Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 25:31
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
Romamti-Ezer was a man from the tribe of Levi, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25:4. He was the son of Heman and had many brothers who were musicians in the temple. His name means I have exalted God's help.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.25.4; son of: Heman (H1968I); brother of: Bukkiah (H1232), Mattaniah (H4983H), Uzziel (H5816J), Shebuel (H7619H), Jerimoth (H3406L), Hananiah (H2608P), Hanani (H2607H), Eliathah (H0448), Giddalti (H1437), Joshbekashah (H3436), Mallothi (H4413), Hothir (H1956) and Mahazioth (H4238) § Romamti-ezer = "I have exalted the Helper" one of the 14 sons of Heman
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Romamti-ezer. See also: 1 Chronicles 25:4; 1 Chronicles 25:31.
Romamti-Ezer was a man from the tribe of Levi, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25:4. He was the son of Heman and had many brothers who were musicians in the temple. His name means I have exalted God's help.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.25.4; son of: Heman (H1968I); brother of: Bukkiah (H1232), Mattaniah (H4983H), Uzziel (H5816J), Shebuel (H7619H), Jerimoth (H3406L), Hananiah (H2608P), Hanani (H2607H), Eliathah (H0448), Giddalti (H1437), Joshbekashah (H3436), Mallothi (H4413), Hothir (H1956) and Mahazioth (H4238) § Romamti-ezer = "I have exalted the Helper" one of the 14 sons of Heman
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Romamti-ezer. See also: 1 Chronicles 25:4; 1 Chronicles 25:31.
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
Context — Twenty-Four Divisions of Musicians
1 Chronicles 25:31 Summary
This verse, 1 Chronicles 25:31, tells us about Romamti-ezer, who was in charge of the twenty-fourth group of Levites. He, along with his sons and brothers, totaled twelve people, and they were all part of the team that helped with the music and worship in the Tabernacle. Just like the Levites, we can all use our talents to serve God, whether that's through music, teaching, or other ways (as seen in Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). By working together and using our gifts, we can create a beautiful worship experience that honors God, just as the Psalms describe in Psalms 100:1-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the twenty-fourth division in 1 Chronicles 25:31?
The twenty-fourth division, led by Romamti-ezer, is part of the Levitical choir and orchestra established by King David, as seen in 1 Chronicles 25:1, to minister before the Lord and to provide music for worship services, similar to the instructions given in Psalms 100:1-5.
Who is Romamti-ezer and what is his role in the biblical narrative?
Romamti-ezer is a leader of one of the twenty-four divisions of Levites appointed by King David to serve in the Tabernacle, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25:31, and his role is to oversee the musical and worship aspects of the service, as guided by the principles in Deuteronomy 31:9-13 and 1 Chronicles 6:31-48.
Why are the sons and brothers of Romamti-ezer included in the count of twelve?
The inclusion of the sons and brothers of Romamti-ezer in the count of twelve indicates that family members were involved in the ministry, which is a common theme in the Bible, such as in Exodus 18:13-27 and 2 Timothy 4:19-22, highlighting the importance of family in serving the Lord.
How does this verse fit into the larger context of 1 Chronicles?
This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Chronicles that describes the organization of the Levites and the establishment of the Temple worship, as seen in 1 Chronicles 23-27, which demonstrates King David's desire to honor God and follow His commands, as expressed in 1 Chronicles 29:10-19.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from the example of Romamti-ezer and his family about serving the Lord together with my own family?
- In what ways can I use my own talents and abilities to serve God, just like the Levites did in their worship services?
- How does the organization and structure of the Levites, as described in 1 Chronicles 25, relate to the importance of order and unity in the church today?
- What role does music and worship play in my own relationship with God, and how can I use these elements to deepen my devotion to Him?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 25:31
Ver. 31 [See comments on 1 Chronicles 25:9]
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25:31
(31) An analysis of the whole list shows that the first, third, fifth, and seventh places fell to the four Asaphite guilds, or clans; the second, fourth, eighth, tenth, twelfth, and fourteenth to the six guilds of the sons of Jeduthun, or Ethanites; the sixth, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth, and the remaining ten places, to the fourteen guilds of Heman. It appears evident that all the lots were thrown into a single urn, and that the Asaphite and Ethanite names were all drawn, as the chances made it likely, before the Hemanites were exhausted. As it happened, only Hemanite names were left after the fourteenth drawing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25:31
Verse 31. Romamti-ezer] Both these names belong to the same person. He is mentioned also 1 Chronicles 25:4. With this immense parade of noise and show, (David's own invention,) Christianity has nothing to do.