Verse 2

according to the order of the king--Hebrew, "by the hands of the king," that is, "according to the king's order," under the personal superintendence of Asaph and his colleagues. which prophesied--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 Kg2 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 (Ch1 16:37-41), while other leaders of the sacred music were stationed at Gibeon.

Verse 5

Heman the king's seer--The title of "seer" or "prophet of David" is also given to Gad (Ch1 21:9), and to Jeduthun (Ch2 29:14-15), in the words (Margin, "matters") of God. to lift up the horn--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 (Ch1 16:41). But his destination seems to have been changed at a subsequent period. God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters--The daughters are mentioned, solely because from their musical taste and talents they formed part of the choir (Psa 68:25).

Verse 6

All these were under the hands of their father--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 (Ch1 23:5).

Verse 8

THEIR DIVISION BY LOT INTO FOUR AND TWENTY ORDERS. (1Ch. 25:8-31) they cast lots, ward against ward--"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. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 26

Verse 1

Observe, I. Singing the praises of God is here called prophesying (Ch1 25:1-3), not that all those who were employed in this service were honoured with the visions of God, or could foretel things to come. Heman indeed is said to be the king's seer in the words of God (Ch1 25:5); but the psalms they sang were composed by the prophets, and many of them were prophetical; and the edification of the church was intended in it, as well as the glory of God. In Samuel's time singing the praises of God went by the name of prophesying (Sa1 10:5; Sa1 19:20), and perhaps that is intended in what St. Paul calls prophesying, Co1 11:4; Co1 14:24. II. This is here called a service, and the persons employed in it workmen, Ch1 25:1. Not but that it is the greatest liberty and pleasure to be employed in praising God: what is heaven but that? But it intimates that it is our duty to make a business of it, and stir up all that is within us to it; and that, in our present state of corruption and infirmity, it will not be done as it should be done without labour and struggle. We must take pains with our hearts to bring them, and keep them, to this work, and to engage all that is within us. III. Here were, in compliance with the temper of that dispensation, a great variety of musical instruments used, harps, psalteries, cymbals (Ch1 25:1, Ch1 25:6), and here was one that lifted up the horn (Ch1 25:5), that is, used wind-music. The bringing of such concerts of music into the worship of God now is what none pretend to. But those who use such concerts for their own entertainment should feel themselves obliged to preserve them always free from any thing that savours of immorality or profaneness, by this consideration, that time was when they were sacred; and then those were justly condemned who brought them into common use, Amo 6:5. They invented to themselves instruments of music like David. IV. The glory and honour of God were principally intended in all this temple-music, whether vocal or instrumental. It was to give thanks, and praise the Lord, that the singers were employed, Ch1 25:3. It was in the songs of the Lord that they were instructed (Ch1 25:7), that is, for songs in the house of the Lord, Ch1 25:6. This agrees with the intention of the perpetuating of psalmody in the gospel-church, which is to make melody with the heart, in conjunction with the voice, unto the Lord, Eph 5:19. V. The order of the king is likewise taken notice of, Ch1 25:2 and again Ch1 25:6. In those matters indeed David acted as a prophet; but his taking care for the due and regular observance of divine institutions, both ancient and modern, is an example to all in authority to use their power for the promoting of religion, and the enforcing of the laws of Christ. Let them thus be ministers of God for good. VI. The fathers presided in this service, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun (Ch1 25:1), and the children were under the hands of their father, Ch1 25:2, Ch1 25:3, Ch1 25:6. This gives a good example to parents to train up their children, and indeed to all seniors to instruct their juniors in the service of God, and particularly in praising him, than which there is no part of our work more necessary or more worthy to be transmitted to the succeeding generations. It gives also an example to the younger to submit themselves to the elder (whose experience and observation fit them for direction), and, as far as may be, to do what they do under their hand. It is probable that Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun, were bred up under Samuel, and had their education in the schools of the prophets which he was the founder and president of; then they were pupils, now they came to be masters. Those that would be eminent must begin early, and take time to prepare themselves. This good work of singing God's praises Samuel revived, and set on foot, but lived not to see it brought to the perfection it appears in here. Solomon perfects what David began, so David perfects what Samuel began. Let all, in their day, do what they can for God and his church, though they cannot carry it so far as they would; when they are gone God can out of stones raise up others who shall build upon their foundation and bring forth the top-stone. VII. There were others also, besides the sons of these three great men, who are called their brethren (probably because they had been wont to join with them in their private concerts), who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, and were cunning or well skilled therein, Ch1 25:7. They were all Levites and were in number 288. Now, 1. These were a good number, and a competent number to keep up the service in the house of God; for they were all skilful in the work to which they were called. When David the king was so much addicted to divine poesy and music many others, all that had a genius for it, applied their studies and endeavours that way. Those do religion a great deal of good service that bring the exercises of devotion into reputation. 2. Yet these were but a small number in comparison with the 4000 whom David appointed thus to praise the Lord, Ch1 23:5. Where were all the rest when only 288, and those but by twelve in a course, were separated to this service? It is probable that all the rest were divided into as many courses, and were to follow as these led. Or, perhaps, these were for songs in the house of the Lord (Ch1 25:6), with whom any that worshipped in the courts of that house might join; and the rest were disposed of, all the kingdom over, to preside in the country congregations, in this good work: for, though the sacrifices instituted by the hand of Moses might be offered but at one place, the psalms penned by David might be sung every where, Ti1 2:8.

Verse 8

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 (Ch1 6:44), but probably he was dead before the establishment was perfected and Jeduthun came in his room. [Or perhaps Ethan and Jeduthun were two names for the same person.] Of these three Providence so ordered it that Asaph had four sons, Jeduthun six [only five are mentioned Ch1 25:3; Shimei, mentioned Ch1 25:17, is supposed to have been the sixth], and Heman fourteen, in all twenty-four (who were named, Ch1 25:2-4), who were all qualified for the service and called to it. But the question was, In what order must they serve? This was determined by lot, to prevent strife for precedency, a sin which most easily besets many that otherwise are good people. I. The lot was thrown impartially. They were placed in twenty-four companies, twelve in a company, in two rows, twelve companies in a row, and so they cast lots, ward against ward, putting them all upon a level, small and great, teacher and scholar. They did not go according to their age, or according to their standing, or the degrees they had taken in the music-schools; but it was referred to God, Ch1 25:8. Small and great, teachers and scholars, stand alike before God, who goes not according to our rules of distinction and precedency. See Mat 20:23. II. God determined it as he pleased, taking account, it is probable, of the respective merits of the persons, which are of much more importance than seniority of age or priority of birth. Let us compare them with the preceding catalogue and we shall find that, 1. Josephus was the second son of Asaph. 2. Gedaliah the eldest son of Jeduthun. 3. Zaccur the eldest of Asaph. 4. Izri the second of Jeduthun. 5. Nethaniah the third of Asaph. 6. Bukkiah the eldest of Heman. 7. Jesharelah the youngest of Asaph. 8. Jeshaiah the third of Jeduthun. 9. Mattaniah the second of Heman. 10. Shimei the youngest of Jeduthun. 11. Azareel the third of Heman. 12. Hashabiah the fourth of Jeduthun. 13. Shubael the fourth of Heman. 14. Mattithiah the fifth of Jeduthun. 15. Jeremoth the fifth of Heman. 16. Hananiah the sixth of Heman. 17. Joshbekashah the eleventh of Heman. 18. Hanani the seventh of Heman. 19. Mallothi the twelfth of Heman. 20. Eliathah the eighth of Heman. 21. Hothir the thirteenth of Heman. 22. Giddalti the ninth of Heman. 23. Mehazioth the fourteenth of Heman. And, lastly, Romamti-ezer, the tenth of Heman. See how God increased some and preferred the younger before the elder. III. Each of these had in his chorus the number of twelve, called their sons and their brethren, because they observed them as sons, and concurred with them as brethren. Probably twelve, some for the voice and others for the instrument, made up the concert. Let us learn with one mind and one mouth to glorify God, and that will be the best concert.

Verse 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, 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 Ch1 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.

Verse 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 Asarelah; called Jesharelah, Ch1 25:14, these had the third fourth, fifth, and seventh lots, Ch1 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.

Verse 3

Of Jeduthun,.... Or Ethan, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah and Zeri; called Izri, Ch1 25:11, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six; whereas five only are mentioned; it may be thought that Shimei, Ch1 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, Ch1 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.

Verse 4

Of Heman: the sons of Heman,.... The third chief singer: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel; the same with Azareel, Ch1 25:18. Shebuel; called Shubael, Ch1 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, Ch1 25:13.

Verse 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 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.

Verse 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 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.

Verse 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 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.

Verse 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 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 Ch1 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.

Verse 9

Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph,.... His second son to the preference of the firstborn, Ch1 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. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 26

Verse 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, 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 Ch1 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.

Verse 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 Asarelah; called Jesharelah, Ch1 25:14, these had the third fourth, fifth, and seventh lots, Ch1 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.

Verse 3

Of Jeduthun,.... Or Ethan, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah and Zeri; called Izri, Ch1 25:11, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six; whereas five only are mentioned; it may be thought that Shimei, Ch1 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, Ch1 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.

Verse 4

Of Heman: the sons of Heman,.... The third chief singer: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel; the same with Azareel, Ch1 25:18. Shebuel; called Shubael, Ch1 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, Ch1 25:13.

Verse 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 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.

Verse 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 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.

Verse 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 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.

Verse 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 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 Ch1 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.

Verse 9

Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph,.... His second son to the preference of the firstborn, Ch1 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. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 26

Verse 1

25:1-7 The musicians who served at the time of King David are listed according to their membership in the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun.

25:1 Asaph: See 6:39-40; 15:17-19; 16:5; 2 Chr 29:30; Ezra 2:40-41; Pss 50; 73–-83.• Heman: See 1 Chr 6:33-38; Ps 88. • Jeduthun: See 1 Chr 16:41-42; 2 Chr 5:12; 35:15; Pss 39, 62, 77.

Verse 2

25:2-3 Asaph and Jeduthun . . . proclaimed God’s messages, meaning they were prophets as well as musicians.

Verse 8

25:8 As with the priests, the order of the musicians by families was decided by sacred lots so that no preference would be shown (see 24:5, 31).