So now the LevitesThe Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties in Israel. They were descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Their role was crucial in the spiritual life of Israel, serving in the tabernacle and later the temple. This phrase indicates a transition in their duties, reflecting a shift in Israel's worship practices.
no longer need to carry
This phrase signifies a change from the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites, where the Levites were responsible for transporting the tabernacle and its furnishings as the people moved through the wilderness. The cessation of this duty marks a significant shift in Israel's history, as they were now settled in the Promised Land with a permanent place of worship.
the tabernacle
The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert. It was the center of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The transition from the tabernacle to the temple in Jerusalem, built by Solomon, represents a move from a temporary to a permanent structure, symbolizing stability and the fulfillment of God's promises.
or any of the articles for its service.
The articles for the tabernacle's service included items like the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and various utensils used in sacrifices and offerings. These were sacred objects, and their handling was a significant responsibility. The Levites' release from this duty indicates a new phase in Israel's religious life, where the focus shifts to the temple, a type of Christ as the ultimate dwelling place of God with humanity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
LevitesA tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties, particularly in the service of the tabernacle and later the temple.
2.
TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites before the construction of the temple.
3.
DavidThe king of Israel who organized the Levites for temple service, as the temple was to be built by his son Solomon.
4.
SolomonDavid's son, who would build the permanent temple in Jerusalem, changing the nature of the Levites' duties.
5.
Temple in JerusalemThe permanent structure that replaced the tabernacle as the central place of worship for the Israelites.
Teaching Points
Transition from Temporary to PermanentThe shift from the tabernacle to the temple signifies a move from a temporary to a permanent dwelling place for God's presence, symbolizing stability and fulfillment of God's promises.
Role of the LevitesThe change in the Levites' duties reflects the evolving nature of worship and service to God, reminding us to be adaptable in our service as God leads.
God's Dwelling Among His PeopleThe transition from the tabernacle to the temple foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God with His people through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Faithfulness in ServiceThe Levites' continued service, albeit in a different capacity, underscores the importance of faithfulness and dedication in our roles within the body of Christ.
Spiritual Significance of Physical StructuresWhile physical structures like the temple were significant, they point to a greater spiritual reality of God's presence with His people, encouraging us to seek His presence in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 23:26?
2.How does 1 Chronicles 23:26 emphasize the Levites' new role without the tabernacle?
3.What implications does the temple's permanence have for worship practices in 1 Chronicles?
4.How does this verse connect to God's promises about a permanent dwelling place?
5.How can we apply the Levites' shift in duties to our church service today?
6.In what ways does 1 Chronicles 23:26 reflect God's faithfulness to His people?
7.What is the significance of the Levites no longer carrying the tabernacle in 1 Chronicles 23:26?
8.How does 1 Chronicles 23:26 reflect the transition from tabernacle to temple worship?
9.Why were the Levites' duties changed according to 1 Chronicles 23:26?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 23?
11.Numbers 3 - How do we reconcile these population figures with other biblical passages that present different census counts?
12.How do priests and Levites differ in their roles?
13.Are there archaeological findings that support or contradict the large-scale Levite service outlined in 1 Chronicles 23:24-32?
14.What evidence supports the existence of the Levites and captains mentioned in 2 Chronicles 23:8, and how do we reconcile any lack of external records?What Does 1 Chronicles 23:26 Mean
So nowThe phrase marks a decisive moment in Israel’s history. David has declared, “The LORD… has given rest to His people and has taken up residence in Jerusalem forever” (1 Chronicles 23:25). With permanent rest granted, the previously nomadic worship structure is about to be replaced by a fixed temple (cf.2 Samuel 7:1–2;1 Chronicles 22:7–10). “So now” signals the transition from wilderness mobility to settled stability.
the LevitesChosen by God after the Exodus to “serve Aaron the priest” and “perform the work of the tabernacle” (Numbers 3:6–8;Deuteronomy 10:8), this tribe had specific callings:
• guarding the sanctuary (Numbers 1:53)
• bearing holy furnishings (Numbers 4:15)
• leading praise (1 Chronicles 16:4–6)
Here, David reorganizes them into twenty-four thousand for the temple’s new routines (1 Chronicles 23:4), reflecting their continued importance even though some duties are ending.
no longer need to carryFor forty years in the desert—and well into the conquest period—the Levites lifted, shouldered, and transported God’s dwelling place (Numbers 7:9;Joshua 18:1). With a permanent house about to rise on Mount Moriah (1 Chronicles 22:1), the exhausting cycle of packing and unpacking is finished. The Lord’s promise of “rest” (1 Chronicles 28:2) is lived out physically: the furniture rests, so the carriers rest.
the tabernacleThe tabernacle, crafted “exactly as I show you” (Exodus 25:9), symbolized God’s presence on the move. It had already spent years at Shiloh, Nob, and Gibeon (1 Samuel 1:3;1 Chronicles 16:39), but it was still technically portable. Once Solomon’s temple is dedicated, “they brought up the ark and the Tent of Meeting” (1 Kings 8:4), merging the old with the new. Mobility gives way to permanence.
or any of the articles for its service.The holy articles—ark, table, lampstand, altars, basins, and poles (Exodus 37–38)—once wrapped in protective covers (Numbers 4:5–15) and lifted onto shoulders, will soon stand fixed in the temple’s chambers. Freed from freight duty, the Levites pivot to:
• assisting priests with sacrifices and offerings (1 Chronicles 23:28)
• maintaining courts and storerooms (1 Chronicles 23:28)
• leading daily praise with cymbals, harps, and lyres (1 Chronicles 25:1, 6)
• serving as gatekeepers and treasurers (1 Chronicles 26:1, 20)
This shift honors God’s principle of orderly worship (2 Chronicles 8:14) and anticipates the fuller rest found in Christ, whose once-for-all sacrifice ends the need for continual ritual transport (Hebrews 9:8–12).
summary1 Chronicles 23:26 records a milestone: God’s people move from wandering worship to anchored adoration. The Levites, once burden-bearers of a traveling sanctuary, are released to new ministries within a permanent temple. The verse underscores God’s faithfulness to grant rest, reassign His servants, and establish enduring patterns of praise.
(26)
And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry. . .--Rather,
And the Levites also have not (now)
to carry the dwelling and all its vessels for its service, as they had to do in the wanderings of Israel in the desert. The sacred dwelling-place (
mishk?n) had long been fixed at Gibeon; and the service of the Levites was so much the lighter, as in the olden time they not only had to carry about from place to place, but also to guard the holy tent and its belongings against the attacks of marauders. The inference is that as the duties had become so much less arduous, they might well be undertaken at an earlier age than the ancient custom permitted.
They shall no more carry.--Comp. the same infinitival construction in2Chronicles 5:11.
Verse 26. -
And also unto the Levites. Emphasis is laid on the thought of the relief that permanent habitation in Jerusalem conferred on the Levites over and above the whole body of the rest of the people. They will no more be mere burden-bearers, though the burdens they Bore were of the most sacred character.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So nowוְגַ֖ם(wə·ḡam)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andthe Levitesלַלְוִיִּ֑ם(lal·wî·yim)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881:Levites -- descendant of Levinoאֵין־(’ên-)Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particlelonger need to carryלָשֵׂ֧את(lā·śêṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takethe tabernacleהַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן(ham·miš·kān)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908:A residence, the Tabernacleor anyכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyof the articlesכֵּלָ֖יו(kê·lāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3627:Something prepared, any apparatusfor its service.”לַעֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃(la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯōw)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5656:Work of any kind
Links
1 Chronicles 23:26 NIV1 Chronicles 23:26 NLT1 Chronicles 23:26 ESV1 Chronicles 23:26 NASB1 Chronicles 23:26 KJV
1 Chronicles 23:26 BibleApps.com1 Chronicles 23:26 Biblia Paralela1 Chronicles 23:26 Chinese Bible1 Chronicles 23:26 French Bible1 Chronicles 23:26 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Chronicles 23:26 And also the Levites shall no more (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) 
