Like the descendants of Aaron, they were assigned to their duties by means of sacred lots, without regard to age or rank. Lots were drawn in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the family leaders of the priests and the Levites.
Parallel translations
- WEB These likewise cast lots even as their brothers the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites; the fathers’ households of the chief even as those of his younger brother.
- KJV These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.
- BSB As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike.
- NKJV These also cast lots just as their brothers the sons of Aaron did, in the presence of King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the priests and Levites. The chief fathers did just as their younger brethren.
- NASB These also cast lots just as their relatives, the sons of Aaron did in the presence of David the king, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites—the head of fathers’ households as well as those of his younger brother.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
These Levites also cast lots, just as the priests did, in the presence of David and the leaders, with chief and younger families treated alike. The assignment of duties was fair and impartial for all.
Overview
The casting of lots before David, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the family heads ensured transparency and divine direction in assigning Levitical service (cf. Prov 16:33). The note that older and younger families were treated equally guards against favoritism and pride of rank. This impartiality reflects God's own character (Acts 10:34) and points toward the gospel, where access to God is granted not by status but by His gracious appointment in Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 4
- 1 Chr 24:5–6Thus were they divided impartially by drawing lots; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.
- 1 Chr 26:13They cast lots, the small as well as the great, according to their fathers’ houses, for every gate.
- 1 Chr 25:8They cast lots for their offices, all alike, the small as well as the great, the teacher as well as the student.
- Num 26:56According to the lot shall their inheritance be divided between the more and the fewer.”
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