Definition: And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 1 Chronicles 9:13. It’s a really important verse about leadership and dedication! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a group of men who were incredibly skilled and dedicated to serving God’s work – specifically, the temple (a place of worship). Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And their brethren…” : This tells us we're talking about a specific family or clan. “…heads of the house of their fathers…” : This is key! It means these men were the leaders, the elders, and the most important people in that family’s lineage. They had a long history of serving God and leading their community. Think of them as the "keepers of tradition" and the ones who held the most responsibility. “…a thousand and seven hundred and threescore…” : This is a huge number! “A thousand” means one thousand, and “three hundred and seventy” adds to it. So, they were extremely skilled – almost a thousand and fifty-three! It’s a really impressive figure. “…very able men for the work of the service of the house of God.” : This is the most important part. “Able” means capable and skillful. “The work of the service of the house of God” refers to the temple – the place where God dwells and where people worship. So, these men were specifically chosen and trained to be dedicated to keeping that place clean, safe, and filled with devotion. Overall Meaning: These men were valued for their skill, dedication, and loyalty. They weren’t just any men; they were the ones who were entrusted with the most important responsibilities related to God's house. Why is this a big deal? In ancient Israel, leadership was very important. This verse shows that these men were trusted to manage the temple, which was a crucial part of their community’s identity and religious practices. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes?