulfill their particular tasks, just as organization was necessary for civil leaders. So, at the direction of God, he established an orderly system for those who served in Temple worship. Descendants of two sons of Aaron, Eleazar and Ithamar, were divided into twenty-four groups. Each priest was assigned to one of these groups, and the groups fulfilled responsibilities in the house of the Lord on a rotating basis. 

Inherent throughout Scripture is the concept that God’s people should participate in local gatherings of believers. For such gatherings to occur, everyone involved must work together to ensure harmony, order, and successful functioning. What was true in David’s day is still true today: it takes organization to provide a setting where the truths of God’s Word can be presented on a regular basis. When organization is done at the Lord’s leading, the combined efforts result in Gospel services where the congregation can worship in unity and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.

BACKGROUND

Chapters 23-27 of 1 Chronicles describe the organization of the Temple rituals and provide a listing of various worship participants and their specific duties. Chapter 24 concerns the division of the priests (verses 1-19) and the remaining Levitical assistants (verses 20-31). 

David took the descendants of Aaron, who was of the tribe of Levi—the man God had ordained as the first priest of Israel—and divided them into twenty-four “courses” (meaning “divisions”), to serve as priests in the Temple on a rotating basis under the direction of Zadok and Ahimelech. Zadok and Abiathar were co-High Priests under David, with one serving at Jerusalem where the Ark of God was located, and one serving at Gibeon in the Tabernacle. Ahimelech (mentioned in verses 3 and 6) was the son of Abiathar, and was evidently assuming some of his aging father’s duties at that time. 

Verse 2 states that two of Aaron’s four sons had “died before their father.” God judged Nadab and Abihu because they dared to bring strange fire before the Lord, disobeying God’s commandments for sacrifice (see Leviticus 10:1-2). These two men had no children, so the priestly courses established by David were the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar, the two remaining sons of Aaron. 

Because there were more “chief men” numbered among the descendants of Eleazar than the descendants of Ithamar, sixteen courses were established from Eleazar’s line, while eight courses were established from Ithamar’s line. The service rotation was decided by drawing lots, with Shemaiah writing down the heads of the divisions as their names were drawn (see verse 6). Each group served at the Temple for two weeks out of the year; the remainder of the year they served in their hometowns. This system was still in place in Jesus’ day. 

The “rest of the sons of Levi,” who were descended from Kohath and Merari, are listed in verses 20-31. They were organized in the same manner as the priests.

AMPLIFIED OUTLINE

II. The reign of David
     C. The organization of the Temple ritual
          2. The preparation of the Levites and priests
               b. The arrangement of the priests (24:1-31)
                    (1) The twenty-four courses for services (24:1-19)
                    (2) The remaining sons of Levi (24:20-31)

A CLOSER LOOK

1. Based on verses 5-6, as the lots were drawn to establish the order for Temple service who was present?
2. What phrase in verse 19 stands out to you as being especially significant, and why?
3. What actions can we take to support and preserve order in our church services?

CONCLUSION

Following the example of David, church leaders today look to God for guidance, and make every effort to establish an orderly system of worship under His direction and anointing.