Who was Ibri in the Bible?

Ibri was a Levite from the family of Merari, listed among those chosen by lot for temple service during the reorganization under King David (1 Chronicles 24:27). His role was part of the priestly divisions established for worship.

Why is Ibri mentioned in 1 Chronicles?

Ibri is mentioned to document the orderly divisions of the Levitical families for their duties in the temple. This highlights the importance of structured worship and service in Israel during David's reign (1 Chronicles 24).

What was the significance of Ibri being a Levite?

As a Levite from Merari's line, Ibri was part of the tribe set apart for religious service. This meant his life was dedicated to supporting the priesthood and maintaining the worship practices of Israel (Numbers 3:5-10).

Ibri

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleLevite

Ibri was a Levite of the family of Merari, mentioned in the context of the divisions of the Levitical priests during the reign of King David.

Ibri

Biography

Ibri was a Levite of the Merarite branch, son of Jaaziah, who appears in the organizational lists of the Levitical divisions established during David's reign (1 Chronicles 24:27). When David reorganized the Levites for temple service in anticipation of the building that Solomon would complete, detailed lots were drawn among the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites to assign their respective duties. Ibri is listed among the Merarite subclan of Jaaziah alongside his brothers Shoham, Zaccur, and Hebron. The careful recording of his name reflects David's thorough preparation for the temple, an institution designed to centralize Israel's worship in Jerusalem. Ibri's priestly lineage traces back to Merari, third son of Levi, whose descendants were traditionally responsible for carrying the structural frames and bases of the tabernacle.

Significance

Ibri's presence in David's Levitical organization reflects the theological seriousness with which Israel approached sacred service. The appointment of specific Levites to specific roles was not bureaucratic formality; it expressed the conviction that worship ordered according to God's design honors the holiness of the divine presence. As a Merarite, Ibri belonged to a lineage with ancient roots in tabernacle service, now being transitioned toward temple service. His inclusion in the Davidic reorganization illustrates how continuity between the wilderness covenant community and the settled monarchy was deliberately maintained. Such careful institutional preparation for worship reflects the biblical vision that God's people serve not haphazardly, but with ordered devotion.

Verse Appearances (1)

1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 24:27

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources