1 Chronicles 23:12

The sonnes of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, foure. 1 Chronicles 23:12 (KJV)

1 Chronicles 23 belongs to a larger section of the book that records the organization and division of the Levites for service in the tabernacle and later the temple. This passage lists the descendants of Kohath, one of the three sons of Levi, emphasizing the careful structuring of Levitical families for worship duties.

Kohath, the second son of Levi, was the father of four sons—Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The Kohathites formed one of the principal Levitical families and were entrusted with significant responsibilities related to the tabernacle worship.

Amram, the firstborn, is highlighted as the father of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, key figures who led Israel out of Egypt and established the priesthood. Izhar, another son, gave rise to the Izharites; while the Bible does not specify particular duties for them, they were part of the broader Levitical community involved in tabernacle service. Hebron, the third son, produced the Hebronites; specific responsibilities for this group are not detailed in Scripture. Uzziel, the youngest, formed the Uzzielite branch; the Bible does not assign them a distinct role such as carrying the ark, though later tradition sometimes links them with that task.

This verse functions as a genealogical record, offering a glimpse into the lineage of the Levites and their roles within the religious structure of ancient Israel. It underscores the organized distribution of duties among the various Levitical families, reflecting the careful planning that undergirded Israel’s worship practices.