The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ households. Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son. The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son, Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. The sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth. As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, Nahath his son, Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, and Elkanah his son. The sons of Samuel: the firstborn, Joel, and the second, Abijah. The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son. These are they whom David set over the service of song in Yahweh’s house, after the ark came to rest there. They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon had built Yahweh’s house in Jerusalem. They performed the duties of their office according to their order. These are those who served, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah, the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel. His brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea, the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah, the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi. On the left hand their brothers the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer, the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. Their brothers the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of God’s house.
Show the surrounding paragraph
1 Chronicles 6:16-48 sits inside this longer paragraph.
The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ households. Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son. The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son, Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. The sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth. As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, Nahath his son, Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, and Elkanah his son. The sons of Samuel: the firstborn, Joel, and the second, Abijah. The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son. These are they whom David set over the service of song in Yahweh’s house, after the ark came to rest there. They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon had built Yahweh’s house in Jerusalem. They performed the duties of their office according to their order. These are those who served, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah, the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel. His brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea, the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah, the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi. On the left hand their brothers the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer, the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. Their brothers the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of God’s house. But Aaron and his sons offered on the altar of burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.
Parallel Translations
-
The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.
These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.
The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ households.
Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.
The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,
Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son,
Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.
The sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth.
As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, Nahath his son,
Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, and Elkanah his son.
The sons of Samuel: the firstborn, Joel, and the second, Abijah.
The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son,
Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.
These are they whom David set over the service of song in Yahweh’s house, after the ark came to rest there.
They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon had built Yahweh’s house in Jerusalem. They performed the duties of their office according to their order.
These are those who served, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,
the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,
the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,
the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,
the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,
the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.
His brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea,
the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah,
the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,
the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,
the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.
On the left hand their brothers the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,
the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,
the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer,
the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.
Their brothers the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of God’s house.
-
The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.
And these be the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei.
And the sons of Kohath were, Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.
The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. And these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers.
Of Gershom; Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,
Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.
The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,
Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son,
Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.
And the sons of Elkanah; Amasai, and Ahimoth.
As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,
Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.
And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah.
The sons of Merari; Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzza his son,
Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.
And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.
And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order.
And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,
The son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,
The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,
The son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,
The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,
The son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.
And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,
The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah,
The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,
The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,
The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.
And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,
The son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,
The son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shamer,
The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.
Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.
Show all 3 translations
-
(6-1) The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath and Merari.
(6-2) And these are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni, and Shimei.
(6-3) And the sons of Kohath were Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.
(6-4) The sons of Merari: Mahli, and Mushi. And these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers' houses.
(6-5) Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son;
(6-6) Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son.
(6-7) The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son;
(6-8) Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son;
(6-9) Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.
(6-10) And the sons of Elkanah: Amasai, and Ahimoth.
(6-11) As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, and Nahath his son;
(6-12) Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.
(6-13) And the sons of Samuel: the first-born Vashni; then Abiah.
(6-14) The sons of Merari: Mahli; Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son;
(6-15) Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.
(6-16) And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.
(6-17) And they ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem; and they took their station at their service according to their order.
(6-18) And these are they that took their station, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel;
(6-19) the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah;
(6-20) the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai;
(6-21) the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah;
(6-22) the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah;
(6-23) the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.
(6-24) And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand; even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea;
(6-25) the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah;
(6-26) the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah;
(6-27) the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei;
(6-28) the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.
(6-29) And on the left hand their brethren the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch;
(6-30) the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah;
(6-31) the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer;
(6-32) the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.
(6-33) And their brethren the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of the house of God.
Examined in Scripture Analysis
Contradictions (5)
Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.
Cross-references (130)
- Exodus 6:16 (vv16, 43) These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; and the years of the life of Levi…
- 2 Samuel 6:17 (v31) They brought in Yahweh’s ark, and set it in its place, in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt…
- 1 Samuel 1:1 (vv26–27) Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of…
- 1 Chronicles 23:21 (vv19, 47) The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish.
- Exodus 6:24 (vv22, 25) The sons of Korah: Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites.
Show all 100 cross-references
- 1 Samuel 8:2 (v28) Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba.
- 1 Chronicles 6:28 (v33) The sons of Samuel: the firstborn, Joel, and the second, Abijah.
- 1 Chronicles 6:33 (v28) These are those who served, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,
- Ezra 2:41 (v39) The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred twenty-eight.
- Nehemiah 7:44 (v39) The singers: the children of Asaph: one hundred forty-eight.
- 1 Chronicles 15:17 (vv33, 44) So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brothers,…
- 1 Chronicles 16:4-6 (vv31–32) He appointed some of the Levites to minister before Yahweh’s ark, and to commemorate, to thank, and to praise Yahweh, the God of Israel:…
- 2 Chronicles 5:12 (vv33, 39) also the Levites who were the singers, all of them, even Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and their brothers, arrayed in fine linen,…
- Numbers 18:1-32 (v48) Yahweh said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your fathers’ house with you shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary; and you and your sons…
- 1 Chronicles 6:19 (v29) The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ households.
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-22 (v31) David spoke to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers with instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and…
- 1 Chronicles 15:25–16:1 (v31) So David, the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring the ark of Yahweh’s covenant up out of the house of…
- 1 Chronicles 23:7 (v17) Of the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.
- 1 Chronicles 23:12 (v18) The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.
- 1 Chronicles 24:26 (v19) The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The son of Jaaziah: Beno.
- 2 Chronicles 29:13 (v39) and of the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeuel; and of the sons of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah;
- Nehemiah 11:17 (v39) and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah,…
- Nehemiah 12:46 (v39) For in the days of David and Asaph of old there was a chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
- Psalms 73:1 (v39) Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
- Psalms 75:1 (v39) We give thanks to you, God. We give thanks, for your Name is near. Men tell about your wondrous works.
- Psalms 77:1 (v39) My cry goes to God! Indeed, I cry to God for help, and for him to listen to me.
- Psalms 79:1 (v39) God, the nations have come into your inheritance. They have defiled your holy temple. They have laid Jerusalem in heaps.
- Psalms 81:1 (v39) Sing aloud to God, our strength! Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob!
- Psalms 83:1 (v39) God, don’t keep silent. Don’t keep silent, and don’t be still, God.
- Psalms 132:8 (v31) Arise, Yahweh, into your resting place, you, and the ark of your strength.
- Psalms 132:14 (v31) “This is my resting place forever. I will live here, for I have desired it.
- Psalms 135:1-3 (v32) Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh’s name! Praise him, you servants of Yahweh, you who stand in Yahweh’s house, in the courts of our God’s house.…
- Exodus 6:19 (vv19, 47) The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their generations.
- Numbers 3:20 (vv19, 47) The sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ houses.
- 1 Chronicles 6:1 (vv16, 43) The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
- 2 Chronicles 35:15 (vv32, 39) The singers the sons of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer; and…
- Genesis 46:11 (v43) The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
- Exodus 2:22 (v43) She bore a son, and he named him Gershom, for he said, “I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land.”
- Exodus 6:17 (v17) The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families.
- Exodus 6:21 (v22) The sons of Izhar: Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.
- Exodus 6:21-24 (v37) The sons of Izhar: Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri. The sons of Uzziel: Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Sithri. Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter…
- Numbers 3:1-4 (v48) Now this is the history of the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that Yahweh spoke with Moses in Mount Sinai. These are the names…
- Numbers 3:17 (v43) These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
- Numbers 3:18 (v17) These are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei.
- Numbers 3:19 (v38) The sons of Kohath by their families: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
- Numbers 3:21 (v17) Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimeites. These are the families of the Gershonites.
- Numbers 3:33 (v29) Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites. These are the families of Merari.
- Numbers 3:33-36 (v47) Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites. These are the families of Merari. Those who were counted of them,…
- Numbers 4:42 (v47) Those who were counted of the families of the sons of Merari, by their families, by their fathers’ houses,
- Numbers 7:8 (v47) He gave four wagons and eight oxen to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the…
- Numbers 10:17 (v47) The tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who bore the tabernacle, went forward.
- Numbers 16:1-35 (v37) Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons…
- Numbers 16:9-10 (v48) Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do…
- Numbers 26:10-11 (v37) and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah when that company died; at the time the fire devoured two hundred…
- Numbers 26:57-58 (v19) These are those who were counted of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites; of Kohath, the family of…
- Joshua 21:7 (v47) The children of Merari according to their families had twelve cities out of the tribe of Reuben, out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the…
- Joshua 21:34-40 (v47) To the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its pasture lands, Kartah…
- 1 Samuel 1:19-20 (v27) They rose up in the morning early and worshiped Yahweh, then returned and came to their house to Ramah. Then Elkanah knew Hannah his wife;…
- 1 Samuel 1:20 (v33) When the time had come, Hannah conceived, and bore a son; and she named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked him of Yahweh.”
- 1 Samuel 1:28 (v33) Therefore I have also given him to Yahweh. As long as he lives he is given to Yahweh.” He worshiped Yahweh there.
- 1 Kings 8:6-13 (v32) The priests brought in the ark of Yahweh’s covenant to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the most holy place, even under…
- 1 Chronicles 6:2 (v22) The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.
- 1 Chronicles 6:2-3 (v18) The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu,…
- 1 Chronicles 6:10 (v32) Johanan became the father of Azariah, who executed the priest’s office in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem.
- 1 Chronicles 6:16-17 (v43) The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.
- 1 Chronicles 6:18 (v22) The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
- 1 Chronicles 6:20 (v43) Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,
- 1 Chronicles 6:35 (v26) the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,
- 1 Chronicles 6:35-36 (v25) the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son…
- 1 Chronicles 6:43 (v20) the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.
- 1 Chronicles 9:33 (v32) These are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the rooms and were free from other service; for they were…
- 1 Chronicles 15:17-19 (v39) So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brothers,…
- 1 Chronicles 15:19 (v33) So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were given cymbals of bronze to sound aloud;
- 1 Chronicles 16:1 (v38) They brought in God’s ark, and set it in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it; and they offered burnt offerings and peace…
- 1 Chronicles 16:7 (v39) Then on that day David first ordained to give thanks to Yahweh, by the hand of Asaph and his brothers.
- 1 Chronicles 16:37-42 (v32) So he left Asaph and his brothers there before the ark of Yahweh’s covenant, to minister before the ark continually, as every day’s work…
- 1 Chronicles 16:41-42 (v33) and with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest who were chosen, who were mentioned by name, to give thanks to Yahweh, because his loving…
- 1 Chronicles 23:2 (v48) He gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.
- 1 Chronicles 23:6 (v43) David divided them into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
- 1 Chronicles 23:28 (v47) 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…
- 1 Chronicles 25:1 (v44) Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who…
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-5 (v33) Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who…
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-26 (v48) Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who…
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-31 (v31) Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who…
- 1 Chronicles 25:2 (v39) of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah. The sons of Asaph were under the hand of Asaph, who prophesied at the order…
- 1 Chronicles 25:3 (v44) Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father…
- 1 Chronicles 25:6 (v44) All these were under the hands of their father for song in Yahweh’s house, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service…
- 1 Chronicles 25:7-31 (v32) The number of them, with their brothers who were instructed in singing to Yahweh, even all who were skillful, was two hundred eighty-eight.…
- 1 Chronicles 26:1 (v39) For the divisions of the doorkeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
- 2 Chronicles 20:14 (v39) Then Yahweh’s Spirit came on Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the…
- 2 Chronicles 29:14 (v33) and of the sons of Heman, Jehuel and Shimei; and of the sons of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel.
- 2 Chronicles 29:25-30 (v32) He set the Levites in Yahweh’s house with cymbals, with stringed instruments, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, of Gad…
- 2 Chronicles 29:30 (v39) Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praises to Yahweh with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer.…
- 2 Chronicles 31:2 (v32) Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and the Levites after their divisions, every man according to his service, both the priests…
- Ezra 3:10 (v39) When the builders laid the foundation of Yahweh’s temple, they set the priests in their clothing with trumpets, with the Levites the sons…
- Ezra 3:10-11 (v32) When the builders laid the foundation of Yahweh’s temple, they set the priests in their clothing with trumpets, with the Levites the sons…
- Ezra 6:18 (v32) They set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem, as it is written…
- Nehemiah 11:17-23 (v32) and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah,…
- Nehemiah 11:22 (v39) The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica, of the…
- Nehemiah 12:27-28 (v32) At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the…
100 distinct cross-references across this passage (130 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (19 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
Private notes
Saved on this device only — never synced or sent anywhere.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv22, 28, 31, 32, 37, 39, 48 Who seemeth to be called Izhar, Exod. 6:21.
Who seemeth to be called Izhar, Exod. 6:21.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv22, 28, 33 1Ch 6:22 The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son,…
1Ch 6:22 The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,
Ver. 22. Korah his son.] This was that sinner against his own soul, {Num 16:1} whom the earth swallowed up quick. Howbeit his children came to good, many of them, as Elkanah, Samuel, the sons of Korah, in David’s days. Dathan and Abiram, his fellow sinners, are stigmatised for their stubbornness, {Num 26:9} as before them was Cain, {Gen 4:15} and after them Ahaz. {2Ch 28:22}
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 vv16, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 39, 44, 48 This he repeats, as the foundation of the following…
This he repeats, as the foundation of the following genealogy of those Levites who were not priests.
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 v31 When the Levites were first ordained in the wilderness…
When the Levites were first ordained in the wilderness much of the work then appointed them lay in carrying and taking care of the tabernacle and the utensils of it, while they were in their march through the wilderness. In David's time their number was increased; and, though the greater part of them was dispersed all the nation over, to teach the people the good knowledge of the Lord, yet those that attended the house of God were so numerous that there was not constant work for them all; and therefore David, by special commission and direction from God, new-modelled the Levites, as we shall find in the latter part of this book. Here we are told what the work was which he assigned them.
I. Singing-work, Ch1 6:31. David was raised up on high to be the sweet psalmist of Israel (Sa2 23:1), not only to pen psalms, but to appoint the singing of them in the house of the Lord (not so much because he was musical as because he was devout), and this he did after that the ark had rest. While that was in captivity, obscure, and unsettled, the harps were hung upon the willow-trees: singing was then thought unseasonable (when the bridegroom is taken away they shall fast); but the harps being resumed, and the songs revived, at the bringing up of the ark, they were continued afterwards. For we should rejoice as much in the prolonging of our spiritual privileges as in the restoring of them. When the service of the ark was much superseded by its rest they had other work cut out for them (for Levites should never be idle) and were employed in the service of song. Thus when the people of God come to the rest which remains for them above they shall take leave of all their burdens and be employed in everlasting songs. These singers kept up that service in the tabernacle till the temple was built, and then they waited on their office there, Ch1 6:32. When they came to that stately magnificent house they kept as close both to their office and to their order as they had done in the tabernacle. It is a pity that the preferment of the Levites should ever make them remiss in their business. We have here an account of the three great masters who were employed in the service of the sacred song, with their respective families; for they waited with their children, that is, such as descended from them or were allied to them, Ch1 6:33. Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were the three that were appointed to this service, one of each of the three houses of the Levites, that there might be an equality in the distribution of this work and honour, and that every one might know his post, such an admirable order was there in this choir service. 1. Of the house of Kohath was Heman with his family (Ch1 6:33), a man of a sorrowful spirit, if it be the same Heman that penned the 88th psalm, and yet a singer. He was the grandson of Samuel the prophet, the son of Joel, of whom it is said that he walked not in the ways of Samuel (Sa1 8:2, Sa1 8:3); but it seems, though the son did not, the grandson did. Thus does the blessing entailed on the seed of the upright sometimes pass over one generation and fasten upon the next. And this Heman, though the grandson of that mighty prince, did not think it below him to be a precentor in the house of God. David himself was willing to be a door-keeper. Rather we may look upon this preferment of the grandson in the church as a recompense for the humble modest resignation which the grandfather made of his authority in the state. Many such ways God has of making up his people's losses and balancing their disgraces. Perhaps David, in making Heman the chief, had some respect to his old friend Samuel. 2. Of the house of Gershom was Asaph, called his brother, because in the same office and of the same tribe, though of another family. He was posted on Heman's right hand in the choir, Ch1 6:39. Several of the psalms bear his name, being either penned by him or tuned by him as the chief musician. It is plain that he was the penman of some psalms; for we read of those that praised the Lord in the words of David and of Asaph. He was a seer as well as a singer, Ch2 29:30. His pedigree is traced up here, through names utterly unknown, as high as Levi, Ch1 6:39-43. 3. Of the house of Merari was Ethan (Ch1 6:44), who was appointed to Heman's left hand. His pedigree is also traced up to Levi, Ch1 6:47. If these were the Heman and Ethan that penned the 88th and 89th psalms, there appears no reason here why they should be called Ezrahites (see the titles of those psalms), as there does why those should be called so who are mentioned Ch1 2:6, and who were the sons of Zerah.
Read full note →
II. There was serving-work, abundance of service to be done in the tabernacle of the house of God (Ch1 6:48), to provide water and fuel, - to wash and sweep, and carry out ashes, - to kill, and flay, and boil the sacrifices; and to all such services there were Levites appointed, those of other families, or perhaps those that were not fit to be singers, that had either no good voice or no good ear. As every one has received the gift, so let him minister. Those that could not sing must not therefore be laid aside as good for nothing; though they were not fit for that service, there was other service they might be useful in.
III. There was sacrificing-work, and that was to be done by the priests only, Ch1 6:49. They only were to sprinkle the blood and burn the incense; as for the work of the most holy place, that was to be done by the high priest only. Each had his work, and they both needed one another and both helped one another in it. Concerning the work of the priests we are here told, 1. What was the end they were to have in their eye. They were to make an atonement for Israel, to mediate between the people and God; not to magnify and enrich themselves, but to serve the public. They were ordained for men. 2. What was the rule they were to have in their eye. They presided in God's house, yet must do as they were bidden, according to all that God commanded. That law the highest are subject to.
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 vv16, 20, 21, 29, 31, 32, 33, 39, 44 The sons of Kohath, Amminadab,.... The same with Izhar,…
The sons of Kohath, Amminadab,.... The same with Izhar, Ch1 6:2 the posterity of his brethren, Amram, Hebron, and Uzziel, are omitted; and his genealogy is carried to a considerable length, for the sake of Samuel the prophet, who sprang from him: it stands thus, Korah, Assir, Elkanah, Ebiasaph, Assir, Tahath, Uriel, called Zephaniah, Ch1 6:36 Uzziah, the same with Azariah, Ch1 6:36. Shaul, whose name is Joel, Ch1 6:36 then through the sons of Elkanah, before mentioned, Amasai, Ahimoth, called Mahath, Ch1 6:35 another Elkanah, Zophai, or Zuph, Ch1 6:35. Nahath, the same with Toah, Ch1 6:34 and Tohu, Sa1 1:1, Eliab, called Eliel, Ch1 6:34, and Elihu, Sa1 1:1, Jeroham, another Elkanah, the father of Samuel the prophet, whose firstborn was Vashni, and whose name also was Joel, Ch1 6:33 and so here it is read in the Syriac and Arabic versions:
and his second son Abiah.
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 v44 Ethan - Called also Jeduthun, chap. ix, 16; 2…
Ethan - Called also Jeduthun, chap. ix, 16; 2 Chron. xxxv, 15, and in the titles of divers psalms.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv22, 28, 31, 32, 39 Verse 22. Korah] See the history of this man,…
Verse 22. Korah] See the history of this man, and his rebellion, Nu 16:1-33.
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 vv16, 19, 26, 31, 32, 39, 44, 48 1Ch 6:16. The sons of Levi, Gershom, &c. —…
1Ch 6:16. The sons of Levi, Gershom, &c. — This he repeats as the foundation of the following genealogy of those Levites who were not priests.
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 vv16, 20, 28, 31 A general account of the several branches of the…
A general account of the several branches of the tribe of Levi.
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 vv16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 31, 33, 34, 39, 44, 48 Gerson. Hebrew here reads Gersom, though it had Gerson…
Gerson. Hebrew here reads Gersom, though it had Gerson before, ver. 1.
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 vv16, 20, 24, 27, 28, 32, 33, 39, 42, 48 The sons of Levi; Gershom, &c.--This repetition (see Ch1…
The sons of Levi; Gershom, &c.--This repetition (see Ch1 6:1) is made, as the historian here begins to trace the genealogy of the Levitical families who were not priests. The list is a long one, comprising the chiefs or heads of their several families until David's reign, who made a new and different classification of them by courses.
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 vv31–32 31. Whom David set over the service of song…
31. Whom David set over the service of song — See on 1Ch_15:16.
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 vv16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 26, 31, 32, 33, 37, 39, 43, 47, 48 16–30 (= 1Ch_6:1-15 according to the Heb. division). The…
16–30 (= 1Ch_6:1-15 according to the Heb. division). The three clans of the Levites. The Levitic Descent of Samuel the Prophet
16. Gershom] elsewhere Gershon. Gershom was the name of Moses’ son; Exo_2:22.
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 vv16, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 38, 39, 44, 48 (16-19) The three branches of Levi with their main…
(16-19) The three branches of Levi with their main subdivisions. Parallel passages, Exo_6:16-19; Num_3:17-20.
(16) Gershom.—See Note on 1Ch_6:1. In the Pentateuch, Gershom is son of Moses; Gershon, son of Levi.
Read full note →
(19) And these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers.—The word’families” (Heb., mishpehuth) does not mean single households, but groups of households, or clans. The sentence concludes the short list of the great Levitical houses, just as at Exo_6:19. (See also Num_3:20, where a like formula appears to introduce what follows.)
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 vv16, 20, 22, 24, 29, 31, 32, 33, 39, 44, 48 Ver. 16-19. These verses have a re-enumeration of the…
Ver. 16-19. These verses have a re-enumeration of the three sons of Levi, and differ from the enumeration of ver. 1, in being followed by the sons of each of these three, and afterwards by the line of descendants from each, instead of by the sons of only one, Kohath, and his descendant in only one stem, the high priest stem, and with only one object. All these names agree with Exo_6:17-19 and Num_3:17-20 (comp. Num_3:21-36 with Num_26:57-60), with the trifling exceptions already alluded to, in the Hebrew spelling of Gershom and the Authorized Version spelling of Shimei and the Authorized Version Mahali of Exo_6:19. The latter half of ver. 19, according to the Hebrew, should rather refer to what has preceded, and be a "subscription," though it might best suit the connection to regard it as introducing what was to follow, and as being a "superscription." Bertheau holds with the former of these views, Keil with the latter.
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 vv31, 48 1Ch_6:31; 1Ch_6:48
1Ch_6:31; 1Ch_6:48
And these are they whom David let over the service of song lit the house of the Lord.
Read full note →
The ministry of song
I. Song an element of Christian worship.
II. Song an expression of human feeling.
III. Song a power for which its possessors are responsible. (J. Wolfendale.)
Religious worship
I. Worship varied in its forms.
II. Lively in its spirit.
III. Orderly in its method.
IV. Universal in its participation. (J. Wolfendale.)
.
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Alexander MacLaren 1905 · Public Domain On v32 1 Chronicles
1 Chronicles
DAVID’S CHORISTERS
Read full note →
1Ch 6:32.
This brief note is buried in the catalogue of the singers appointed by David for ‘the service of song in the house of the Lord.’ The waves of their choral praise have long ages since ceased to eddy round the ‘tabernacle of the tent of meeting,’ and all that is left of their melodious companies is a dry list of names, in spite of which the dead owners of them are nameless. But the chronicler’s description of them may carry some lessons for us, for is not the Church of Christ a choir, chosen to ‘shew forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light’? We take a permissible liberty with this fragment, when we use it to point lessons that may help that great band of choristers who are charged with the office of making the name of Jesus ring through the world. Now, in making such a use of the text, we may linger on each important word in it and find each fruitful in suggestions which we shall be the better for expanding in our own meditations.
We pause on the first word, which is rendered in the Authorised and Revised Versions ‘waited,’ and in the margin of the latter ‘stood.’ The former rendering brings into prominence the mental attitude with which the singers held themselves ready to take their turns in the service, the latter points rather to their bodily attitude as they fulfilled their office. We get a picture of the ranked files gathered round their three leaders, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan. These three names are familiar to us from the Psalter, but how all the ranks behind them have fallen dim to us, and how their song has floated into inaudible distance! They ‘stood,’ a melodious multitude, girt and attent on their song, or waiting their turn to fill the else silent air with the high praises of Jehovah, and glad when it came to their turn to open their lips in full-throated melody.
Now may we not catch the spirit of that long vanished chorus, and find in the two possible renderings of this word a twofold example, the faithful following of which would put new vigour into our service? We are called to a loftier office, and have heavenly harmonies entrusted to us to be made vocal by our lips, compared with which theirs were poor. ‘They waited on’ their office, and shall not we, in a higher fashion, wait on our ministry, and suffer no inferior claims to block our way or hamper our preparedness to discharge it? To let ourselves be entangled with ‘the affairs of this life,’ or to ‘drowse in idle cell,’ sleepily letting summonses that should wake us to work sound unheeded and almost unheard, is flagrant despite done to our high vocation as Christians. ‘They also serve who only stand and wait,’ but not if in their waiting their eyes are straying everywhere but to their Master’s pointing hand or directing eye. The world is full of voices calling Christ’s folk to help; but what a host of so-called Christians fail to hear these piteous and despairing cries, because the noise of their own whims, fancies, and self-centred desires keeps buzzing in their ears. A constant accompaniment of deafness is constant noises in the head; and the Christians who are hardest of hearing when Christ calls are generally afflicted with noises which are probably the cause, and not merely an accompaniment, of their deafness. For indeed it demands no little detachment of spirit from self and sense, from the world and its clamant suitors, if a Christian soul is to be ready to mark the first signal of the great Conductor’s baton, and to answer the lightest whisper, intrusting it with a task for Him, with its self-consecrating ‘Here am I. Send me.’
It used to be said that they who watched for providences never wanted providences to watch for; it is equally true that they who are on the watch for opportunities for service never fail to find them, and that ears pricked to ‘hear what God the Lord shall speak,’ summoning to work for Him, will not listen in vain. Paul saw in a vision ‘a man of Macedonia’ begging for his help, and ‘straightway’ he concluded that ‘God had called’ him to preach in Europe. Happy are these Christian workers who hear God’s voice speaking through men’s needs, and recognise a divine imperative in human cries!
May we not see in the attitude of David’s choristers as they sang, hints for our own discharge of the tasks of our Christian service? There was a curse of old on him who did the work of the Lord ‘negligently,’ and its weight falls still on workers and work. For who can measure the harm done to the Christian life of the negligent worker, and who can expect any blessing to come either to him or to others from such half-hearted seeming service? The devil’s kingdom is not to be cast down nor Christ’s to be builded up by workers who put less than their whole selves, the entire weight of their bodies, into their toil. A pavior on the street brings down his rammer at every stroke with an accompanying exclamation expressing effort, and there is no place in Christ’s service for dainty people who will not sweat at their task, and are in mortal fear of over-work. Strenuousness, the gathering together of all our powers, are implied in the attitude of Heman and his band as they ‘stood’ in their office. Idle revellers might loll on their rose-strewn couches as they ‘sing idle songs to the sound of the viol and devise for themselves instruments of music, like David,’ but the austerer choir of the Temple despised ease, and stood ready for service and in the best bodily posture for song.
The second important word of the text brings other thoughts no less valuable and rich in practical counsel. The singers in the Temple stood in their ‘office,’ which was song. Their special work was praise. And that is the highest task of the Church. As a matter of fact, every period of quickened earnestness in the Church’s life has been a period marked by a great outburst of Christian song. All intense emotion seeks expression in poetry, and music is the natural speech of a vivid faith. Luther chanted the Marseillaise of the Reformation, ‘A safe stronghold our God is still,’ and many another sweet strain blended strangely with the fiery and sometimes savage words from his lips. The Scottish Reformation, grim in some of its features as it was, had yet its ‘Gude and Godly Ballads.’ At the birth of Methodism, as round the cradle at Bethlehem, hovered as it were angel voices singing, ‘Glory to God in the highest.’ A flock of singing birds let loose attends every revival of Christian life.
The Church’s praise is the noblest expression of the Church’s life. Its hymns go deeper than its creeds, touch hearts more to the quick, minister to the faith which they enshrine, and often draw others to see the preciousness of the Christ whom they celebrate. How little we should have known of Old Testament religion, notwithstanding law and prophets, if the Psalter had perished!
And it is true, in a very deep sense, that we shall do more for Christ and men by voicing our own deep thankfulness for His great gifts and speaking simply our valuation of, and our thankfulness for, what we draw from Him than by any other form of so-called Christian work. We can offend none by saying: ‘We have found the Messias,’ and are adoringly glad that we have. The most effectual way of moving other souls to participate in our joy is to let our joy speak. ‘If you wish me to weep,’ your own tears must not be held back, and if you wish others to know the preciousness of Christ, you must ring out His name with fervour of emotion and the triumphant confidence. We are the ‘secretaries of God’s praise,’ as George Herbert has it, for we have possession of His greatest gift, and have learned to know Him in loftier fashion than Heman’s choristers dreamed of, having seen ‘the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ,’ and tasted the sweetness of redeeming love. The Apocalyptic seer sets forth a great truth when he tells us that he first heard a new song from the lips of the representatives of the Church, who could sing, ‘Thou wast slain and didst redeem us to God with Thy blood,’ and then heard their adoration echoed from ‘many angels round about the throne,’ and finally heard the song reverberated from every created thing in heaven and earth, in the sea and all deep places. A praising Church has experiences of its own which angels cannot share, and it sets in motion the great sea of praise whose surges break in music and roll from every side of the universe in melodious thunder to the great white throne. Without our song even angel voices would lack somewhat.
‘God said, “A praise is in Mine ear;
There is no doubt in it, no fear:
Clearer loves sound other ways:
I miss My little human praise.”‘
The song of the redeemed has in it a minor strain that gives a sweetness far more poignant than belongs to those who cannot say: ‘Out of the depths I cried unto Thee.’ ‘The sweetest songs are those which tell of saddest thought,’ and recount experiences of conquered sin and life springing from death.
But it is also true that no kind of Christian service will be effectual, if it lacks the element of grateful praise as its motive and mainspring. Perhaps there would be fewer complaints of toiling all night and wearily hauling in empty nets, if the nets were oftener let down not only ‘at Thy word’ but with glad remembrance of the fishermen’s debt to Jesus, and in the spirit of praise. When all our work is a sacrifice of praise, it is pleasing to God and profitable to ourselves and to others. If we would oftener bethink ourselves, and herald every deed with a silent dedication of it and of ourselves to Him who died for us, we should less often have to complain that we have sowed much and brought back little. A pinch of incense cast into the common domestic fire makes its flame sacrificial and fragrant.
The last important word of the text is also fertile in hints for us. The singers stood in their office ‘according to their order.’ That last expression may either refer to rotation of service or to distribution of parts in the chorus. They did not sing in unison, grand as the effect of such a song from a multitude sometimes is, but they had their several parts. The harmonious complexity of a great chorus is the ideal for the Church. Paul puts the same thought in a sterner metaphor when he tells the Colossian Christians that he joys ‘beholding your order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ,’ where he is evidently thinking of the Roman legion with its rigid discipline and its solid, irresistible, ranked weight. Division of function and consequent concordant action of different parts is the lesson taught by both metaphors, and by the many modern examples of the immense results gained in machinery that almost simulates vital action, and by organisations for great purposes in which men combine. The Church should be the highest example of such combination, for it is the shrine of the noblest life, even the life of its indwelling Lord. Every member of it should have and know his place. Every Christian should know his part in the great chorus, for he has a part, even if it is only that of tinkling the triangle in the orchestra or beating a drum. That division of function and concordance of action apply to all forms of the Church’s action, and are enforced most chiefly by the great Apostolic metaphor of the body and its members. Paul did not delight in ‘uniformity.’ Inferiors calling themselves his successors have often aimed at enforcing it, but nature has been too strong for them, and the hedge will grow its own way in spite of pedants’ shears. ‘If the whole body were an eye, where the hearing?’ The monotony of a church in which uniformity was the ideal would be intolerable. The chorus has its parts, and the soprano cannot say to the bass, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor the bass to the tenor, ‘I have no need of thee.’
So let us see that we find our own place, and see that we fill it, singing our own part lustily, and not being either confused or made dumb because another has other notes to sing than are written on our score. Let us recognise unity made more melodious by diversity, the importance of the humblest, and ‘having gifts differing according to the grace given unto us let us wait on our ministry,’ and stand in our office according to our order.
Alexander MacLaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture (1904–1910) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 33, 36, 39, 44, 48 Gershon ... Kohath ... Merari
Gershon ... Kohath ... Merari
Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 6:1.
Read full note →
Libni ... Shimei
These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)
Amram ... Izhar ... Hebron ... Uzziel
Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 6:2.
translationWords
Levi
Shimei
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 vv16, 27, 31, 33, 39 6:16-30 The second introduction of the Levites (6:16-19a) introduces…
6:16-30 The second introduction of the Levites (6:16-19a) introduces the heads of all the Levitical families (6:19b-30). The list contains the genealogies of Gershon (6:20-21), Kohath (6:22-24), and Merari (6:29-30).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.