1 chronicles 9:31 - Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things that were baked in pans.

Generated Verse: 1 chronicles 9:31

What does "1 chronicles 9:31" mean?


This verse from 1 Chronicles 9:31 describes a specific role and responsibility within the temple service in ancient Israel. Let's break it down:

Mattithiah: This is the name of the Levite holding the specific position.
one of the Levites: This identifies Mattithiah as a member of the tribe of Levi, who were designated for religious service in the temple.
who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite: This provides Mattithiah's lineage. He's a descendant of Shallum, and specifically, he is the firstborn son. This could have held some significance, as firstborn sons sometimes had special privileges or responsibilities. Being a Korahite means he was from a specific family or clan within the Levites. The Korahites were often associated with particular musical or gatekeeping duties in the temple.
had the office of trust: This is key. It indicates that Mattithiah was entrusted with a position of responsibility and accountability. It suggests he was considered reliable and honest.
over the things that were baked in pans: This specifies his particular area of oversight. He was in charge of managing or supervising the preparation of food that was baked in pans. This likely refers to the baking of cakes or wafers used in offerings and sacrifices in the temple.

In summary, the verse tells us:

Mattithiah, a respected and reliable Levite from the Korahite family, specifically the firstborn son of Shallum, held a position of trust in the temple service. His responsibility was overseeing the preparation of baked goods, likely for use in religious ceremonies and offerings.

Why this matters:

Division of Labor: The verse highlights the intricate division of labor within the temple. Different Levites had specific tasks, ensuring the smooth operation of the religious services.
Importance of Details: It demonstrates the attention to detail that went into the temple rituals. Even something as seemingly mundane as baking was handled with care and entrusted to a responsible individual.
Trust and Reliability: The phrase "office of trust" emphasizes the importance of integrity in those serving in the temple.
Historical Insight: The verse provides a small window into the daily life and functions within the temple during that period.

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