1 Chronicles 23:13
The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.
Original Language Analysis
וּבָנָיו֙
The sons
H1121
וּבָנָיו֙
The sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיִּבָּדֵ֣ל
was separated
H914
וַיִּבָּדֵ֣ל
was separated
Strong's:
H914
Word #:
5 of 21
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
לְֽהַקְדִּישׁוֹ֩
that he should sanctify
H6942
לְֽהַקְדִּישׁוֹ֩
that he should sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
7 of 21
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
קָֽדָשִׁ֤ים
holy things
H6944
קָֽדָשִׁ֤ים
holy things
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
8 of 21
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
קָֽדָשִׁ֤ים
holy things
H6944
קָֽדָשִׁ֤ים
holy things
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
9 of 21
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
הֽוּא
H1931
הֽוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 21
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וּבָנָיו֙
The sons
H1121
וּבָנָיו֙
The sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַד
for
H5704
עַד
for
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
12 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עוֹלָֽם׃
ever
H5769
עוֹלָֽם׃
ever
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
לְהַקְטִיר֩
to burn incense
H6999
לְהַקְטִיר֩
to burn incense
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
14 of 21
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
לִפְנֵ֨י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֨י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
15 of 21
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֧ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֧ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
16 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְשָֽׁרְת֛וֹ
to minister
H8334
לְשָֽׁרְת֛וֹ
to minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
17 of 21
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
וּלְבָרֵ֥ךְ
unto him and to bless
H1288
וּלְבָרֵ֥ךְ
unto him and to bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
18 of 21
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
בִּשְׁמ֖וֹ
in his name
H8034
בִּשְׁמ֖וֹ
in his name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
19 of 21
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Cross References
Exodus 6:20And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years.Deuteronomy 21:5And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried:1 Samuel 2:28And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
Historical Context
David's organization of Levites (c. 975 BCE) prepared for Solomon's temple by systematizing priestly duties. This structure, though modified post-exile, shaped Judaism until the temple's destruction in 70 CE, when Christ's priesthood was revealed as the fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding your calling as part of Christ's royal priesthood affect your daily life and worship?
- What 'spiritual incense' - prayers and praises - are you offering as a priest before God?
Analysis & Commentary
The description of Aaron's consecration: 'Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, that he should burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.' Aaron's line was 'separated' (hivdil - set apart) for unique priestly functions - sanctifying holy things, burning incense, ministering, and pronouncing blessings. The repetition 'for ever' emphasizes the perpetual nature of this priesthood. Yet Hebrews 7-10 shows this earthly priesthood pointed to Christ, the eternal High Priest whose ministry truly is 'forever.' Believers now participate in Christ's priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices and blessings.