1 Chronicles 9:31 – “A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with the responsibility for baking the offering bread.”
Extended Explanation
This verse highlights Mattithiah, a Levite who had the important task of preparing the offering bread, also known as the showbread or bread of the Presence. This bread was placed before the Lord in the temple as part of the ongoing worship rituals. Being a firstborn son, Mattithiah’s position was significant, and the fact that he was entrusted with this task shows his responsibility in the religious life of Israel. The bread he baked was not just ordinary bread but part of the offerings that symbolized the presence and provision of God among His people.
Historical Context
In the temple, the bread of the Presence was an essential part of worship. According to Levitical law, twelve loaves of bread were placed on a special table inside the temple every Sabbath (Leviticus 24:5-9). These loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel and symbolized God’s covenant with His people, reminding them that He provided for their needs. The bread was laid before the Lord for a week and then replaced with fresh loaves, while the old bread was consumed by the priests.
Mattithiah’s task of baking this bread shows that even practical acts of service like baking were holy tasks, set apart for worship. As a Korahite, Mattithiah was part of the tribe of Levi, specifically from the family line of Korah, who were charged with many of the sacred duties in the temple. His role in preparing the bread reflects the organized and structured system of temple worship, where every detail was carried out according to God’s instructions.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us about the importance of dedication and faithfulness in even the smallest acts of service to God. The preparation of the offering bread was a significant ritual, symbolizing God’s constant presence and provision for His people. Theologically, it reminds us that worship involves both spiritual and practical aspects, and both are sacred in God’s eyes. Mattithiah’s role, though it may seem like a simple task, was part of the larger worship life of Israel. This points to the fact that God values every role in His kingdom, no matter how mundane it might appear.
Moreover, the bread itself symbolizes God’s provision and care for His people. Just as God provided manna in the wilderness, the bread of the Presence reminded Israel that their daily sustenance came from God. Theologically, this underscores God’s ongoing relationship with His people as both their spiritual and physical provider.
Literary Analysis
This verse, like others in 1 Chronicles 9, is part of a larger genealogical record that highlights the duties and responsibilities of various Levites in temple service. By naming Mattithiah and describing his role in baking the offering bread, the chronicler emphasizes the importance of even the seemingly simple tasks in maintaining the temple’s worship life. The verse is short but carries weight, as it shows how each member of the Levitical family contributed to the greater mission of worshiping God. The mention of Mattithiah as the firstborn also underscores his status and responsibility within his family and in the service of the temple.
Biblical Cross-References
Leviticus 24:5-9 gives the detailed instructions for the preparation and placement of the bread of the Presence in the temple. This bread was to be made with fine flour, and twelve loaves were placed on the table in two rows, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. Exodus 25:30 also refers to the bread of the Presence as a perpetual offering before the Lord. In Matthew 12:3-4, Jesus refers to the bread of the Presence when He explains how David ate the sacred bread when he was hungry, highlighting its importance in Israel’s worship and history.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that every task we perform in service to God, no matter how small or practical, is significant in His eyes. Just as Mattithiah was entrusted with baking the bread for the temple, we are called to serve God faithfully in whatever roles He has given us. Whether it’s preparing for worship, caring for the church, or serving others, every act of service is a way to honor God. This verse also encourages us to see our work and daily tasks as opportunities for worship, just as baking bread was part of temple worship for Mattithiah.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in how He invites His people to participate in His work. The preparation of the offering bread was a way for Israel to continually acknowledge God’s provision and faithfulness. God’s love is seen in His desire to have His people involved in the worship process, entrusting them with sacred tasks that connect them to Him. By assigning roles like baking the offering bread, God demonstrates that He values the contributions of all His people, not just those in leadership roles. His love is seen in the way He provides structure and meaning to even the most practical aspects of worship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The bread of the Presence in the temple foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is called the “bread of life” (John 6:35). Just as the offering bread symbolized God’s provision for Israel, Jesus is the ultimate provision for all people, offering spiritual nourishment and eternal life. In John 6:51, Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” This connection shows that just as Mattithiah baked the bread for the temple, Jesus Himself became the bread that sustains us spiritually, offering us a way to be in constant fellowship with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Mattithiah’s task of baking the offering bread encourage us to see practical tasks in our lives as part of our worship to God?
- What can we learn from the symbolism of the bread of the Presence about God’s provision and faithfulness?
- How can we apply the idea that every role in the church or in God’s kingdom, no matter how small, is valuable in His eyes?
- How does Jesus being the “bread of life” deepen our understanding of God’s provision for our spiritual and physical needs?