Matthew Henry on 1 Chronicles 24:1-19
The particular account of these establishments is of little use to us now; but, when Ezra published it, it was of great use to direct their church affairs after their return from captivity into the old channel again. The title of this record we have v. 1 - These are the divisions of the sons of Aaron, not by which they divided one from another, or were at variance one with another (it is a pity there should ever be any such divisions among the sons of Israel, but especially among the sons of Aaron), but the distribution of them in order to the dividing of their work among themselves; it was a division which God made, and was made for him. 1. This distribution was made for the more regular di…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 24:2
Nadab and Abihu died before their father--that is, not in his presence, but during his lifetime (see Num 3:4; Num 26:61).
therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office--In consequence of the death of his two oldest sons without issue, the descendants of Aaron were comprised in the families of Eleazar and Ithamar. Both of these sons discharged the priestly functions as assistants to their father. Eleazar succeeded him, and in his line the high priesthood continued until it was transferred to the family of Ithamar, in the person of Eli.
Adam Clarke on 1 Chronicles 24:2
Nadab and Abihu died before their father - That is, during his lifetime.
Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office - These two served the office during the life of their father Aaron; after his death Eleazar succeeded in the high priesthood. And under Eli the high priest, the family of Ithamar re-entered into that office.
John Gill on 1 Chronicles 24:2
But Nadab and Abihu died before their father,.... While he was living, see Leviticus 10:1.
and had no children, therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priests' office: otherwise, as Jarchi observes, had their brethren left children, they would have come into the office before them.
