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Text -- 1 Chronicles 25:1-26 (NET)
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics
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collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Wesley: 1Ch 25:1 - -- All the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites, whom David gathered together, 1Ch 23:2, for this very end, that with their approbation an...
All the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites, whom David gathered together, 1Ch 23:2, for this very end, that with their approbation and consent, all these things might be established; who are here fitly called the captains of the host; for the princes were, under David, the chief captains of the militia of the kingdom; and as the Levites are called an host, and the Lord's host, because of their number and order in holy ministrations; so these priests and Levites were the captains and governors of the rest.
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Wesley: 1Ch 25:1 - -- Distributed them into their several ranks: which, tho' chiefly done by David as a prophet, and by Divine direction, yet is imputed in part to the capt...
Distributed them into their several ranks: which, tho' chiefly done by David as a prophet, and by Divine direction, yet is imputed in part to the captains of the host, because it was done with their concurrence and approbation.
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To the service of God under the conduct of these persons.
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Wesley: 1Ch 25:1 - -- Praise God by singing the psalms of David, and other sacred songs made by themselves, who were prophets, or by other prophets or holy men of God.
Praise God by singing the psalms of David, and other sacred songs made by themselves, who were prophets, or by other prophets or holy men of God.
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Wesley: 1Ch 25:1 - -- Of the persons employed in this sacred work. This good work it seems Samuel revived, but did not live to bring it to perfection. Let each in his day d...
Of the persons employed in this sacred work. This good work it seems Samuel revived, but did not live to bring it to perfection. Let each in his day do what he can for God, tho' he cannot carry it so far as he would. When we are gone, God can raise up others to build on our foundation, and bring forth the top - stone.
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In such manner and order as David appointed.
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Wesley: 1Ch 25:3 - -- Jeduthun their father being included in that number: or Shimei, mentioned 1Ch 25:17.
Jeduthun their father being included in that number: or Shimei, mentioned 1Ch 25:17.
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Wesley: 1Ch 25:5 - -- He is called the king's seer, either because the king took special delight in him; or because he frequently attended the king in his palace, executing...
He is called the king's seer, either because the king took special delight in him; or because he frequently attended the king in his palace, executing his sacred office there, while the rest were employed in the tabernacle.
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Wesley: 1Ch 25:5 - -- To sing Divine songs as were inspired by God to the prophets or holy men of God.
To sing Divine songs as were inspired by God to the prophets or holy men of God.
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Wesley: 1Ch 25:5 - -- To praise God with the sound of a trumpet or some other musical instrument made of horn, which being a martial kind of music, might be most grateful t...
To praise God with the sound of a trumpet or some other musical instrument made of horn, which being a martial kind of music, might be most grateful to David's martial spirit: tho' he was also skilled in other instruments of music which he used in the house of God.
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Wesley: 1Ch 25:7 - -- Who were so skilful that they were able to teach others; and together with their scholars, made up the four thousand mentioned 1Ch 23:5.
Who were so skilful that they were able to teach others; and together with their scholars, made up the four thousand mentioned 1Ch 23:5.
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Wesley: 1Ch 25:8 - -- A course of Levites answerable to one of the priests, upon whom the Levites were to wait in their holy ministrations, 1Ch 23:28.
A course of Levites answerable to one of the priests, upon whom the Levites were to wait in their holy ministrations, 1Ch 23:28.
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Without any respect to their different ages or abilities.
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Wesley: 1Ch 25:9 - -- For the family of Asaph, of which Joseph was. Here that clause, he, his sons, and his brethren were twelve, is to be understood, as it is expressed in...
For the family of Asaph, of which Joseph was. Here that clause, he, his sons, and his brethren were twelve, is to be understood, as it is expressed in all the following verses, otherwise they do not make up that number of two hundred and eighty - eight mentioned 1Ch 25:7.
JFB: 1Ch 25:1 - -- That is, the princes (1Ch 23:2; 1Ch 24:6). It is probable that the king was attended on the occasion of arranging the singers by the same parties that...
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JFB: 1Ch 25:2 - -- Hebrew, "by the hands of the king," that is, "according to the king's order," under the personal superintendence of Asaph and his colleagues.
Hebrew, "by the hands of the king," that is, "according to the king's order," under the personal superintendence of Asaph and his colleagues.
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JFB: 1Ch 25:2 - -- That is, in this connection, played with instruments. This metaphorical application of the term "prophecy" most probably originated in the practice of...
That is, in this connection, played with instruments. This metaphorical application of the term "prophecy" most probably originated in the practice of the prophets, who endeavored to rouse their prophetic spirit by the animating influence of music (see on 2Ki 3:15). It is said that Asaph did this "according to David's order," because by royal appointment he officiated in the tabernacle on Zion (1Ch 16:37-41), while other leaders of the sacred music were stationed at Gibeon.
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JFB: 1Ch 25:5 - -- The title of "seer" or "prophet of David" is also given to Gad (1Ch 21:9), and to Jeduthun (2Ch 29:14-15), in the words (Margin, "matters") of God.
The title of "seer" or "prophet of David" is also given to Gad (1Ch 21:9), and to Jeduthun (2Ch 29:14-15), in the words (Margin, "matters") of God.
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JFB: 1Ch 25:5 - -- That is, to blow loudly in the worship of God; or perhaps it means nothing more than that he presided over the wind instruments, as Jeduthun over the ...
That is, to blow loudly in the worship of God; or perhaps it means nothing more than that he presided over the wind instruments, as Jeduthun over the harp. Heman had been appointed at first to serve at Gibeon (1Ch 16:41). But his destination seems to have been changed at a subsequent period.
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JFB: 1Ch 25:5 - -- The daughters are mentioned, solely because from their musical taste and talents they formed part of the choir (Psa 68:25).
The daughters are mentioned, solely because from their musical taste and talents they formed part of the choir (Psa 68:25).
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JFB: 1Ch 25:6-7 - -- Asaph had four sons, Jeduthun six, and Heman fourteen, equal to twenty-four; making the musicians with their brethren the singers, an amount of two hu...
Asaph had four sons, Jeduthun six, and Heman fourteen, equal to twenty-four; making the musicians with their brethren the singers, an amount of two hundred eighty-eight. For, like the priests and Levites, they were divided into twenty-four courses of twelve men each, equal to two hundred eighty-eight, who served a week in rotation; and these, half of whom officiated every week with a proportionate number of assistants, were skilful and experienced musicians, capable of leading and instructing the general musical corps, which comprised no less than four thousand (1Ch 23:5).
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JFB: 1Ch 25:8 - -- "Ward" is an old English word for "division" or "company." The lot was cast to determine the precedence of the classes or divisions over which the mus...
"Ward" is an old English word for "division" or "company." The lot was cast to determine the precedence of the classes or divisions over which the musical leaders presided; and, in order to secure an impartial arrangement of their order, the master and his assistants, the teacher and his scholars, in each class or company took part in this solemn casting of lots. In the first catalogue given in this chapter the courses are classed according to their employment as musicians. In the second, they are arranged in the order of their service.
Clarke: 1Ch 25:1 - -- David and the captains of the host - The chiefs of those who formed the several orders: not military captains
David and the captains of the host - The chiefs of those who formed the several orders: not military captains
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Clarke: 1Ch 25:1 - -- Should prophesy - Should accompany their musical instruments with prayer and singing.
Should prophesy - Should accompany their musical instruments with prayer and singing.
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Clarke: 1Ch 25:2 - -- Which prophesied - Sung hymns and prayed. But the Targum understands this of prophesying in the proper sense of the term; and therefore says, "Who p...
Which prophesied - Sung hymns and prayed. But the Targum understands this of prophesying in the proper sense of the term; and therefore says, "Who prophesied by the Holy Spirit."Jarchi is of the same opinion and quotes the case of Elisha, 2Ki 3:15; While the minstrel played, the hand of the Lord [i.e., the spirit of prophecy] was upon him.
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Clarke: 1Ch 25:3 - -- The sons of Jeduthun - six - That is, six with their father, otherwise, there are but five. Hence it is said, they were under the hands of their fat...
The sons of Jeduthun - six - That is, six with their father, otherwise, there are but five. Hence it is said, they were under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, etc.
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Clarke: 1Ch 25:5 - -- To lift up the horn - "The horn of prophecy,"says Jarchi; "to sound with the trumpet in the words of prophecy before the Lord."- T
To lift up the horn - "The horn of prophecy,"says Jarchi; "to sound with the trumpet in the words of prophecy before the Lord."- T
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Three daughters - These also were employed among the singers.
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Clarke: 1Ch 25:7 - -- Two hundred fourscore and eight - That it twelve classes of twenty-four Levites each; for two hundred and eighty-eight divided by twelve quotes twen...
Two hundred fourscore and eight - That it twelve classes of twenty-four Levites each; for two hundred and eighty-eight divided by twelve quotes twenty-four.
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The second to Gedaliah - The first-born of Jeduthun.
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The third to Zaccur - The first-born of Asaph.
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The fourth to Izri - The second son of Jeduthun.
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Clarke: 1Ch 25:12 - -- The fifth to Nethaniah - The third son of Asaph. Thus we find the lot did not run in any particular kind of order.
The fifth to Nethaniah - The third son of Asaph. Thus we find the lot did not run in any particular kind of order.
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Jesharelah - Supposed to be the same with Uzziel, son of Heman.
TSK: 1Ch 25:1 - -- the captains : That is, the chief of the several orders; not military captains. 1Ch 12:28, 1Ch 23:2, 1Ch 24:5, 1Ch 24:6; 2Ch 23:1, 2Ch 23:9
Asaph : 1C...
the captains : That is, the chief of the several orders; not military captains. 1Ch 12:28, 1Ch 23:2, 1Ch 24:5, 1Ch 24:6; 2Ch 23:1, 2Ch 23:9
Asaph : 1Ch 6:33, 1Ch 6:39, 1Ch 6:44, 1Ch 15:16-19
prophesy : The word prophesy, here, seems to mean no more than praising God by singing inspired prophetical hymns. 1Ch 25:3; 1Sa 10:5; 2Ki 3:15; 1Co 14:24-26
harps : 1Ch 15:16-21, 1Ch 16:4, 1Ch 16:5, 1Ch 16:42, 1Ch 23:5-7; 2Ch 23:13, 2Ch 29:25, 2Ch 29:26, 2Ch 31:2, 2Ch 34:12; Ezr 3:10, Ezr 3:11; Neh 12:24, Neh 12:27, Neh 12:43-46; Psa 81:2, Psa 92:1-3, Psa 150:3-5; Rev 15:2-4
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TSK: 1Ch 25:2 - -- Asaph : 1Ch 25:1, 1Ch 6:39, 1Ch 15:17, 1Ch 16:5; Psa 73:1, Psa 74:1, Psa 75:1, Psa 76:1, Psa 77:1, Psa 78:1 *titles Psa 79:1, Psa 80:1, Psa 81:1, Psa ...
Asaph : 1Ch 25:1, 1Ch 6:39, 1Ch 15:17, 1Ch 16:5; Psa 73:1, Psa 74:1, Psa 75:1, Psa 76:1, Psa 77:1, Psa 78:1 *titles Psa 79:1, Psa 80:1, Psa 81:1, Psa 82:1, Psa 83:1 *titles
Asarelah : ""Otherwise called Jesharelah.""1Ch 25:14.
under the hands : 1Ch 25:3, 1Ch 25:6; Isa 3:6
according to the order of the king : Heb. by the hands of the king, 1Ch 25:6 *marg.
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TSK: 1Ch 25:3 - -- Jeduthun : 1Ch 9:16, 1Ch 16:41, 1Ch 16:42; 2Ch 29:14
Gedaliah : 1Ch 25:9
Zeri : 1Ch 25:11, Izri
Jeshaiah : 1Ch 25:15
Mattithiah : 1Ch 25:21, 1Ch 15:18...
Jeduthun : 1Ch 9:16, 1Ch 16:41, 1Ch 16:42; 2Ch 29:14
Gedaliah : 1Ch 25:9
Zeri : 1Ch 25:11, Izri
Jeshaiah : 1Ch 25:15
Mattithiah : 1Ch 25:21, 1Ch 15:18, 1Ch 15:21
six : ""With Shimei, mentioned 1Ch 25:17.""Shimei is not only mentioned in the parallel passage, but is supplied here by the Arabic version.
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TSK: 1Ch 25:4 - -- Heman : 1Ch 6:33, 1Ch 15:17, 1Ch 15:19, 1Ch 16:41, 1Ch 16:42; Psa 88:1 *title
Bukkiah : 1Ch 25:13
Mattaniah : 1Ch 25:16
Uzziel : 1Ch 25:18, Azareel, 1...
Heman : 1Ch 6:33, 1Ch 15:17, 1Ch 15:19, 1Ch 16:41, 1Ch 16:42; Psa 88:1 *title
Bukkiah : 1Ch 25:13
Mattaniah : 1Ch 25:16
Uzziel : 1Ch 25:18, Azareel, 1Ch 24:24
Shebuel : 1Ch 25:20, 1Ch 24:20, Shubael
Jerimoth : 1Ch 25:22, 1Ch 24:30
Hananiah : 1Ch 25:23
Hanani : 1Ch 25:25
Eliathah : 1Ch 25:27
Giddalti : 1Ch 25:29
Romamtiezer : 1Ch 25:31
Joshbekashah : 1Ch 25:24
Mallothi : 1Ch 25:26
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TSK: 1Ch 25:5 - -- the king’ s seer : 1Ch 21:9; 1Sa 9:9
words : or, matters
to lift up : This may denote that he presided over those who used wind instruments.
God ...
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TSK: 1Ch 25:6 - -- under the hands : 1Ch 25:2, 1Ch 25:3
for song : 1Ch 25:1-3, 1Ch 15:22, 1Ch 23:5; Psa 68:25; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16
according to the king’ s order : H...
under the hands : 1Ch 25:2, 1Ch 25:3
for song : 1Ch 25:1-3, 1Ch 15:22, 1Ch 23:5; Psa 68:25; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16
according to the king’ s order : Heb. by the hands of the king, 1Ch 25:2 *marg.
Asaph : 1Ch 25:1-4
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TSK: 1Ch 25:7 - -- two hundred : These two hundred and eighty-eight, being twenty-four courses of twelve each, were more skilful than the other Levites; and being placed...
two hundred : These two hundred and eighty-eight, being twenty-four courses of twelve each, were more skilful than the other Levites; and being placed under the twenty-four sons of the chief singers, they had the four thousand before mentioned divided among them, to officiate by courses, according to their instructionscaps1 . caps0 1Ch 23:5.
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TSK: 1Ch 25:8 - -- cast lots : 1Ch 24:5; Lev 16:8; 1Sa 14:41, 1Sa 14:42; Pro 16:33; Act 1:26
ward against ward : 1Ch 24:31, 1Ch 26:13, 1Ch 26:16; Neh 12:24
the teacher :...
cast lots : 1Ch 24:5; Lev 16:8; 1Sa 14:41, 1Sa 14:42; Pro 16:33; Act 1:26
ward against ward : 1Ch 24:31, 1Ch 26:13, 1Ch 26:16; Neh 12:24
the teacher : Even among the twenty-four leaders, some were more expert than others; some were teachers, and others were scholars; but every one was taken by the solemn casting of lots, without any regard to these distinctions. Thus all things were disposed for the preserving of order, and avoiding all disputes about precedencecaps1 . tcaps0 here being no respect had, in this divine distribution, to birth, but the younger in course preceded the elder. 1Ch 15:22; 2Ch 23:13
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TSK: 1Ch 25:9 - -- Joseph : 1Ch 25:2
the second : Dr. Geddes, chiefly on the authority of the Arabic, adds, ""who with his sons and brethren were twelve.""
Joseph : 1Ch 25:2
the second : Dr. Geddes, chiefly on the authority of the Arabic, adds, ""who with his sons and brethren were twelve.""
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TSK: 1Ch 25:11 - -- Izri : יצרי [Strong’ s H3339], Izri , seems to be called צרי [Strong’ s H6874], Zeri , by the apheresis of ×™ , yood . 1Ch ...
Izri :
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TSK: 1Ch 25:14 - -- Jesharelah : This variation rises from the mutation of × , aleph , and ×™ , yood ; the word being written in the parallel passage ×שׂר×ל×...
Jesharelah : This variation rises from the mutation of
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TSK: 1Ch 25:18 - -- Azareel : Probably this person was called by both names; or Uzziel may be a mistake for Azareel. In the Syriac and Arabic, the name is nearly the sam...
Azareel : Probably this person was called by both names; or Uzziel may be a mistake for Azareel. In the Syriac and Arabic, the name is nearly the same in both places. 1Ch 25:4, Uzziel
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collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
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Barnes: 1Ch 25:2 - -- Under the hands of Asaph ... - That is to say, "under the direction of Asaph"- who himself "prophesied,"or performed the sacred services, "unde...
Under the hands of Asaph ... - That is to say, "under the direction of Asaph"- who himself "prophesied,"or performed the sacred services, "under the direction of the king."
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Barnes: 1Ch 25:5 - -- To lift up the horn - Some take this literally, and consider that Heman and his sons played on the born in the musical services; but there is n...
To lift up the horn - Some take this literally, and consider that Heman and his sons played on the born in the musical services; but there is no other evidence that the horn was so employed. Perhaps the most probable explanation is that it has been transferred from the next clause, where (as here) it followed the word "God,"with the sense that "God, to exalt Heman’ s horn (or, increase his dignity), gave him fourteen sons and three daughters."
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Barnes: 1Ch 25:7 - -- With their brethren - i. e., "with others of the tribe of Levi."Each son of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman, was at the head of a band of twelve ski...
With their brethren - i. e., "with others of the tribe of Levi."Each son of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman, was at the head of a band of twelve skilled musicians, consisting partly of his own sons, partly of Levites belonging to other families 1 Chr. 25:9-31. The 24 band-leaders, together with their bands, formed a body of 288 persons (24 x 12 =288) Besides these, we hear of there being above 3,700 singers, who were probably divided, like the trained musicians, into 24 courses, which must have contained about 155 each 1Ch 23:5.
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Barnes: 1Ch 25:8 - -- As well the small as the great - Compare 1Ch 24:31. The lot was not applied indiscriminately to all the 24 courses, but was only used to settle...
As well the small as the great - Compare 1Ch 24:31. The lot was not applied indiscriminately to all the 24 courses, but was only used to settle which course of Asaph, which of Jeduthun, and which of Heman, should on each occasion be taken. Asaph was given the precedence over his brethren, and his four courses were assigned the first, and then each alternate place. Jeduthun took rank next, and received alternate places, first with Asaph, and then with Heman, until his courses were exhausted. After this, all the later places fell necessarily to Heman, whose courses continue without interruption from the 15th.
Poole: 1Ch 25:1 - -- The captains of the host both of the civil and sacred host, to wit, all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites , whom David gather...
The captains of the host both of the civil and sacred host, to wit, all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites , whom David gathered together, 1Ch 23:2 , for this very end, that in their presence, and with their approbation and consent, all these things might be established; who are here fitly called the captains of the host ; for the princes were, under David, the chief captains or commanders of the militia or trained bands of the kingdom: and as the Levites are called a host and the Lord’ s host , Num 4:3 , and elsewhere, because of their number and order in holy ministrations; so these priests and Levites were the captains and governors of the rest. Separated , i.e. distributed them into their several ranks and orders; which, though chiefly done by David as a prophet, and by Divine direction, as hath been oft observed, yet is here imputed in part to the captains of the host, because it was done with their concurrence and approbation. To the service of the sons of Asaph , &c, i.e. to the service of God under the conduct and command of these persons. Who should prophesy , i.e. praise God by singing the Psalms of David, (of which See Poole "1Ch 16:7" ,) and other sacred songs made by themselves, who were prophets in some sort, or by other prophets or holy men of God. Or this action of theirs is called prophesying , because it had been formerly performed by the prophets; and the sons of the prophets; of which see 1Sa 10:5 19:20 2Ki 3:15 1Ch 15:19 . The number of the workmen of the persons employed in this sacred work.
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Poole: 1Ch 25:2 - -- Under the hands of Asaph i.e. under his oversight and direction. According to the order of the king; in such manner and order as David appointed.
Under the hands of Asaph i.e. under his oversight and direction. According to the order of the king; in such manner and order as David appointed.
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Poole: 1Ch 25:3 - -- The sons of Jeduthun or, his sons , (the construct form being used before the absolute, of which there are examples in Scripture,) Jeduthun , calle...
The sons of Jeduthun or, his sons , (the construct form being used before the absolute, of which there are examples in Scripture,) Jeduthun , called by his father’ s name; otherwise they are not six , unless either Jeduthun their father be included in that number, or Shimei, mentioned 1Ch 25:17 , be one of them, as many learned men think. See the like, 1Ch 24:23 .
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Poole: 1Ch 25:5 - -- The king’ s seer or prophet , which is the same thing, 1Sa 9:9 . Either he was a prophet as well as a singer; or he is thus called because he p...
The king’ s seer or prophet , which is the same thing, 1Sa 9:9 . Either he was a prophet as well as a singer; or he is thus called because he prophesied in the sense designed, 1Ch 25:1 . And he is called the king’ s seer , either because the king took special delight in him, or because he frequently attended upon the king in his palace, executing his sacred office there, while the rest were constantly employed in the tabernacle. In the words of God , i.e. to sing such Divine songs as were inspired by God to the prophets or holy men of God. To lift up the horn ; either,
1. Metaphorically, to extol and praise God for exalting
the horn (i.e. the power and kingdom) of David ; of which phrase see Psa 92:10 Psa 132:17 . Or rather,
2. Properly, to praise God with the sound of a trumpet, (as was usual, as 2Ch 5:12 13:12 ) or some other musical instrument made of horn, which being a martial kind of music, might be most grateful to David’ s martial spirit; though he was also skilled in other instruments of music, which he used in the house of God, as is expressed in the next verse.
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Poole: 1Ch 25:6 - -- Under the hands i.e. under his direction, as 1Ch 25:2 .
According to the king’ s order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman Heb. by the hands of the...
Under the hands i.e. under his direction, as 1Ch 25:2 .
According to the king’ s order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman Heb. by the hands of the king, and of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman , i.e. according to the king’ s appointment, and under the conduct of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.
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Poole: 1Ch 25:7 - -- All that were cunning who were so skilful that they were able to teach others.
Two hundred fourscore and eight which, together with their scholars,...
All that were cunning who were so skilful that they were able to teach others.
Two hundred fourscore and eight which, together with their scholars, make up the four thousand mentioned 1Ch 23:5 .
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Poole: 1Ch 25:8 - -- Ward against ward i.e. a ward, or rank, or course of Levites answerable to one of the priests, upon whom the Levites were to wait in their holy minis...
Ward against ward i.e. a ward, or rank, or course of Levites answerable to one of the priests, upon whom the Levites were to wait in their holy ministrations, 1Ch 23:28 . As well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar, without any respect to their different ages or abilities.
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Poole: 1Ch 25:9 - -- For Asaph to Joseph i.e. for the family of Asaph, of which Joseph was. Here that clause, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve , is to be unde...
For Asaph to Joseph i.e. for the family of Asaph, of which Joseph was. Here that clause, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve , is to be understood, as it is expressed in all the following verses, otherwise they do not make up that number of two hundred and eighty-eight mentioned 1Ch 25:7 .
To Gedaliah, who Heb. he ; which word being here expressed, is rightly understood and supplied in the rest.
Haydock: 1Ch 25:1 - -- Army; the chief magistrates of the state and of the church. (Tirinus) (Chap. xxiv. 6, 31.) ---
The priests, &c., were all divided into twenty-four...
Army; the chief magistrates of the state and of the church. (Tirinus) (Chap. xxiv. 6, 31.) ---
The priests, &c., were all divided into twenty-four classes, each having twelve masters to preside, ver. 7. (Calmet) ---
Idithun, or Ethan, chap vi. 44., and xv. 19., (Worthington) and 3 Kings iv. 31. ---
The twenty-four sons of these three, who were chief musicians under David and Solomon, presided over the bands: eleven other inferior masters helped to instruct the rest, ver. 9. ---
Prophecy, or play on instruments. ---
Harps. "Kinnor" means also the "guitar." (Calmet) ---
Vulgate has, lyras, chap. xv. 16. ---
Psalteries. Hebrew, " nebalim. " (Menochius) ---
The Jews pretend that the singers were inspired commonly, when they sounded forth God's praises in the temple, as Eliseus was, 4 Kings iii. 15. (Lyranus; Estius) ---
But they may be said to prophesy, because they sung the composition of the prophets. (Worthington) ---
According. Hebrew, "and the number of the workmen, (or experienced musicians) according to their service, was." (Haydock) ---
The chiefs of the twenty-four bands were carefully selected.
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Haydock: 1Ch 25:2 - -- King, who sat in a separate tribune. Asaph presided in the royal city, at court, and in the tabernacle, while some of the singers were fixed at Gaba...
King, who sat in a separate tribune. Asaph presided in the royal city, at court, and in the tabernacle, while some of the singers were fixed at Gabaon, chap. xvi. 7, 37, and 41. (Calmet) ---
Hebrew may signify, "at the king's command. (Pagnin) ---
He sometimes condescended to direct the singers, ver. 6. (Haydock)
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Haydock: 1Ch 25:3 - -- Of Idithun; or, altering the punctuation, (Du Hamel) "Now the sons of Idithun, the first-born, Godolias (Haydock) Sori, or Isari, ver. 11. Thus, t...
Of Idithun; or, altering the punctuation, (Du Hamel) "Now the sons of Idithun, the first-born, Godolias (Haydock) Sori, or Isari, ver. 11. Thus, the number six, will be complete: otherwise we much acknowledge that Idithun, the father, is counted with his children; or that a name is lost, perhaps that of Semeias, (ver. 17.; Calmet) as [the] Alexandrian Septuagint has Semei before Hasabias. (Haydock) ---
Harp, ( kinnor. ) This was the distinctive instrument of this band, as the horn was of Heman's. (Calmet)
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Haydock: 1Ch 25:5 - -- Seer; a title usually given to the real prophets, who foresee future things. (Menochius) ---
Gad has this title, 2 Paralipomenon xxiv. 11. But Hem...
Seer; a title usually given to the real prophets, who foresee future things. (Menochius) ---
Gad has this title, 2 Paralipomenon xxiv. 11. But Heman's office was to proclaim the words of God, with the sound of the horn. This musician had formerly been fixed at Gabaon, chap. xvi. 41. (Calmet) ---
To lift up the horn, or to sing those psalms, which regarded the kingdom of David, and of Christ, as others were composed for the instruction of the people. (Tirinus) ---
Daughters. These are specified, only because they joined with their brethren, in singing in the temple. (Abulensis, q. 14.) (Menochius) ---
At least, we find that there were bands of young women, in the solemn procession. (Haydock) (Chap. xv. 20., and Psalm lxvii. 26.) (Calmet)
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Haydock: 1Ch 25:6 - -- Near. Hebrew, "under the hand of the king," who presided over a band of musicians, as well as Asaph; (Calmet) or he directed all, particularly givi...
Near. Hebrew, "under the hand of the king," who presided over a band of musicians, as well as Asaph; (Calmet) or he directed all, particularly giving his instructions to Asaph, &c. ---
To wit in not in Hebrew, "by the order of the king to Asaph." (Haydock)
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Haydock: 1Ch 25:7 - -- Eight, comprising the twenty-four princes, and the eleven secondary masters of each of the bands, or twelve times twenty-four, ver. 1.
Eight, comprising the twenty-four princes, and the eleven secondary masters of each of the bands, or twelve times twenty-four, ver. 1.
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Haydock: 1Ch 25:8 - -- Unlearned. Hebrew and Septuagint, "the scholars." (Haydock) ---
After the singers had been distributed into twenty-four classes, pretty equal in n...
Unlearned. Hebrew and Septuagint, "the scholars." (Haydock) ---
After the singers had been distributed into twenty-four classes, pretty equal in number, lots decided which of then should serve first, (Menochius) as had been done with the priests, chap. xxiv. 31. See chap. xxvi. 13.
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Haydock: 1Ch 25:9 - -- Asaph. Add, "to him, and (Haydock) to his sons, and his brethren, twelve," who taught the rest. Unless these twelve be admitted, (Tirinus) as in t...
Asaph. Add, "to him, and (Haydock) to his sons, and his brethren, twelve," who taught the rest. Unless these twelve be admitted, (Tirinus) as in the sequel, (Haydock) the number 288 will not be found, ver. 7. (Tirinus) ---
Septuagint is very confused: "And the first (entire) lot of his sons and brethren came out to Asaph, of Joseph, Godolias: the second Enia, his brethren, and his sons, twelve." Hebrew, "the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph; the second to," &c. (Protestants) In all the subsequent verses they read, " he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve." Why Asaph should be mentioned any more than Idithun or Heman, does not appear. Their children are placed indiscriminately by lot. (Haydock)
Gill: 1Ch 25:1 - -- Moreover, David and the captains of the host separated to the service,.... Of singing the praises of God; this was done by the princes of the people, ...
Moreover, David and the captains of the host separated to the service,.... Of singing the praises of God; this was done by the princes of the people, and the chief of the priests, who were gathered together, and before whom the lots were cast, both for priests and Levites, and now here for the singers, see 1Ch 22:2 and those that were separated were
of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun; or Ethan, the three precentors, or chief of the singers:
who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals; sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, endited by the Holy Spirit of God; which contained in them prophecies concerning things to come, particularly relating to the Messiah, of which there are many in the book of Psalms; and to the tunes of these they played on the above instruments of music:
and the number of the workmen, according to their service, was; as follows.
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Gill: 1Ch 25:2 - -- Of the sons of Asaph,.... Who were separated, and by lot appointed, to the service of singers in the temple:
Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and...
Of the sons of Asaph,.... Who were separated, and by lot appointed, to the service of singers in the temple:
Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah; called Jesharelah, 1Ch 25:14, these had the third fourth, fifth, and seventh lots, 1Ch 25:9,
under the hands of Asaph; under his instruction and authority:
which prophesied according to the order of the king; which Asaph composed psalms under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and was ordered by King David to sing them, and by whose command they were inserted in the book of Psalms, where they now stand with his name to them.
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Gill: 1Ch 25:3 - -- Of Jeduthun,.... Or Ethan, the sons of Jeduthun:
Gedaliah and Zeri; called Izri, 1Ch 25:11,
and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six; wherea...
Of Jeduthun,.... Or Ethan, the sons of Jeduthun:
Gedaliah and Zeri; called Izri, 1Ch 25:11,
and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six; whereas five only are mentioned; it may be thought that Shimei, 1Ch 25:17 is the sixth, he not being mentioned elsewhere; it is a tradition of the Jews, that his mother was now with child of him, and it being foreseen by the Holy Spirit that he would be the chief of a course, the number six is given, as Jarchi observes; but rather, as Kimchi, he was young, and not fit to sing, yet was chosen the head of a course, until he was grown up and fit for it; to these six came up the second, fourth, eighth, twelfth, fourteenth, and tenth lots, 1Ch 25:9 and these
were under the hands of their father Jeduthun; to instruct and direct them, and appoint their service to them:
who prophesied with a harp; or sung a prophetic psalm or hymn on that:
to give thanks, and to praise the Lord; for what he had done and promised, and foretold he would do for his people.
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Gill: 1Ch 25:4 - -- Of Heman: the sons of Heman,.... The third chief singer:
Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel; the same with Azareel, 1Ch 25:18.
Shebuel; called Shubael, ...
Of Heman: the sons of Heman,.... The third chief singer:
Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel; the same with Azareel, 1Ch 25:18.
Shebuel; called Shubael, 1Ch 25:20.
and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamtiezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth; in all fourteen, to whom came the sixth, ninth, eleventh, fifteenth, sixteenth, eighteenth, twentieth, twenty second, twenty fourth, seventeenth, nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty third lots, 1Ch 25:13.
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Gill: 1Ch 25:5 - -- All these were the sons of Heman, the king's seer,.... The prophet of the king, as the Targum, who was frequently with him, assisting him
in the wo...
All these were the sons of Heman, the king's seer,.... The prophet of the king, as the Targum, who was frequently with him, assisting him
in the words of God: in divine things:
to lift up the horn; to blow with the hornpipe or trumpet, and to magnify and set forth the greatness of the kingdom of Israel, and especially of the King Messiah, the horn of salvation, that would be raised up in the house of David:
and God gave to Heman fourteen sons; whose names are before mentioned:
and three daughters; of whom we have no more account, only may observe, that both are the gifts of God, and an heritage from him, Psa 127:3.
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Gill: 1Ch 25:6 - -- All these were under the hands of their father, for song in the house of the Lord,.... Instructed and directed by him in the performance of the servic...
All these were under the hands of their father, for song in the house of the Lord,.... Instructed and directed by him in the performance of the service in the temple:
with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God; which were the three principal instruments of music used in the temple service:
according to the king's order, to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman; who ordered and directed them what to sing, what tunes to make use of, and what instruments to play upon to those tunes.
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Gill: 1Ch 25:7 - -- So the number of them, with their brethren,.... Who each of them had twelve with them, as after reckoned:
that were instructed in the songs of the ...
So the number of them, with their brethren,.... Who each of them had twelve with them, as after reckoned:
that were instructed in the songs of the Lord; taught how to sing them:
even all that were cunning; expert and well skilled in the science of singing:
was two hundred and eighty eight; for there being twenty four classes answerable to those of the priests, and twelve in each class, twelve times twenty four makes two hundred and eighty eight.
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Gill: 1Ch 25:8 - -- And they cast lots, ward against ward,.... That is, which ward or course of the singers should answer to and attend on the first ward or course of the...
And they cast lots, ward against ward,.... That is, which ward or course of the singers should answer to and attend on the first ward or course of the priests in their weekly service, and which the second, and so on:
as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar; no regard was had to the age of a person, his being the firstborn or a younger brother, or to his office and station, whether as a teacher or a learner in the science of singing; he was made the head of a course, as the lot came up; and it may easily be observed, by comparing the lots in the following verses with the sons of the chief singers, according to the order of them in 1Ch 25:2 that the younger are often preferred in the courses by lot to the elder, of which even the first lot is an instance.
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Gill: 1Ch 25:9-31 - -- Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph,.... His second son to the preference of the firstborn, 1Ch 25:2,
the second to Gedaliah, who with...
Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph,.... His second son to the preference of the firstborn, 1Ch 25:2,
the second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons were twelve: and which must also be understood of Joseph, and supplied to him; for those being both in one verse, as Jarchi observes, it is but once mentioned, but must be supplied, or otherwise the number of two hundred and eighty eight could not be made up; the same is observed of all the other lots and courses to the end of the chapter as here, and therefore need no more remarks.
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expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
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NET Notes: 1Ch 25:2 Heb “the sons of Asaph [were] upon the hand of Asaph, the one prophesying upon the hands of the king.”
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NET Notes: 1Ch 25:3 The list includes only five names. Apparently the name “Shimei” (see v. 17), which appears in one medieval Hebrew ms and in the LXX, has b...
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NET Notes: 1Ch 25:5 Heb “by the words of God to exalt a horn.” An animal’s horn is sometimes used metaphorically as a symbol of strength and honor. See ...
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NET Notes: 1Ch 25:7 Heb “and their number with their brothers, trained in music to the Lord, all skilled, was 288.”
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NET Notes: 1Ch 25:8 Heb “and they cast lots [for] service, just as like small, like great, teacher with student.”
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NET Notes: 1Ch 25:9 Heb “The first lot went to Asaph, to Joseph.” Apparently the recurring formula, “and his sons and his relatives, twelve” has b...
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Geneva Bible: 1Ch 25:1 Moreover David and the captains of the host ( a ) separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy wi...
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Geneva Bible: 1Ch 25:3 Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, ( b ) six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, w...
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Geneva Bible: 1Ch 25:8 And they cast lots, ( d ) ward against [ward], as well the ( e ) small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.
( d ) Who should be in every company...
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Geneva Bible: 1Ch 25:9 Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to ( f ) Joseph: the second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons [were] twelve:
( f ) So that he served...
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expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> 1Ch 25:1-31
TSK Synopsis: 1Ch 25:1-31 - --1 The number and offices of the singers.8 Their division by lot into four and twenty orders.
MHCC -> 1Ch 25:1-31
MHCC: 1Ch 25:1-31 - --David put those in order who were appointed to be singers and musicians in the temple. To prophesy, in this place, means praising God with great earne...
Matthew Henry -> 1Ch 25:1-7; 1Ch 25:8-31
Matthew Henry: 1Ch 25:1-7 - -- Observe, I. Singing the praises of God is here called prophesying (1Ch 25:1-3), not that all those who were employed in this service were honoured...
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Matthew Henry: 1Ch 25:8-31 - -- Twenty-four persons are named in the beginning of this chapter as sons of those three great men, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. Ethan was the third (1C...
Keil-Delitzsch: 1Ch 25:1 - --
The twenty-four classes of musicians . - 1Ch 25:1. "David and the princes of the host separated for the service the sons of Asaph,"etc. ×”ï†×‘× ...
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Keil-Delitzsch: 1Ch 25:2-3 - --
With ×סף ×œ×‘× ×™ the enumeration beings: "Of Asaph's sons were, or to Asaph's sons belonged, Zacchur,"etc. Four are here named, but the number...
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Keil-Delitzsch: 1Ch 25:4-5 - --
Fourteen sons of Heman are enumerated. עזר רממïŠ×™ is one name, cf. 31, although עזר is without doubt to be supplied also after גּדּ...
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Keil-Delitzsch: 1Ch 25:6-7 - --
1Ch 25:6 is the subscription to the enumeration, 1Ch 25:2-5. כּל־×לּה are not the fourteen sons of Heman, but all the sons of Asaph, Jeduthun...
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Keil-Delitzsch: 1Ch 25:8 - --
They cast lots, משׁמרת גּורלות , κληÌÏους ἐφημεÏιÌων (lxx), by which the משׁמרת , the waiting upon the serv...
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Keil-Delitzsch: 1Ch 25:9-31 - --
The order of succession was so determined by lot, that the four sons of Asaph (1Ch 25:3) received the first, third, fifth, and seventh places; the s...
Constable: 1Ch 10:1--29:30 - --II. THE REIGN OF DAVID chs. 10--29
In all of Chronicles the writer assumed his readers' acquaintance with the ot...
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Constable: 1Ch 17:1--29:30 - --E. God's Covenant Promises to David chs. 17-29
The dominating theme in 1 Chronicles is the Davidic Coven...
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Constable: 1Ch 22:1--27:34 - --2. The second account of God's promises to David chs. 22-27
In this section of chapters we have ...
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