Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Chronicles 26:20

"And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things." — 1 Chronicles 26:20 (ASV)

II.—THE KEEPERS OF THE TEMPLE TREASURES

(1 Chronicles 26:20–28).

And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God.—Literally, And the Levites—Ahijah over the treasures,... This is a strange beginning, because until now only Levites have been under consideration. We should have expected at least “the other Levites.”

Furthermore, the name Ahijah is suspicious for several reasons:

1. It is not found among the proper names in 1 Chronicles 23:7 and following.
2. It stands alone, without any reference to a family, such as is made in every other case (see 1 Chronicles 26:21–25).
3. The addition of the single letter m at the end of the word would mean “their brethren,” which is, in fact, the reading of the Septuagint.

Therefore, it should be read: And the Levites their brethren were over the treasures; that is, the Levites other than those whose duties have already been described.

Treasures of the house of God.—The ordinary revenues and stores of the Sanctuary, including various kinds of legally prescribed contributions and special gifts (Leviticus 27:0; Numbers 18:16; 1 Chronicles 29:7–8).

Treasures of the dedicated things.—See margin and 1 Chronicles 26:26–27.