1 Chronicles 23:10

And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.

1 Chronicles 23:10 (KJV)

Context

This verse appears in the midst of King David’s final preparations for the temple. In 1 Chronicles 23, David organizes the Levites for their sacred duties, and the genealogies of Levite families are carefully recorded. Shimei here is a Levite, a descendant of Gershon, and is distinct from another Shimei mentioned in verse 9, who was a descendant of Laadan. The naming of Shimei’s four sons—Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah—documents their place within the tribe of Levi and their legitimate claim to Levite service.

Meaning

The verse emphasizes that these four were the sons of Shimei, highlighting the completeness of the family line. The following verse (1 Chronicles 23:11) notes that Jahath was the first and Ziza (a variant of Zina) the second, but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family with one assignment. This shows that Levitical divisions were based on family size and practical service needs, underscoring the importance of order and organization in worship.

Application

The passage encourages believers to value their own spiritual heritage and to recognize the significance of faithful service within the community of believers, just as the Levites were organized for temple service. By honoring the lineage and responsibilities handed down through generations, the church today can maintain continuity in worship, teaching, and service, reflecting the same dedication shown by the families recorded in Chronicles. The preservation of these names also indicates the value God places on each individual and family in His redemptive plan.