1 Chronicles 15 20

1 Chronicles 15:20 kjv

And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;

1 Chronicles 15:20 nkjv

Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with strings according to Alamoth;

1 Chronicles 15:20 niv

Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah and Benaiah were to play the lyres according to alamoth,

1 Chronicles 15:20 esv

Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play harps according to Alamoth;

1 Chronicles 15:20 nlt

Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were chosen to play the harps.

1 Chronicles 15 verses

1 Chronicles 15 20 Meaning

First Chronicles 15:20 identifies a specific group of Levite musicians—Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah—who were appointed to play the psalteries. Their performance was to be "on Alamoth," indicating a particular musical instruction, likely a high pitch or soprano register, for the instrument within the elaborate worship accompanying the procession of the Ark of the Covenant.

1 Chronicles 15 20 Context

First Chronicles chapter 15 records David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Unlike the disastrous first attempt (1 Chr 13), David learned to consult God's law and meticulously followed the prescribed method for transporting the sacred Ark: by the hands of the Levites, using poles, and consecrated for their holy task. The chapter emphasizes the careful selection and purification of the Levites for this solemn duty. Amidst the joyous, yet sacred, procession, an elaborate musical ensemble was established to accompany the Ark. This verse specifically lists some of the key Levitical musicians who were tasked with playing the psalteries according to a precise musical directive, "on Alamoth." This organizational detail highlights David's dedication to proper, organized, and skillful worship of the Lord, making musical praise an integral part of Israel's national religious life.

1 Chronicles 15 20 Word analysis

• And Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah: These are proper names of Levites appointed by David for their specific roles as musicians. Many of these names are theophoric, meaning they include a divine element, such as "Yah" (YHWH, the Lord) or "El" (God).

  • Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה - Zᵉkharyāh): "Yah has remembered." He is also mentioned in 1 Chr 15:18 and 16:5.
  • Jaaziel (יַעֲזִיאֵל - Yaʻăziyʼēl): "God strengthens." Also appears as "Aziel" in 1 Chr 15:18.
  • Shemiramoth (שְׁמִירָמוֹת - Shᵉmiyārāmôth): "Name of heights" or "My name is exalted." He is a notable leader, also in 1 Chr 15:18 and 16:5, indicating a key role in the worship band.
  • Jehiel (יְחִיאֵל - Yᵉḥiymʻēl): "God lives."
  • Unni (אוּנִּי - ʼUnniy): Meaning uncertain, possibly "my affliction" or "my answer."
  • Eliab (אֱלִיאָב - ʼĚliʼāv): "My God is father."
  • Maaseiah (מַעֲשֵׂיָה - Maʻaśeiyāh): "Work of Yah" or "Yah has made."
  • Benaiah (בְּנָיָה - Bᵉnāyāh): "Yah has built" or "Yah has established." There are multiple Benaiahs in David's time; this one is specifically a musician.
  • Significance: The detailed listing of names underscores the personal responsibility and individual roles within the corporate worship. It also points to the lineage and identity of those chosen for God's service, many stemming from specific Levitical families.

• with psalteries: Hebrew: נְבָלִים (nᵉvālîm).

  • Meaning: These were stringed instruments, often translated as "harps," "lyres," or "lutes." The nebel was distinct from the kinnor (lyre), often having more strings (ten or twelve) and a larger resonance body, likely played by plucking or strumming. It produced a full, resonant sound.
  • Significance: The use of psalteries highlights the rich musicality of Davidic worship. These instruments were primarily associated with praise, worship, prophecy, and celebratory occasions in ancient Israel (e.g., Ps 33:2; 92:3).

• on Alamoth: Hebrew: עֲלָמוֹת (`alāmōth).

  • Meaning: This is a musical technical term, derived from the word for "young women" or "maidens" (עֲלָמָה - `almāh). It most likely indicates:
    • High Pitch/Soprano Register: That the music was to be played "in the manner of maidens," meaning in a higher pitch, high key, or suitable for higher-pitched voices or instruments.
    • Specific Tune/Melody: It could refer to a particular tune or melodic mode known as "Alamoth."
  • Significance: The inclusion of this directive reveals the sophistication of ancient Israelite music under David. It signifies intentionality and specificity in how music was to be performed for worship, not just improvised noise but skillfully orchestrated sound. It emphasizes that musical praise was a serious, organized, and finely tuned aspect of their religious expression, intended to honor God with excellence and precision. Its appearance in the title of Psalm 46 further confirms its role as a musical instruction.

1 Chronicles 15 20 Bonus section

• The naming of individuals in Levitical service reinforces the biblical emphasis on accountability and specific divine calling within the community of faith. Each person had a divinely appointed role to fulfill.
• The transition of the Ark of the Covenant was a theological event, marking God's settled presence among His people in Jerusalem. The intricate musical arrangement highlighted in this verse elevated the worship experience, transforming it into a sensory spectacle befitting the presence of the King of kings.
• The precise musical instruction "on Alamoth," along with similar terms found in the Psalms (e.g., "Sheminith," "Mut-Labben," "Jeduthun"), indicates that the Israelites possessed a rich and developed musical vocabulary and practice, far from rudimentary. This level of musical literacy within David's court would have involved trained professionals, not merely amateurs.

1 Chronicles 15 20 Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:20 offers a glimpse into the meticulously organized and aesthetically rich worship culture fostered by King David. It doesn't just mention musicians; it meticulously names individuals—Zechariah, Jaaziel, and others—demonstrating the personal nature of service and the individual roles within the Levitical ranks. These men were entrusted with specific instruments, the psalteries, whose deep and resonant sounds were integral to the festive and reverent atmosphere accompanying the Ark of the Covenant. The directive "on Alamoth" elevates this beyond mere instrumental playing, pointing to a sophisticated understanding of musical register or melodic form. This underscores that worship was not haphazard but approached with professional skill and precise direction, ensuring that the sound offered to God was one of beauty, excellence, and theological intent. David's meticulous planning foreshadows the divine order that God desires in all worship, reflecting His character as a God of order, beauty, and perfection, reminding us that true worship requires preparation, dedication, and skill, always aimed at magnifying Him.