What does 1 Chronicles 25:17 mean?
"The tenth to Shimei, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:" - 1 Chronicles 25:17

1 Chronicles 25:17 (KJV) says, "The sixteenth to Immer, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve."
This verse comes from the Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles, which is a historical record of the genealogy and lineage of the Israelite people. This particular verse is part of a listing of the divisions of the Levitical singers, who were responsible for leading the musical worship in the temple.
The verse specifically mentions the sixteenth singer, who is identified as Immer. The verse goes on to mention that Immer, his sons, and his brothers totaled twelve individuals. This indicates that Immer's family and those associated with him were involved in the music ministry of the temple.
In this verse, there are several themes and concepts that can be examined and expounded upon. One of the key themes is that of worship and service. The Levitical singers were tasked with leading the people in musical worship, and this verse highlights the specific individuals who were part of this important ministry. It emphasizes the idea that worship is a vital component of the Israelite religious life and that it required dedicated individuals to lead and facilitate it.
Another theme that can be derived from this verse is that of lineage and heritage. Throughout the book of 1 Chronicles, there is a strong emphasis on the genealogy of the Israelite people. This verse continues that theme by specifically naming Immer, his sons, and his brethren, and noting that there were twelve of them. This serves to reinforce the idea of the importance of familial and ancestral connections within the Israelite community.
Furthermore, there is a sense of organization and structure in the mention of the different divisions of the Levitical singers. Each singer and their respective families were responsible for specific roles within the musical worship, and this verse highlights the order and precision with which this ministry was carried out.
In terms of context, this verse is situated within a larger section of 1 Chronicles that details the organization of the temple worship and the various roles and responsibilities of the priests and Levites. The specific mention of Immer and his family is part of a comprehensive list of individuals who were involved in the musical aspect of the temple service.
Symbolically, this verse can be seen as a representation of the diversity and inclusivity in worship. The fact that Immer and his family were just one of many divisions of singers highlights the idea that worship and service to God are not limited to a select few, but rather encompass a wide range of people from various backgrounds and lineages.
Ultimately, 1 Chronicles 25:17 serves as a reminder of the importance of worship, lineage, and organization within the religious life of the Israelite people. It underscores the value of dedicated individuals and their commitment to serving God through music and worship. This verse provides insight into the intricate details of temple worship and the significant roles played by different individuals and families within the community.
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1 Chronicles 25:17 Artwork
1 Chronicles 25:17 - "The tenth to Shimei, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
"The tenth to Shimei, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:" - 1 Chronicles 25:17
1 Chronicles 17:25 - "For thou, O my God, hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house: therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before thee."
1 Chronicles 1:25 - "Eber, Peleg, Reu,"
1 Chronicles 25:25 - "The eighteenth to Hanani, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 8:25 - "And Iphedeiah, and Penuel, the sons of Shashak;"
1 Chronicles 6:25 - "And the sons of Elkanah; Amasai, and Ahimoth."
"Eber, Peleg, Reu," - 1 Chronicles 1:25
1 Chronicles 24:25 - "The brother of Michah was Isshiah: of the sons of Isshiah; Zechariah."
1 Chronicles 8:17 - "And Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hezeki, and Heber,"
1 Chronicles 6:17 - "And these be the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei."
2 Chronicles 25:17 - "¶ Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face."
1 Chronicles 25:22 - "The fifteenth to Jeremoth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:23 - "The sixteenth to Hananiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 4:25 - "Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son."
1 Chronicles 25:12 - "The fifth to Nethaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:21 - "The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:26 - "The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:19 - "The twelfth to Hashabiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:13 - "The sixth to Bukkiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:15 - "The eighth to Jeshaiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:10 - "The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:20 - "The thirteenth to Shubael, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:24 - "The seventeenth to Joshbekashah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:27 - "The twentieth to Eliathah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:11 - "The fourth to Izri, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:16 - "The ninth to Mattaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:14 - "The seventh to Jesharelah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 25:18 - "The eleventh to Azareel, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
1 Chronicles 27:17 - "Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok:"