“They divided them by lot, all alike, for there were sacred officers and officers of God among both the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar… the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah.” (1 Chronicles 24:5,10 ESV).
In 1 Chronicles 24, David organizes the descendants of Aaron into 24 priestly divisions to serve in the temple, assigning each by sacred lot. Among these, the eighth division was given to Abijah. At first, it seems like a routine administrative detail. But centuries later, in Luke 1:5, we meet Zechariah, a priest from the division of Abijah, faithfully serving in the temple. There, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, announcing that he and Elizabeth would have a son, John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the Lord Jesus.
This connection between an Old Testament list and a New Testament narrative reminds us that God’s Word is intricately woven together. What seemed like a simple record of temple assignments turned out to be a vital link in the unfolding story of redemption. God’s plans are never random; He is always working through history to accomplish His purposes.
We are often tempted to skim or skip passages that seem dry or repetitive, especially lists of names and duties. But we are reminded here that every word in Scripture matters. Even what seems minor may point to major truths. The placement of Abijah’s name in a priestly schedule becomes the backdrop for the birth announcement of John the Baptist. God’s Word is unified, trustworthy, and deeply interconnected. Let us approach the whole Bible with reverence and awe, trusting that God speaks through every part of it—even the parts we’re tempted to overlook.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the way You have woven the Scriptures together with such beauty and purpose. Help us not to rush past sections that seem dull, but to seek You in every word. Give us spiritual eyes to see Your sovereign hand at work across both the Old and New Testaments. May we treasure the unity of Your Word and grow in faith as we discover how each part ultimately points to Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.