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The duties of the descendants of Levi
1David was a very old man [DOU] when he appointed his son Solomon to be the next king. 2David gathered the leaders of Israel and the priests and other descendants of Levi. 3He commanded some of his officials to count the descendants of Levi who were at least thirty years old, and they found out that there were 38,000 of them. 4Then David said, “From those 38,000 men, I want 24,000 of them to supervise the work at the temple of Yahweh, and I want 6,000 of them to be officials and judges. 5I want 4,000 to be guards at the gates, and 4,000 to praise Yahweh, using the musical instruments that I have provided for them.” 6David divided the descendants of Levi into three family groups; each group consisted of men who were descendants of one of the three sons of Levi—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
The descendants of Gershon
7From the descendants of Gershon there were Ladan and Shimei. 8There were three sons of Ladan: Jehiel was the oldest, and his younger brothers Zetham and Joel. 9There were three of the sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran. They were all leaders of the clans of Ladan. 10There were four men who were other sons of Shimei: 11Jahath, who was his oldest son, and his younger brothers Ziza, Jeush, and Beriah. Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were counted as though they were one family.
The descendants of Kohath
12Kohath had four sons: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 13There were two sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart to dedicate the very holy things, to offer sacrifices to Yahweh, to serve in his presence, and to declare to the people what Yahweh [MTY] would do to bless them. They were to do those things forever. 14The sons of Moses, the man who served God well, were counted as part of the tribe of Levi. 15The sons of Moses were Gershom and Eliezer. 16The oldest son of Gershom was Shubael. 17Rehabiah was the oldest son of Eliezer. Eliezer had no other sons, but Rehabiah had many sons. 18The oldest son of Izhar was Shelomith. 19Hebron had four sons. Jeriah was his oldest son, and his younger brothers were Amariah, Jahaziel, and Jekameam. 20Uzziel had two sons. Micah was the oldest son, and his younger brother was Isshiah.
The descendants of Merari
21Merari had two sons: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli were Eleazar and Kish. 22Eleazar had no sons; he had only daughters. Their cousins, the sons of Kish, married them. 23The three sons of Mushi were Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth.
24Those were the descendants of Levi, whose names were listed according to their families/clans. They were chosen for special jobs by ◄casting lots/throwing small marked stones►. Each person who was at least 20 years old was listed. They all worked in the temple of Yahweh. 25David had said previously, “Yahweh, the God to whom we Israeli people belong, has enabled us to have peace, and he has come to live in Jerusalem forever. 26Therefore, the descendants of Levi no longer need to carry the Sacred Tent and the items used in the work there.” 27Obeying the final instructions of David before he died, instructions for doing this work at the temple, they counted only the descendants of Levi who were at least 20 years old. 28The work of those descendants of Levi was to assist the descendants of Aaron in their work in the temple of Yahweh: To be in charge of the temple courtyards and the side rooms, the ceremonies for purifying all the sacred things, and to do other work at the temple. 29They were also in charge of the sacred loaves of bread that were placed each week on the table in the temple, the flour for the grain offerings, the wafers that were made without yeast, and the measuring the ingredients and mixing them and baking that bread and those wafers. 30They were also told to stand every morning at the temple and thank Yahweh and praise him. They were also required to do the same thing every evening. 31And they were to do the same thing whenever offerings that were to be completely burned on the altar were presented/offered to Yahweh on Sabbath days and during the new moon celebrations and other religious festivals. They were told how many of them should be there and what they should do each time. 32So the descendants of Levi did the work that was assigned to them by their fellow Israelis who were descendants of Aaron. They did that work in the area surrounding the Sacred Tent, and in the Sacred Tent, and later at the temple.
(Through the Bible) 1 Chronicles 20-29
By Chuck Smith2.4K1:32:10Through The BibleJOS 1:82SA 24:171KI 3:131CH 23:301CH 24:2In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the beauty of constant worship and praises being offered to God. He mentions how in the times of David, there were four thousand men dedicated to playing instruments and worshiping God. The speaker expresses concern for the future, as he believes that our nation has lost its relationship with God and is facing disaster. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relationship with God and obeying His commandments, as turning away from God has always led to disaster in every nation. The speaker also expresses his worry for his grandchildren growing up in a society corrupted by the movie industry and hopes that they will be able to enjoy the same blessings of freedom that he has experienced.
The Building of the House of the Lord
By Chuck Smith90025:04Temple1CH 23:11CH 24:1In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the building of the house of the Lord as described in First Chronicles. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of God's presence and seeking His guidance and wisdom in our lives. Pastor Chuck also mentions a book he has written called "Living Water," which explores the power of the Holy Spirit to transform our lives. He concludes by listing the various responsibilities assigned to the Levites in the temple, including serving, judging, and praising the Lord.
Pressures of Christianity 06 Pressure-Burdenbearing
By Harry Deutchman7031:02:001CH 23:141CH 24:17In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of bearing burdens for the Lord. He references the story of Nehemiah and how the strength of the burden bearers had decayed, resulting in a lack of desire and interest. The preacher emphasizes that when individuals refuse to bear burdens for the Lord, there are negative consequences. He also discusses the concept of pressure and how different individuals in the Bible, such as the blind man and the godly people in Genesis, responded to pressure. The sermon concludes with the question of what to do with our burdens in the current times and highlights the importance of realizing that we are only helpers in God's work.
The Call to Be a Full-Time Intercessory Missionary
By Mike Bickle2253:52Intercessory PrayerCalling and Vocation1CH 9:331CH 23:30ISA 62:6MAT 21:13LUK 2:37ACT 6:4ROM 12:121TH 5:16JAS 5:16REV 5:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the growing call for full-time intercessory missionaries within the body of Christ, highlighting the biblical foundation and historical precedent for this vocation. He notes the significant increase in 24-hour prayer ministries globally, from 25 to over 20,000 in just 30 years, indicating a divine movement led by the Holy Spirit. Bickle encourages believers to support this calling, even if they are not personally called to it, and stresses the importance of prayer as a central activity in the church. He references biblical examples, particularly from the Old Testament, to illustrate the role of intercessors and their vital function in God's plan. Ultimately, he calls for a recognition of individual callings while affirming the necessity of intercessory prayer in the end times.
Aaron Was Separated, He and His Sons for Ever,
By F.B. Meyer0Separation for ServiceIntercession and Blessing1CH 23:13HEB 10:19F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Aaron's separation as a priest, drawing parallels to our own calling to live a separated life dedicated to God. He highlights the threefold office of intercession, ministry, and blessing, urging believers to engage in fervent prayer for others, serve with a unified purpose for God's glory, and actively bless those around them. Meyer encourages Christians to embody these roles, reminding them that true closeness to God enables them to impact the world positively. The sermon calls for a deeper commitment to spiritual growth and service, reflecting the essence of being chosen priests in Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Matthew Henry
- John Gill
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Tyndale
Introduction
David makes Solomon king, Ch1 23:1. Numbers the Levites, and appoints them their work, Ch1 23:2-5. The sons of Levi, Gershom, Kohath, Merari, and their descendants, Ch1 23:6-12. The sons of Amram, and their descendants, Ch1 23:13. The sons of Moses, and their descendants, Ch1 23:14-24. David appoints the Levites to wait on the priests for the service of the sanctuary, Ch1 23:25-32.
Verse 1
David was old and full of days - On the phrase full of days, see the note on Gen 25:8.
Verse 3
Thirty years and upward - The enumeration of the Levites made in the desert, Num 4:3, was from thirty years upwards to fifty years. In this place, the latter limit is not mentioned, probably because the service was not so laborious now; for the ark being fixed they had no longer any heavy burdens to carry, and therefore even an old man might continue to serve the tabernacle. David made another ordinance afterwards; see on Ch1 23:24-27 (note).
Verse 5
Four thousand praised the Lord - David made this distribution according to his own judgment, and from the dictates of his piety; but it does not appear that he had any positive Divine authority for such arrangements. As to the instruments of music which he made they are condemned elsewhere; see Amo 6:5, to which this verse is allowed to be the parallel.
Verse 11
Therefore they were in one reckoning - The family of Shimei, being small, was united with that of Laadan, that the two families might do that work which otherwise belonged to one, but which would have been too much for either of these separately.
Verse 13
To bless in his name - To bless the people by invoking the name of the Lord.
Verse 14
Moses the man of God - "Moses the prophet of God," - T.
Verse 16
To this verse the Targum adds, "The same Jonathan, who became a false prophet, repented in his old age; and David made him his chief treasurer."
Verse 17
But the sons of Rehabiah were very many - The Targum says, "On account of the merits of Moses, the posterity of Rehabiah were multiplied to more than sixty myriads."
Verse 22
Their brethren the sons of Kish took them - This was according to the law made Num 27:1, etc., and Num 36:5-9, in favor of the daughters of Zelophehad, that women who were heiresses should marry in the family of the tribe of their father, and that their estates should not be alienated from them.
Verse 24
Twenty years and upward - It appears that this was a different ordinance from that mentioned Ch1 23:3. At first he appointed the Levites to serve from thirty years and upward; now from twenty years. These were David's last orders; see Ch1 23:27. They should begin at an earlier age, and continue later. This was not a very painful task; the ark being now fixed, and the Levites very numerous, there could be no drudgery.
Verse 28
Purifying of all holy things - Keeping all the vessels and utensils belonging to the sacred service clean and neat.
Verse 29
Both for the shew-bread - It was the priests' office to place this bread before the Lord, and it was their privilege to feed on the old loaves when they were replaced by the new. Some of the rabbins think that the priests sowed, reaped, ground, kneaded, and baked the grain of which the shew-bread was made. This appears to be a conceit. Jerome, in his comment on Mal 1:6, mentions it in these words: "Panes propositionis quos, juxta traditiones Hebraicas, ipsi serere, ipsi demetere, ipsi molere, ipsi coquere debebatis." For all manner of measure and size - The standards of all weights and measures were kept at the sanctuary, and by those there deposited all the weights and measures of the land were to be tried. See the note on Exo 30:13.
Verse 30
To stand every morning - At the offering of the morning and evening sacrifice, they sounded their musical instruments, and sang praises to God.
Verse 32
The charge of the sons of Aaron - It was the priests' business to kill, flay, and dress, as well as to offer, the victims, but being few, they were obliged to employ the Levites to flay those animals. The Levites were, properly speaking, servants to the priests, and were employed about the more servile part of Divine worship.
Introduction
DAVID MAKES SOLOMON KING. (Ch1 23:1) when David was old . . . he made Solomon . . . king--This brief statement, which comprises the substance of 1Ki. 1:32-48, is made here solely to introduce an account of the preparations carried on by David during the latter years of his life for providing a national place of worship.
Verse 2
NUMBER AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE LEVITES. (Ch1 23:2-6) he gathered together all the princes of Israel--All important measures relating to the public interest were submitted for consideration to a general assembly of the representatives of the tribes (Ch1 13:1; Ch1 15:25; Ch1 22:17; 1Ch. 26:1-32).
Verse 3
the Levites were numbered . . . thirty and eight thousand--Four times their number at the early census taken by Moses (see on Num. 4:1-49; Num. 26:1-51). It was, in all likelihood, this vast increase that suggested and rendered expedient that classification, made in the last year of David's reign, which the present and three subsequent chapters describe. by their polls, man by man--Women and children were not included.
Verse 4
twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the Lord--They were not to preside over all the services of the temple. The Levites were subject to the priests, and they were superior to the Nethinim and other servants, who were not of the race of Levi. But they had certain departments of duty assigned, some of which are here specified.
Verse 5
praised the Lord with the instruments which I made--David seems to have been an inventor of many of the musical instruments used in the temple (Amo 6:5).
Verse 6
David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi--These are enumerated according to their fathers' houses, but no more of these are mentioned here than the twenty-four thousand who were engaged in the work connected with the Lord's house. The fathers' houses of those Levites corresponded with the classes into which they [JOSEPHUS, Antiquities] as well as the priests were divided (see on Ch1 24:20-31; Ch1 26:20-28).
Verse 7
SONS OF GERSHON. (Ch1 23:7-11) the Gershonites--They had nine fathers' houses, six descended from Laadan, and three from Shimei.
Verse 12
OF KOHATH. (Ch1 23:12-20) The sons of Kohath--He was the founder of nine Levitical fathers' houses.
Verse 13
Aaron was separated--as high priest (see on 1Ch. 25:1-19).
Verse 14
concerning Moses--His sons were ranked with the Levites generally, but not introduced into the distinctive portion of the descendants of Levi, who were appointed to the special functions of the priesthood.
Verse 21
OF MERARI. (Ch1 23:21-23) The sons of Merari--They comprised six fathers' houses. Summing them together, Gershon founded nine fathers houses, Kohath nine, and Merari six: total, twenty-four.
Verse 24
OFFICE OF THE LEVITES. (Ch1 23:24-32) These were the sons of Levi . . . that did the work . . . from the age of twenty years and upward--The enumeration of the Levites was made by David (Ch1 23:3) on the same rule as that followed by Moses (Num 4:3), namely, from thirty years. But he saw afterwards that this rule might be beneficially relaxed, and that the enrolment of Levites for their proper duties might be made from twenty years of age. The ark and tabernacle being now stationary at Jerusalem, the labor of the Levites was greatly diminished, as they were no longer obliged to transport its heavy furniture from place to place. The number of thirty-eight thousand Levites, exclusive of priests, was doubtless more than sufficient for the ordinary service of the tabernacle. But this pious king thought that it would contribute to the glory of the Lord to employ as many officers in his divine service as possible. These first rules, however, which David instituted, were temporary, as very different arrangements were made after the ark had been deposited in the tabernacle of Zion. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 24
Introduction
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, in this and the following chapters settles the method of the temple-service and puts into order the offices and officers of it. In the late irregular times, and during the wars in the beginning of his reign, we may suppose that, though the Levitical ordinances were kept up, yet it was not in the order, nor with the beauty and exactness, that were desirable. Now David, being a prophet, as well as a prince, by divine warrant and direction, "set in order the things that were wanting." In this chapter we are informed, I. He declared Solomon to be his successor, (Ch1 23:1). II. He numbered the Levites, and appointed them to their respective offices (Ch1 23:2-5). III. He took an account of the several families of the Levites (v. 6-23). IV. He made a new reckoning of them from twenty years old, and appointed them their work (Ch1 23:24-32). And in this he prepared for the temple as truly as when he laid up gold and silver for it; for the place is of small account in comparison with the work.
Verse 1
Here we have, I. The crown entailed, according to the divine appointment, Ch1 23:1. David made Solomon king, not to reign with him, or reign under him, but only to reign after him. This he did, 1. When he was old and full of days. He was but seventy years old when he died, and yet he was full of days, satur dierum - satisfied with living in this world. When he found himself going off, he made provision for the welfare of the kingdom after his decease, and pleased himself with the hopeful prospect of a happy settlement both in church and state. 2. He did it in parliament, in a solemn assembly of all the princes of Israel, which made Adonijah's attempt to break in upon Solomon's title and set it aside, notwithstanding this public recognition and establishment of it, the more impudent, impious, and ridiculous. Note, The settling or securing of the crown in the interests of the temple is a great blessing to the people and a great satisfaction to those who are themselves leaving the world. II. The Levites numbered, according to the rule in Moses's time, from thirty years old to fifty, Num 4:2, Num 4:3. Their number in Moses's time. by this rule, was 8580 (Num 4:47, Num 4:48), but now it had increased above four-fold, much more in proportion than the rest of the tribes; for the serviceable men of Levi's tribe were now 38,000, unless we suppose that here those were reckoned who were above fifty, which was not the case there. Joab had not numbered the Levites (Ch1 21:6), but David now did, not in pride, but for a good purpose, and then he needed not fear wrath for it. III. The Levites distributed to their respective posts (Ch1 23:4, Ch1 23:5), that every hand might be employed (for, of all men, an idle Levite makes the worst figure), and that every part of the work might be carefully done. Now it was for the honour of God that so great a number of servants attended his house and the business of it. Much of the state of great men consists in the greatness of their retinue. When God kept house in Israel see what a great household he had, and all well fed and well taught. But what were these to the attendants of his throne above, and the innumerable company of angels? It was the happiness of Israel that they had among them such a considerable body of men who were obliged by their office to promote and keep up religion among them. If the worship of God go to decay in Israel, let it not be said that it was for want of due provision for the support of it, but that those who should have done it were careless and false. The work assigned the Levites was four-fold: - 1. Some, and indeed far the greater number, were to set forward the work of the house of the Lord: 24,000, almost two-thirds, were appointed for this service, to attend the priests in killing the sacrifices, flaying them, washing them, cutting them up, burning them, to have the meat-offerings and drink-offerings ready, to carry out dirt, and keep all the vessels and utensils of the temple clean, and every thing in its place, that the service might be performed both with expedition and with exactness. These served 1000 a-week, and so went round in twenty-four courses. Perhaps while the temple was in building some of these were employed to set forward that work, to assist the builders, at least to quicken them, and keep good order among them, and the decorum which became temple-work. 2. Others were officers and judges, not in the affairs of the temple, and in the controversies that arose there (for there, we may suppose, the priests presided), but in the country. They were magistrates, to give the laws of God in charge, to resolves difficulties, and to determine controversies that arose upon them. Of these there were 6000, in the several parts of the kingdom, that assisted the princes and elders of every tribe in the administration of justice. 3. Others were porters, to guard all the avenues of the house of God, to examine those that desired entrance, and to resist those that would force an entrance. These were the life-guards of the temple, and probably were armed accordingly. 4. Others were singers and players on instruments, whose business it was to keep up that part of the service; this was a new-erected office. IV. The Levites mustered, and disposed of into their respective families and kindreds, that an account of them might the better be kept, and those that neglected their duty might be the more easily discovered, by calling over the roll, and obliging them to answer to their names, which each family might do for itself. When those of the same family were employed together it would engage them to love and assist one another. When Christ sent forth his disciples two and two he put together those that were brethren. Two families were here joined in one (Ch1 23:11) because they had not many sons. Those that are weak and little, separately, may be put together and appear considerable. That which is most observable in this account of the families of the Levites is that the posterity of Moses (that great man) stood upon the level with common Levites, and had no dignities or privileges at all peculiar to them; whilst the posterity of Aaron were advanced to the priest's office, to sanctify the most holy things, Ch1 23:13. It is said indeed of the grandson of Moses, Rehabiah, that his sons were highly multiplied, Ch1 23:17, margin. When God proposed to him that, if he would let fall his intercession for Israel, he would make of him a great nation, he generously refused it, in recompence for which his family is here greatly increased, and makes up in number what it wants in figure, in the tribe of Levi. Now, 1. The levelling of Moses' family with the rest is an evidence of his self-denial. Such an interest had he both with God and man that if he had aimed to raise his own family, to dignify and enrich that, he might easily have done so; but he was no self-seeking man, as appears from his leaving to his children no marks of distinction, which was a sign that he had the spirit of God and not the spirit of the world. 2. The elevation of Aaron's family above the rest was a recompence for his self-denial. When Moses (his younger brother) was made a god to Pharaoh, and he only his prophet or spokesman, to observe his orders and do as he was bidden, Aaron never disputed it, nor insisted upon his seniority, but readily took the inferior post God put him in, submitted to Moses, and, upon occasion, called him his lord; and because he thus submitted himself, in his own person, to his junior, in compliance with the will of God, God highly exalted his family, even above that of Moses himself. Those that are content to stoop are in the fairest way to rise. Before honour is humility.
Verse 24
Here is, I. An alteration made in the computation of the effective men of the Levites - that whereas, in Moses's time, they were not enlisted, or taken into service, till they were thirty-years old, nor admitted as probationers till twenty-five (Num 8:24), David ordered, by direction from God, that they should be numbered for the service of the house of the Lord, from the age of twenty years and upwards, Ch1 23:24. This order he confirmed by his last words, Ch1 23:27. When he put his last hand to the draught of this establishment he expressly appointed this to be done for ever after; yet not he; but the Lord. 1. Perhaps the young Levites, having no work appointed them till twenty-five years old, had many of them got a habit of idleness, or grew addicted to their pleasures, which proved both a blemish to their reputation and a hindrance to their usefulness afterwards, to prevent which inconvenience they are set to work, and brought under discipline, at twenty-years old. Those that will be eminent must learn to take care and take care betimes. 2. When the work of the Levites was to carry burdens, heavy burdens, the tabernacle and the furniture of it, God would not call any to it till they had come to their full strength; for he considers our frame, and, in service as well as sufferings, will lay no more upon us than we are able to bear. But now God had given rest to his people, and made Jerusalem his dwelling-place for ever, so that there was no more occasion to carry the tabernacle and the vessels thereof, the service was much easier, and what would not over-work them nor over-load them if they entered upon it at twenty-years old. 3. Now the people of Israel were multiplied, and there was a more general resort to Jerusalem, and would be when the temple was built, than had ever been at Shiloh, or Nob, or Gibeon; it was therefore requisite there should be more hands employed in the temple-service, that every Israelite who brought an offering might find a Levite ready to assist him. When more work is to be done it is a pity but there should be more workmen fetched in for the doing of it. When the harvest is plenteous why should the labourers be few? II. A further account of the Levites' work. What the work of the priests was we are told (Ch1 23:13): To sanctify the most holy things, to burn incense before the Lord, and to bless in his name; that work the Levites were not to meddle with, and yet they had work enough, and good work, according to that to which they were appointed, Ch1 23:4, Ch1 23:5. 1. Those of them that were to set forward the work of the house of God (Ch1 23:4) were therein to wait on the sons of Aaron (Ch1 23:28), were to do the drudgery-work (if any work for God is to be called drudgery) of the house of God, to keep the courts and chambers clean, set things in their places, and have them ready when there was occasion to use them. They were to prepare the show-bread which the priests were to set on the table, to provide the flour and cakes for the meat-offerings, that the priests might have every thing ready to their hands. 2. Those of them that were judges and officers had an eye particularly upon all measure and size, Ch1 23:29. The standards of all weights and measures were kept in the sanctuary; and the Levites had the care of them, to see that they were exact, and to try other weights and measures by them when they were appealed to. 3. The work of the singers was to thank and praise the Lord (Ch1 23:30), at the offering of the morning and evening sacrifices, and other oblations on the sabbaths, new moons, etc., Ch1 23:31. Moses appointed that they should blow with trumpets over their burnt offerings and other sacrifices, and on their solemn days, Num 10:10. The sound of the trumpet was awful, and might be affecting to the worshippers, but was not articulate, nor such a reasonable service as this which David appointed, of singing psalms on those occasions. As the Jewish church grew up from its infancy, it grew more and more intelligent in its devotions, till it came at length, in the gospel, to put away childish things, Co1 13:11; Gal 4:3, Gal 4:9. 4. The work of the porters (Ch1 23:5) was to keep the charge of the tabernacle and of the holy place, that none might come nigh but such as were allowed, and those no nearer than was allowed them, Ch1 23:32. They were likewise to keep the charge of the sons of Aaron, to be at their beck and go on their errands, who are yet called their brethren, to be a memorandum to the priests that, though they were advanced to a high station, yet they were hewn out of the same rock with common Levites, and therefore must not lord it over them, but in all instances treat them as brethren.
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 23 In this chapter David makes Solomon king, Ch1 23:1, calls together the princes, priests, and Levites, numbers the latter, and assigns them their proper work, Ch1 23:2, divides them into three classes, Ch1 23:6, when the number of them was taken from twenty years of age, and upwards; the reasons of which are given, partly from the rest the land enjoyed, and partly from the several branches of their work and office in the temple, Ch1 23:24.
Verse 1
So when David was old and full of days,.... Perhaps was now in the last year of his age, about seventy years old, though before he was bedridden; see Ch1 28:2, he made Solomon his son king over Israel; declared him to be his successor; this was before the affair of Adonijah, for then he ordered him to be anointed king, and placed on the throne; and this aggravated the rebellion of Adonijah, that it was against the declared and known will of his father.
Verse 2
And he gathered together all the princes of Israel,.... Ordered them to be assembled, partly to acquaint them with his will and pleasure, that Solomon should succeed him in the kingdom; and partly to settle the order of the work and service of the temple; and therefore these were convened with the priests and Levites; to assign to them their respective places and offices.
Verse 3
Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years, and upward,.... So they were numbered in the days of Moses, and by his order, and so they were now at first; though afterwards there was a new reckoning of them, Ch1 23:24. and their number by their posts; or, according to their heads: man by man, was thirty and eight thousand; which vastly exceeds the number in the times of Moses; see Num 4:47, but then those above fifty years of age were not numbered, as they now might; since their work in the temple would be much more easy, no burdens to carry, as the ark, the vessels, &c.
Verse 4
Of which twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the Lord,.... To prepare for the work of the priests by slaying the sacrifices, flaying them, cutting them in pieces, and washing them, and bringing them to the altar; 1000 of these served weekly in their turns: and six thousand were officers and judges: that acted as justices of the peace in the several parts of the country, heard causes and administered justice to the people, being trained up in and acquainted with the laws of God, civil as well as ecclesiastic; some were more properly judges, and others executioners of their sentence; see Deu 16:18.
Verse 5
Moreover four thousand were porters,.... At the east, north, and south gates of the temple, in their turns: and four thousand praised the Lord with the instruments; were singers in the temple, which in all made up 38,000: which I made, said David, to praise therewith; which instruments he devised and ordered to be made to praise the Lord with; see Ch2 29:26.
Verse 6
And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi,.... Into three classes, according to the number of them, which follow: namely: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari; see Exo 6:16.
Verse 7
Of the Gershonites were Laadan and Shimei. These two were the immediate posterity of Gershon; are the same with Libni and Shimhi, and heads of families, Exo 6:17. . 1 Chronicles 23:8 ch1 23:8 ch1 23:8 ch1 23:8The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiah, and Zetham, and Joel. Not his immediate sons, but some that descended from him.
Verse 8
The sons of Shimei,.... Not him that was the son of Gershon, but a descendant of Laadan, his son, as Kimchi observes: Shelomith, and Haziel, and Haran, these were the chief of the fathers of Laadan; of the families that sprang from him.
Verse 9
And the sons of Shimei,.... The son of Gershon, and brother of Laadan, according to Kimchi, which seems right: were Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah; these four were the sons of Shimei; descendants of his in the times of David.
Verse 10
And Jahath was the chief,.... The prince and head of a family: and Ziza the second; the same with Zina in Ch1 23:10, and is there read Ziza in the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; so as to constitute distinct families: therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house; made one family with their brethren.
Verse 11
The sons of Kohath,.... The second son of Levi: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four; see Exo 6:18.
Verse 12
The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses,.... A son of Kohath, Ch1 23:2. and Aaron was separated; from the children of Israel, Exo 28:1, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever; by an holy use of them, and keeping them from all unholy and profane uses; and this they were to do as long as the Aaronic priesthood lasted: to burn incense before the Lord; in the holy place, on the altar of incense; which none but priests descended from Aaron might do: to minister unto him; both at the altar of burnt offering and of incense; and the high priest in the holy of holies: and to bless his name for ever, or "in his name"; that is, the people in his name; see Num 6:23.
Verse 13
Now concerning Moses the man of God,.... Raised up by him as a prophet, admitted to great familiarity with him, a lawgiver from him, and the ruler and guide of Israel under him through the wilderness: his sons were named of the tribe of Levi; were only common Levites; Moses had no ambition to gratify; he sought no honour for his posterity; the civil government was left to Joshua, and the priesthood to Aaron.
Verse 14
The sons of Moses were Gershom and Eliezer. See Exo 18:3. . 1 Chronicles 23:16 ch1 23:16 ch1 23:16 ch1 23:16Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief. Of the posterity of Gershom in the times of David, called Shubael, Ch1 24:20, the Targum makes him to be the same with Jonathan, Jdg 18:30. (l). (l) So in Hieron. Trad. Heb. in Paralipom. fol. 84. c.
Verse 15
And the sons of Eliezer were Rehabiah the chief,.... The first and only begotten, as it follows: and Eliezer had none other sons; before nor after him: but the sons of Rehabiah were very many; or greatly multiplied; not, as the Targum says, above 600,000; the number of Israel, as the Jewish writers (m) fancy; which they gather from Exo 1:7, and that though Moses deprecated the multiplication of his seed, God fulfilled it. (m) T. Bab Beracot, fol. 7. 1, 2, Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 16. fol. 220. 4.
Verse 16
Of the sons of Izhar,.... Another son of Kohath, the son of Levi, Ch1 23:12. Shelomith the chief; the principal descendant of Izhar at this time.
Verse 17
Of the sons of Hebron,.... A third son of Kohath, Ch1 23:12, Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth: of the sons of Uzziel; another son of Kohath, Ch1 23:12, Micah the first, Jesiah the second: the sons of Merari, Mahli and Mushi, Exo 6:19, the sons of Mahli, Eleazar and Kish: of whom see Ch1 24:28.
Verse 18
And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters,.... And so none to succeed him in his office and service: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them; married them, their uncle's sons, their own cousins.
Verse 19
And the sons of Mushi,.... The other son of Merari: Mahli; so called from his uncle, his father's brother: and Eder and Jerimoth, three; mentioned again Ch1 24:30.
Verse 22
These were the sons of Levi, after the house of their fathers,.... According to the three classes of them, as descending from the three sons of Levi: even the chief of the fathers; or heads of families: as they were counted by number of names by their polls; or according to their heads, one by one: that did the work for the service of the house of the Lord; the particulars of which are in Ch1 23:28. from the age of twenty years, and upwards; they were first numbered thirty and upwards, Ch1 23:3, but David before his death ordered they should be numbered from twenty and upwards, Ch1 23:27, because the Israelites being increased, there would be more work for the priests in the temple, which would require the assistance of more Levites. The reasons follow.
Verse 23
For David said,.... As a reason why he ordered a new account to be taken: the Lord God of Israel hath given rest unto his people: from all their enemies round about, and settled rest in the land, so that there was no danger of being carried captive, as they were time after time in the days of the Judges, and whereby they became more numerous: that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever; where the temple would always continue, and not be removed, as the ark and tabernacle had been, and where all Israel would appear three times in the year continually.
Verse 24
And also unto the Levites,.... Or with respect to them: they shall no more carry the tabernacle: on their shoulders, from place to place, as they had done: nor any vessels of it for the service thereof; and so the service of it did not require men at their full strength, but such as were but twenty years of age might be employed in it.
Verse 25
For by the last words of David,.... Or therefore by the last orders he gave before his death: the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above; as able and sufficient to do the work of their office.
Verse 26
Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron,.... The priests: for the service of the house of the Lord; to assist them therein, and not to bear burdens as in times past; the Targum is,"wherefore the place of their habitations was by the side of the sons of Aaron, for the worship of the sanctuary of the Lord:" in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God; to keep the house, and all the apartments in it, courts and chambers, clean, by sweeping and washing them, and carrying out all the filth thereof made by the sacrifices, and otherwise.
Verse 27
Both for the shewbread,.... Also to make and get that ready every week for the priests to set on the shewbread table, when they took off the other that had stood a week, see Ch1 9:32. and for the fine flour for meat offering, and for the unleavened cakes, and for that which is baked in the pan, and for that which is fried; to deliver out the flour of which these several things were made, see Ch1 9:31, and Lev 2:1, and for all manner of measures and size; as the hin and the ephah, and the several parts of them for things both liquid and dry, which were in their keeping, and according to which they gave out the proper quantity of oil, and wine, and fine flour, upon occasion.
Verse 28
And to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord,.... The office of others of them was to sing the praises of God, both vocally and with instruments of music, at the time of the morning sacrifice: and likewise at even; at the time of the evening sacrifice, by way of thankfulness for the mercies of the night and of the day.
Verse 29
And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the Lord,.... This was the work of the priests to offer such sacrifices, and not the Levites; but the meaning is, according to the Targum, and so Kimchi, that these not only sung the praises of God morning and evening, but at all times when burnt offerings were offered to the Lord; besides, some of them helped the priests at such times in slaying the sacrifices, and bringing them to the altar: and especially their service was requisite in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number; because, besides the daily sacrifices, there were additional offerings at those times: according to the order commanded unto them continually before the Lord; see Num 28:1.
Verse 30
And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation,.... That no unclean persons entered into it, and that none of the vessels were carried out of it; this was the business of the porters: and the charge of the holy place; of things that belonged unto it, the vessels in it, and what was requisite for it, and used there: and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren; the priests, whatever they should command them to do: in the service of the house of the Lord; in any part and branch of it before specified. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 24
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 23 In this chapter David makes Solomon king, Ch1 23:1, calls together the princes, priests, and Levites, numbers the latter, and assigns them their proper work, Ch1 23:2, divides them into three classes, Ch1 23:6, when the number of them was taken from twenty years of age, and upwards; the reasons of which are given, partly from the rest the land enjoyed, and partly from the several branches of their work and office in the temple, Ch1 23:24.
Verse 1
So when David was old and full of days,.... Perhaps was now in the last year of his age, about seventy years old, though before he was bedridden; see Ch1 28:2, he made Solomon his son king over Israel; declared him to be his successor; this was before the affair of Adonijah, for then he ordered him to be anointed king, and placed on the throne; and this aggravated the rebellion of Adonijah, that it was against the declared and known will of his father.
Verse 2
And he gathered together all the princes of Israel,.... Ordered them to be assembled, partly to acquaint them with his will and pleasure, that Solomon should succeed him in the kingdom; and partly to settle the order of the work and service of the temple; and therefore these were convened with the priests and Levites; to assign to them their respective places and offices.
Verse 3
Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years, and upward,.... So they were numbered in the days of Moses, and by his order, and so they were now at first; though afterwards there was a new reckoning of them, Ch1 23:24. and their number by their posts; or, according to their heads: man by man, was thirty and eight thousand; which vastly exceeds the number in the times of Moses; see Num 4:47, but then those above fifty years of age were not numbered, as they now might; since their work in the temple would be much more easy, no burdens to carry, as the ark, the vessels, &c.
Verse 4
Of which twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the Lord,.... To prepare for the work of the priests by slaying the sacrifices, flaying them, cutting them in pieces, and washing them, and bringing them to the altar; 1000 of these served weekly in their turns: and six thousand were officers and judges: that acted as justices of the peace in the several parts of the country, heard causes and administered justice to the people, being trained up in and acquainted with the laws of God, civil as well as ecclesiastic; some were more properly judges, and others executioners of their sentence; see Deu 16:18.
Verse 5
Moreover four thousand were porters,.... At the east, north, and south gates of the temple, in their turns: and four thousand praised the Lord with the instruments; were singers in the temple, which in all made up 38,000: which I made, said David, to praise therewith; which instruments he devised and ordered to be made to praise the Lord with; see Ch2 29:26.
Verse 6
And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi,.... Into three classes, according to the number of them, which follow: namely: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari; see Exo 6:16.
Verse 7
Of the Gershonites were Laadan and Shimei. These two were the immediate posterity of Gershon; are the same with Libni and Shimhi, and heads of families, Exo 6:17. . 1 Chronicles 23:8 ch1 23:8 ch1 23:8 ch1 23:8The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiah, and Zetham, and Joel. Not his immediate sons, but some that descended from him.
Verse 8
The sons of Shimei,.... Not him that was the son of Gershon, but a descendant of Laadan, his son, as Kimchi observes: Shelomith, and Haziel, and Haran, these were the chief of the fathers of Laadan; of the families that sprang from him.
Verse 9
And the sons of Shimei,.... The son of Gershon, and brother of Laadan, according to Kimchi, which seems right: were Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah; these four were the sons of Shimei; descendants of his in the times of David.
Verse 10
And Jahath was the chief,.... The prince and head of a family: and Ziza the second; the same with Zina in Ch1 23:10, and is there read Ziza in the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; so as to constitute distinct families: therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house; made one family with their brethren.
Verse 11
The sons of Kohath,.... The second son of Levi: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four; see Exo 6:18.
Verse 12
The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses,.... A son of Kohath, Ch1 23:2. and Aaron was separated; from the children of Israel, Exo 28:1, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever; by an holy use of them, and keeping them from all unholy and profane uses; and this they were to do as long as the Aaronic priesthood lasted: to burn incense before the Lord; in the holy place, on the altar of incense; which none but priests descended from Aaron might do: to minister unto him; both at the altar of burnt offering and of incense; and the high priest in the holy of holies: and to bless his name for ever, or "in his name"; that is, the people in his name; see Num 6:23.
Verse 13
Now concerning Moses the man of God,.... Raised up by him as a prophet, admitted to great familiarity with him, a lawgiver from him, and the ruler and guide of Israel under him through the wilderness: his sons were named of the tribe of Levi; were only common Levites; Moses had no ambition to gratify; he sought no honour for his posterity; the civil government was left to Joshua, and the priesthood to Aaron.
Verse 14
The sons of Moses were Gershom and Eliezer. See Exo 18:3. . 1 Chronicles 23:16 ch1 23:16 ch1 23:16 ch1 23:16Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief. Of the posterity of Gershom in the times of David, called Shubael, Ch1 24:20, the Targum makes him to be the same with Jonathan, Jdg 18:30. (l). (l) So in Hieron. Trad. Heb. in Paralipom. fol. 84. c.
Verse 15
And the sons of Eliezer were Rehabiah the chief,.... The first and only begotten, as it follows: and Eliezer had none other sons; before nor after him: but the sons of Rehabiah were very many; or greatly multiplied; not, as the Targum says, above 600,000; the number of Israel, as the Jewish writers (m) fancy; which they gather from Exo 1:7, and that though Moses deprecated the multiplication of his seed, God fulfilled it. (m) T. Bab Beracot, fol. 7. 1, 2, Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 16. fol. 220. 4.
Verse 16
Of the sons of Izhar,.... Another son of Kohath, the son of Levi, Ch1 23:12. Shelomith the chief; the principal descendant of Izhar at this time.
Verse 17
Of the sons of Hebron,.... A third son of Kohath, Ch1 23:12, Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth: of the sons of Uzziel; another son of Kohath, Ch1 23:12, Micah the first, Jesiah the second: the sons of Merari, Mahli and Mushi, Exo 6:19, the sons of Mahli, Eleazar and Kish: of whom see Ch1 24:28.
Verse 18
And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters,.... And so none to succeed him in his office and service: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them; married them, their uncle's sons, their own cousins.
Verse 19
And the sons of Mushi,.... The other son of Merari: Mahli; so called from his uncle, his father's brother: and Eder and Jerimoth, three; mentioned again Ch1 24:30.
Verse 22
These were the sons of Levi, after the house of their fathers,.... According to the three classes of them, as descending from the three sons of Levi: even the chief of the fathers; or heads of families: as they were counted by number of names by their polls; or according to their heads, one by one: that did the work for the service of the house of the Lord; the particulars of which are in Ch1 23:28. from the age of twenty years, and upwards; they were first numbered thirty and upwards, Ch1 23:3, but David before his death ordered they should be numbered from twenty and upwards, Ch1 23:27, because the Israelites being increased, there would be more work for the priests in the temple, which would require the assistance of more Levites. The reasons follow.
Verse 23
For David said,.... As a reason why he ordered a new account to be taken: the Lord God of Israel hath given rest unto his people: from all their enemies round about, and settled rest in the land, so that there was no danger of being carried captive, as they were time after time in the days of the Judges, and whereby they became more numerous: that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever; where the temple would always continue, and not be removed, as the ark and tabernacle had been, and where all Israel would appear three times in the year continually.
Verse 24
And also unto the Levites,.... Or with respect to them: they shall no more carry the tabernacle: on their shoulders, from place to place, as they had done: nor any vessels of it for the service thereof; and so the service of it did not require men at their full strength, but such as were but twenty years of age might be employed in it.
Verse 25
For by the last words of David,.... Or therefore by the last orders he gave before his death: the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above; as able and sufficient to do the work of their office.
Verse 26
Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron,.... The priests: for the service of the house of the Lord; to assist them therein, and not to bear burdens as in times past; the Targum is,"wherefore the place of their habitations was by the side of the sons of Aaron, for the worship of the sanctuary of the Lord:" in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God; to keep the house, and all the apartments in it, courts and chambers, clean, by sweeping and washing them, and carrying out all the filth thereof made by the sacrifices, and otherwise.
Verse 27
Both for the shewbread,.... Also to make and get that ready every week for the priests to set on the shewbread table, when they took off the other that had stood a week, see Ch1 9:32. and for the fine flour for meat offering, and for the unleavened cakes, and for that which is baked in the pan, and for that which is fried; to deliver out the flour of which these several things were made, see Ch1 9:31, and Lev 2:1, and for all manner of measures and size; as the hin and the ephah, and the several parts of them for things both liquid and dry, which were in their keeping, and according to which they gave out the proper quantity of oil, and wine, and fine flour, upon occasion.
Verse 28
And to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord,.... The office of others of them was to sing the praises of God, both vocally and with instruments of music, at the time of the morning sacrifice: and likewise at even; at the time of the evening sacrifice, by way of thankfulness for the mercies of the night and of the day.
Verse 29
And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the Lord,.... This was the work of the priests to offer such sacrifices, and not the Levites; but the meaning is, according to the Targum, and so Kimchi, that these not only sung the praises of God morning and evening, but at all times when burnt offerings were offered to the Lord; besides, some of them helped the priests at such times in slaying the sacrifices, and bringing them to the altar: and especially their service was requisite in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number; because, besides the daily sacrifices, there were additional offerings at those times: according to the order commanded unto them continually before the Lord; see Num 28:1.
Verse 30
And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation,.... That no unclean persons entered into it, and that none of the vessels were carried out of it; this was the business of the porters: and the charge of the holy place; of things that belonged unto it, the vessels in it, and what was requisite for it, and used there: and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren; the priests, whatever they should command them to do: in the service of the house of the Lord; in any part and branch of it before specified. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 24
Verse 1
23:1-2 When David . . . appointed his son Solomon as Israel’s king (cp. 1 Kgs 1), David outlined the organizational structure of the kingdom and made all the necessary provisions for the Temple’s functioning. • The account of Solomon’s coronation continues in 1 Chr 28–29; the intervening chapters (23:3–27:24) record in detail the organization of the kingdom.
Verse 3
23:3-5 The Levites are recorded according to their roles rather than their families.
Verse 6
23:6-23 David divided the Levites into divisions according to their ancestral families. The number of available clerics far exceeded the requirements for a single Temple; the divisions provided a necessary time-sharing mechanism that enabled all the priests and Levites to serve in the Temple periodically (cp. Luke 1:5, 8).
Verse 24
23:24-27 In the census of 23:3, individuals were counted at age thirty, but the actual registration of the divisions included those twenty years old or older (cp. Num 1:3). The age of entry into Levitical service apparently varied over time according to need.
Verse 28
23:28-32 The work of the Levites was to assist the priests, which they accomplished in various ways: maintaining the Temple, setting out the sacred bread and other offerings, singing, and helping the priests with the sacrifices. These duties were allotted to different family divisions of Levites (23:4-6).