(1) Now these are the divisions.--Literally, And for the sons of Aaron, their divisions (were as follows). The sentence forms a superscription to the section (1Chronicles 24:1-19).

The sons of Aaron are named above (1Chronicles 6:3). (Comp. Exodus 6:23.) As usual, the writer starts ab ovo.

Verse 1. - The Hebrew of this verse reads, And to the sons of Aaron, their divisions מַחְלְקותָם); the sons of Aaron: Nadeb and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. The word "divisions" is the same word that is translated "courses" in ver. 6, and which verse also would read literally, "And David divided them divisions to the sons of Levi, to Gershon, Kohath, and Merari." Our present verse evidently continues both the subject and construction of that verse. Of the four sons (Exodus 6:23), two died without issue, viz. Nadab and Abihu (ver. 2); and the other two have to supply the "chief men of the house," viz. Eleazar sixteen, and Ithamar eight (ver. 4).

24:1-31 The divisions of the priests and Levites. - When every one has, knows, and keeps his place and work, the more there are the better. In the mystical body of Christ, every member has its use, for the good of the whole. Christ is High Priest over the house of God, to whom all believers, being made priests, are to be in subjection. In Christ, no difference is made between bond and free, elder and younger. The younger brethren, if faithful and sincere, shall be no less acceptable to Christ than the fathers. May we all be children of the Lord, fitted to sing his praises for ever in his temple above.Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron,.... Into the classes or courses following:

the sons of Aaron; Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar; 1 Chronicles 6:3, these were the immediate sons of Aaron; but the division or distribution of them into classes are of their posterity in the times of David, who descended from the two latter.