These were the sons of Levi after their fathers’ houses, even the heads of the fathers’ houses of those who were counted individually, in the number of names by their polls, who did the work for the service of Yahweh’s house, from twenty years old and upward. For David said, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people; and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. Also the Levites will no longer need to carry the tabernacle and all its vessels for its service.” For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were counted, from twenty years old and upward.
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1 Chronicles 23:24-27 sits inside this longer paragraph.
These were the sons of Levi after their fathers’ houses, even the heads of the fathers’ houses of those who were counted individually, in the number of names by their polls, who did the work for the service of Yahweh’s house, from twenty years old and upward. For David said, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people; and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. Also the Levites will no longer need to carry the tabernacle and all its vessels for its service.” For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were counted, from twenty years old and upward. For their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of Yahweh’s house, in the courts, and in the rooms, and in the purifying of all holy things, even the work of the service of God’s house; for the show bread also, and for the fine flour for a meal offering, whether of unleavened wafers, or of that which is baked in the pan, or of that which is soaked, and for all measurements of quantity and size; and to stand every morning to thank and praise Yahweh, and likewise in the evening; and to offer all burnt offerings to Yahweh, on the Sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the set feasts, in number according to the ordinance concerning them, continually before Yahweh; and that they should keep the duty of the Tent of Meeting, the duty of the holy place, and the duty of the sons of Aaron their brothers, for the service of Yahweh’s house.
Parallel Translations
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These were the sons of Levi after their fathers’ houses, even the heads of the fathers’ houses of those who were counted individually, in the number of names by their polls, who did the work for the service of Yahweh’s house, from twenty years old and upward.
For David said, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people; and he dwells in Jerusalem forever.
Also the Levites will no longer need to carry the tabernacle and all its vessels for its service.”
For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were counted, from twenty years old and upward.
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These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.
For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever:
And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.
For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above:
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These were the sons of Levi after their fathers' houses, even the heads of the fathers' houses, according to their muster, in the number of names by their polls, who did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from twenty years old and upward.
For David said: 'The LORD, the God of Israel, hath given rest unto His people, and He dwelleth in Jerusalem for ever;
and also the Levites shall no more have need to carry the tabernacle and all the vessels of it for the service thereof.'
For by the last ordinances of David the sons of Levi were numbered from twenty years old and upward.
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Cross-references (39)
- 1 Chronicles 23:3 (vv24, 27) The Levites were counted from thirty years old and upward; and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty-eight thousand.
- Numbers 4:5 (v26) When the camp moves forward, Aaron shall go in with his sons; and they shall take down the veil of the screen, cover the ark of the…
- Numbers 10:17 (v24) The tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who bore the tabernacle, went forward.
- Numbers 10:21 (v24) The Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary. The others set up the tabernacle before they arrived.
- 2 Samuel 7:11 (v25) and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. I will cause you to rest from all your enemies. Moreover Yahweh…
Show all 38 cross-references
- 1 Chronicles 22:18 (v25) “Isn’t Yahweh your God with you? Hasn’t he given you rest on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand; and…
- Psalms 132:13-14 (v25) For Yahweh has chosen Zion. He has desired it for his habitation. “This is my resting place forever. I will live here, for I have desired…
- Numbers 4:3 (v24) from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all who enter into the service to do the work in the Tent of Meeting.
- Numbers 7:9 (v26) But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged to them; they carried it on their shoulders.
- 2 Samuel 7:1 (v25) When the king lived in his house, and Yahweh had given him rest from all his enemies all around,
- Psalms 135:21 (v25) Blessed be Yahweh from Zion, who dwells at Jerusalem. Praise Yah!
- Zechariah 8:3 (v25) Yahweh says: “I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the middle of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called ‘The City of Truth;’ and the…
- Numbers 4:15 (v26) “When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp moves forward; after…
- Numbers 8:24 (v24) “This is what is assigned to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall go in to wait on the service in the work of the…
- 1 Chronicles 23:24 (v27) These were the sons of Levi after their fathers’ houses, even the heads of the fathers’ houses of those who were counted individually, in…
- Ezra 3:8 (v24) Now in the second year of their coming to God’s house at Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the…
- Colossians 2:9 (v25) For in him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily,
- Numbers 1:2-4 (v24) “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of…
- Numbers 1:18 (v24) They assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month; and they declared their ancestry by their families, by…
- Numbers 1:22 (v24) Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, those who were counted of it, according to the…
- Numbers 2:32 (v24) These are those who were counted of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses. All who were counted of the camps according to their…
- Numbers 3:15 (v24) “Count the children of Levi by their fathers’ houses, by their families. You shall count every male from a month old and upward.”
- Numbers 3:20 (v24) The sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ houses.
- Numbers 3:47 (v24) you shall take five shekels apiece for each one; according to the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs);
- Numbers 4:34-49 (v24) Moses and Aaron and the princes of the congregation counted the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by their fathers’ houses,…
- Numbers 4:49 (v26) According to the commandment of Yahweh they were counted by Moses, everyone according to his service and according to his burden. Thus they…
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (v26) At that time Yahweh set apart the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of Yahweh’s covenant, to stand before Yahweh to minister to him, and to…
- 2 Samuel 23:1 (v27) Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse says, the man who was raised on high says, the anointed of the God of Jacob,…
- 1 Kings 8:13 (v25) I have surely built you a house of habitation, a place for you to dwell in forever.”
- 1 Kings 8:27 (v25) But will God in very deed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can’t contain you; how much less this house that I…
- 1 Chronicles 23:27 (v24) For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were counted, from twenty years old and upward.
- Psalms 9:11 (v25) Sing praises to Yahweh, who dwells in Zion, and declare among the people what he has done.
- Psalms 68:16 (v25) Why do you look in envy, you rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign? Yes, Yahweh will dwell there forever.
- Psalms 68:18 (v25) You have ascended on high. You have led away captives. You have received gifts among people, yes, among the rebellious also, that Yah God…
- Psalms 72:20 (v27) This ends the prayers by David, the son of Jesse.
- Isaiah 8:18 (v25) Behold, I and the children whom Yahweh has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from Yahweh of Armies, who dwells in Mount Zion.
- 2 Corinthians 6:16 (v25) What agreement does a temple of God have with idols? For you are a temple of the living God. Even as God said, “I will dwell in them and…
- Joel 3:21 (v25) I will cleanse their blood, that I have not cleansed: for Yahweh dwells in Zion.”
38 distinct cross-references across this passage (39 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (19 sources)
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On v24 David did choose the Levites twice, first at the…
David did choose the Levites twice, first at the age of thirty, as verse 3 and again afterward at 20, as the necessity of the office did require: at the beginning they had no charge in the Temple, before they were five and twenty years old, and had none after fifty, Num. 4:3.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On v24 1Ch 23:24 These [were] the sons of Levi after…
1Ch 23:24 These [were] the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; [even] the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.
Ver. 24. From the age of twenty years and upward.] The reason whereof followeth: {1Ch 23:25} the people were increased and in peace; and consequently God’s service much increased in the labour of it.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv24, 26, 27 As the Levites were anciently numbered from two several…
As the Levites were anciently numbered from two several times, from the twenty-fifth year of their age, and from the thirtieth, Num 4:3; 8:24; in like manner and for the same reasons they are here numbered both from their twentieth year, as here, when they were more solemnly prepared for and instructed, and by degrees exercised, in some parts of their work; and from their thirtieth year, above, 1Ch 23:3, when they were admitted to the full and complete exercise of all the parts and works of their office. And the reason why they were now sooner admitted to service than they had been formerly by the constitution of Moses, is given in the next verses, because now their work was made easy, they being wholly discharged from that burdensome work of carrying the tabernacle and its utensils, which was too heavy for young and tender shoulders. To which may be added, that the number of the Israelites was greatly increased, and consequently the services which were to be performed by the Levites on their behalf were multiplied, and the work of the temple was much greater than that of the tabernacle, and therefore more of the Levites were to be employed, and consequently they were to be sooner taken into service.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v24 Here is, I. An alteration made in the computation…
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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv24–27 And also unto the Levites,.... Or with respect to…
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:
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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.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On v24 Twenty years - As the Levites were anciently numbered…
Twenty years - As the Levites were anciently numbered from two several times, from the twenty fifth year of their age, and from the thirtieth, Num. iv, 3; viii, 24. In like manner they are here numbered both from their twentieth year, when they were solemnly prepared for, and instructed, and by degrees exercised in some parts of their work; and from their thirtieth year, when they were admitted to the full exercise of their office. And the reason why they were now sooner admitted to service than they had been formerly, is given in the next verses because now their work was more easy, being wholly discharged from that burdensome work of carrying the tabernacle. Besides the people of Israel were multiplied: therefore more hands were necessary, that every Israelite who brought an offering, might find a Levite ready to assist him.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On v24 Verse 24. Twenty years and upward.] It appears that…
Verse 24. Twenty years and upward.] It appears that this was a different ordinance from that mentioned 1Ch 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 1Ch 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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv24, 27 1Ch 23:24. From the age of twenty years and…
1Ch 23:24. From the age of twenty years and upward — As the Levites were anciently numbered from two several times, from the twenty-fifth year of their age, and from the thirtieth, (Num 4:3; Num 8:24,) in like manner they are here numbered, both from their twentieth year, when they were solemnly prepared for, and instructed, and by degrees exercised, in some parts of their work; and from their thirtieth year, when they were admitted to the full exercise of their office. And the reason why they were now sooner admitted to service than they had been formerly, is given in the next verses, because now their work was more easy, being wholly discharged from that burdensome work of carrying the tabernacle. Besides, the people of Israel were multiplied, therefore more hands were necessary; that every Israelite who brought an offering, might find a Levite ready to assist him.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv24, 27 From the age of twenty years - The Levites…
From the age of twenty years - The Levites had hitherto not entered upon their regular functions until the age of thirty 1Ch 23:3. Certain lighter duties were by the Law imposed on them at the age of twenty-five Num 8:24; but it was not until they were five years older that they became liable to the full service of the sanctuary. David appears now to have made a change. By his “last words” 1Ch 23:27 the time for the Levites to enter on the full duties of their office was advanced from thirty to twenty years. This change was based upon the lighter character of the labors imposed on them now that the ark had ceased to be carried from place to place and obtained a permanent habitation 1Ch 23:26. The limit of age continued in after times where David had fixed it (see Ezr 3:8).
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv24–25 Old. See ver. 3., and Numbers iv. 3. ---…
Old. See ver. 3., and Numbers iv. 3. --- And upwards; as long as they were able to serve. They were excused from carrying the tabernacle, &c., at fifty years of age, Numbers viii. 25. (Abulensis) (Menochius) --- To those who were turned of thirty, the higher offices were entrusted; while the Levites began at twenty, to exercise themselves in things of less consequence, under the direction of their elder brethren. (Tirinus) --- The kings might declare, by the advice of the Sanhedrim, what laws were of a temporary nature. (Grotius) (Du Hamel)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On v24 OFFICE OF THE LEVITES. (Ch1 23:24-32)
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.
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Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 24
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On v24 24. Twenty years and upward — this is not…
24. Twenty years and upward — this is not to be explained by supposing an error in the text of 1Ch_23:3, (Kiel,) nor by assuming that David first took a census of those thirty years of age and upward, and afterwards another census of those twenty years old and upwards. The writer introduces additional information, and explains in the verses following, that since Jehovah had given rest to his people, and the tabernacle was to be carried about no more, the Levites might begin to serve at an earlier age, and accordingly David ordained among his last instructions, (1Ch_23:27,) that the Levites might be numbered for service at the age of twenty — a practice which afterwards prevailed. 2Ch_31:17; Ezr_3:8.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv24–27 24. after the house of their fathers; even the…
24. after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names] R.V. after their fathers’ houses, even the heads of the fathers’ houses of those of them that were counted, in the number of names.
24–27. Organization of the Levites (second account)
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Cp. note at the beginning of the last paragraph.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv24–27 (24) These were the sons of Levi after the…
(24) These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers.—Rather, These were the sons of Levi, according to their father-houses (clans), heads of the houses (fathers, i.e., father-houses), to those mustered of them, in an enumeration of names according to their polls. This is the subscription to the foregoing list of names of the Levitical houses, as entered in the muster-rolls of David.
As they were counted.—Num_1:21; Exo_30:14. The word is that used in 1Ch_21:6 (pâqad).
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By number of names.—Num_1:18; Num_3:43.
That did the work for the service of the house of the Lord.—This description identifies these Levites with the 24,000 mentioned in 1Ch_23:4.
That did the work.—Literally, doing. This participle has the form of the singular here and elsewhere in the Chronicles, though the sense demands a plural. It is probably meant as plural, being a variant spelling. (Comp. 2Ch_24:12; 2Ch_34:10; 2Ch_34:13; Ezr_3:9; Neh_2:16.)
From the age of twenty years and upward.—1Ch_23:3 states that the Levites were numbered “from the age of thirty and upward.” Some would banish discrepancy by the assumption that “thirty” is an ancient error of transcription; others imagine that the chronicler has simply incorporated two divergent statements, as he found them in his authorities. According to Num_4:3; Num_4:23; Num_4:30; Num_4:35; Num_4:43; Num_4:47, the Levites were bound to serve “from thirty years old and upward” to fifty years of age; whereas Num_8:24-25, fixes the age “from twenty and five years old and upward” to fifty; and this, according to Ewald, is the more exact account. It appears from 2Ch_31:17, that the later practice, at all events, was for the Levites to enter on their sacred functions at the age of twenty. Accordingly, the older commentators have supposed that David twice numbered the Levites: first, as the Law required, from the age of thirty (1Ch_23:3); and again, towards the close of his reign (1Ch_23:27), from the age of twenty, because he perceived that the duties had become less onerous, and might therefore be borne by younger men. (Comp. however, Num_1:3, from which it appears that the military age, i.e., the age of full virile strength, was reckoned “from twenty years old and upward.’)
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv24–27 This and the remaining verses of the chapter contain…
This and the remaining verses of the chapter contain some general provisions regarding the offices and future work of the Levites in part David"s last edition of such provisions. (On the present verse comp. Num_1:1-4 Num_4:1-3, Num_4:21-23, Num_4:29, 30 8:23-26) It is not easy to reconcile this verse with ver. 3. Keil cuts the knot at once by supposing the "thirty" years of ver. 3 to be the error of a copyist, to whose memory the Mosaic census was present. And with Bertheau, he objects to the supposition that this verse describes a supplementary census, in conformity with "David"s last words" (ver. 27), and as contrasted with his former directions. With the exception of what is contained in vers. 25-27, it is true that these do not offer themselves sufficient indications to make one feel confident of this explanation. On the other hand, to set down the number "thirty" in ver. 3 at once to the mistake of a copyist is too summary and convenient a way of escaping an awkward difficulty. It is evident that the following three verses do purport to explain why at this time the age of allowable service was altered to a standard so much lower than of old, and to assert that this alteration was recognized by the last orders of David.
Work that young people may do.
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The time of Levitical service dated from the age of thirty, but service of particular kinds was accepted from those as young as twenty. Some things are beyond the young people. They could not do them well. They require gifts and maturity which the young do not possess. It is well for them to learn what is within their reach what they may do, and what they may not do.
I YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD ACCEPT THE FACT OF THEIR LIMITED POWER AND LIMITED FITNESS. This would check their characteristic disposition to over self-confidence.
II YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD ESTIMATE FAIRLY THE MEASURE OF THEIR POWER, and so work up to their highest limit. St. John gives his advice to young men "because they are strong.
III YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD HOLD ALL THEIR POWERS AT GOD"S SERVICE, seeing that he asks for life"s morning as well as life"s noontide.
IV YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BE SURE THAT THERE ARE SPHERES OF SERVICE EXACTLY MATCHING THEIR POWERS. And they should be watching, ever ready to enter upon all such.
In the faithful doing of the least things of our youth-time alone lies our hope of training for the undertaking of more and better work as manly powers unfold. Show that the noblest of God"s workers have consecrated their youth-time to his service. R.T.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v25 For David said, The Lord God of Israel hath…
1Ch_23:25
For David said, The Lord God of Israel hath given rest unto His people.
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The rest of the people of God
I. In the mysterious polity of the people of Israel spiritual and temporal blessings were so closely allied that the same language might naturally be employed to signify either.
II. It is not unwarrantable for us to conjecture that in the joyous utterance contained in the text David insinuated profounder truths than lie on the surface of his words.
III. If there remaineth a rest to the people of God, it becomes us to secure this great blessing as the sole or chief object of existence.
IV. Rest and peace must fall upon a Christian spirit.
1. From its devotion to Christ Himself, and its devoted imitation of His pure and perfect example.
2. By the elevating tendency of the singleness of the object of his hope. Those who have many debts often feel it a relief to exchange them all for a single creditor; he whose whole heart is bent on reaching a single point leaves all around him on his way in equal and complete indifference. God is one; let our affections but partake of the unity of that object, and we shall have reached the pathway of real and imperishable rest.
3. From the very nature of the Christian affections.
4. From its hope being anchored in a future world. To support, still more to exalt us, heaven must mingle with earth. To direct a vessel upon the ocean there must be two elements at work, the air must modify the agency of the water; to set a vessel at rest there must be more elements than one employed, and the earth must afford the means of resisting the breezes and the sea. Such is the position in the voyage of this life. The earthly and the heavenly elements must combine, or we are powerless. Confined to the single element of our corrupted nature, we are the sport of every accident, we have no rules for our navigation. But they who join to the human nature the higher element, they have a power that guides them to the everlasting haven. To have the great object of our thoughts placed beyond the chances of human life is to place ourselves beyond them. (W. A. Butler.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v24 The Ministry of the Levites
The Ministry of the Levites
v. 24. These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the Lord, from the age of twenty years and upward, the lower age here referred to being explained in the following words.
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v. 25. For David said, The Lord God of Israel hath given rest unto His people that they may dwell, or, "and He dwells," in Jerusalem forever, this city having now been chosen by God for the central Sanctuary;
v. 26. and also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the Tabernacle nor any vessels of it for the service thereof, and the work thus being lighter, the age at which the Levites could enter upon their work was placed lower.
v. 27. For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above,
v. 28. because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the Lord, in assisting the priests, in the courts, and in the chambers, in keeping every part of the Temple clean, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, attending to all the external features of the service;
v. 29. both for the showbread, in helping to prepare it, and for the fine flour for meat-offering, and for the unleavened cakes, Lev 2:4, and for that which is baked in the pan, Lev 2:5, and for that which is fried, Lev 6:14, and for all manner of measure and size, the measures of capacity and length, principally for measuring flour, oil, and wine;
v. 30. and to stand every morning, namely, the four thousand detailed for this liturgical service, to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at even;
v. 31. and to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the Lord in the Sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, for they had to provide the necessary number of sacrificial animals, examine their fitness, attend to their slaughtering and flaying, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the Lord;
v. 32. and that they should keep the charge of the Tabernacle of the Congregation, Num 18:4, and the charge of the Holy Place, of all the holy things connected with the worship, Num 18:5, and the charge of the sons of Aaron, their brethren, the care of all the things commanded them by the priests, in the service of the house of the Lord. Our God is a God of order, and it pleases Him if all the matters pertaining to external worship also are regulated properly, given into charge of certain people, to avoid all clashing.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv24, 27 These were Levi's descendants corresponding to their clans. They…
These were Levi's descendants corresponding to their clans. They were the leaders, counted and listed by name, of the clans
This can be stated in active form. AT: "These were the names of Levi's descendants and their families, whom David's men counted and listed. They were the leaders of the clans" (See: Active or Passive)
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from twenty years old and upward
"from 20 years old and older" (See: Numbers)
has given rest
Here "rest" refers to peace with surrounding nations. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Chronicles 22:9.
He makes his home in Jerusalem forever
Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh will be present in Jerusalem forever or 2) Yahweh's temple will be present in Jerusalem forever.
all the equipment used in its service
This can be stated in active form. AT: "all the equipment they used in its service"
translationWords
Levi
descend
clan
servant
house of God
David
God
Israel
people of God
Jerusalem
eternity
tabernacle
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v24 23:24-27 In the census of 23:3, individuals were counted…
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.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.