Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 25

Verse 1

captains of the host = the heads of the Temple service. This word "host" applied to Levites in Numbers 4:3 . Rendered "service" (margin warfare) in Numbers 4:23 , Numbers 4:30 , Numbers 4:35 , Numbers 4:39 , Numbers 4:43 ; Numbers 8:24 .

Jeduthun. Probably another name for Ethan. See note on 1 Chronicles 16:41 .

prophesy with harps. Not "perform", or "render". The music therefore eminently spiritual. See note on 1 Chronicles 25:5 .

Verse 3

six. Only five named. The sixth is Shimei (1 Chronicles 25:17 ).

Verse 4

Giddalti. The fact that the meanings of these six names form a complete sentence in Hebrew is no more proof that this is a mistaken "obscure and ancient prayer", than that the chronicler has strung together a list of six names in order to form a sentence. What it shows is that Heman, in naming his sons, did so with this set purpose, as parents have often done since his day. The supposed prayer would read: "I have magnified, and I have raised up help; Sitting in trouble, I have spoken many oracles. "

Verse 5

the words of God. Not the words of man. None but Divine words used in Divine worship.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. (with Art.) = the [true] God. App-4 .

Verse 7

songs of the LORD. Not of man.

cunning = skilful. See note on 1 Chronicles 22:15 .

two hundred fourscore and eight. (288 = 24 x 12.) Twelve (the number of Governmental perfection) is a factor in all that pertains to government. Compare 1 Chronicles 27:1 . See App-10 .

Verse 8

cast lots. See notes on the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30 . Numbers 26:55 ).

ward = charge. A word belonging to usage of Pentateuch. Compare 1 Chronicles 23:32 .

Verse 9

came forth: i.e. out of the ephod, the bag behind the high priest's breastplate; the lap, or bag of Proverbs 16:33 . Compare Joshua 21:4 , and see note on Exodus 28:30 . Numbers 26:55 .

to Joseph. Not the eldest son.

his brethren. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus), App-6 , for relatives.

Verse 10

Zaccur, the son of Asaph (1 Chronicles 25:2 ).

Verse 14

Jesharelah = Asarelah of 1 Chronicles 25:2 .

Verse 18

Azareel = Uzziel of 1 Chronicles 25:4 .