1 Chronicles 9:31

And Mattithiah, one of the Leuites (who was the first borne of Shallum the Korahite) had the set office ouer the things that were made in the pannes. 1 Chronicles 9:31 (KJV)

The book of 1 Chronicles is a historical account of the genealogies and events of Israel, especially the lineage of King David and the organisation of the priesthood. Chapter 9 lists the returning exiles from Babylon and records the specific duties each family held in the service of the tabernacle and the temple.

Mattithiah was a Levite, a member of the priestly tribe charged with the worship of God. He was the son of Shallum and belonged to the Korahite branch, a sub‑group within the Levitical family. His designation as the firstborn underscores the importance of family heritage in the transmission of sacred responsibilities.

Mattithiah held the set office over the things that were made in the pans, that is, the work of the pots used in the preparation of offerings and sacrifices. This role required skill, knowledge, and faithful handling of sacred objects, reflecting a trusted position within the worship service.

The passage teaches several practical lessons. First, it highlights faithfulness in service: whatever task or position we receive in the church, we must perform it with dedication and integrity. Second, it reminds us to honour family heritage, valuing the traditions and responsibilities passed down from our ancestors both physically and spiritually. Third, it stresses the importance of skill and knowledge; effective service demands that we develop our abilities and deepen our understanding of God’s Word.

Furthermore, the detailed listing of the exiles and their roles demonstrates that God values order and organisation in worship. Each person had a specific function, and all were necessary for the proper functioning of the community of faith. This underscores that every role, however seemingly small or specialised, contributes to the overall work of God’s kingdom. We should never underestimate the value of our contributions to the body of Christ.

In summary, 1 Chronicles 9:31 teaches that faithful, skilled, and orderly service—rooted in respect for heritage—is essential for building God’s kingdom. Every appointed task, no matter how modest, is significant and requires dedication and integrity.