1 Chronicles 15:22 kjv
And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skillful.
1 Chronicles 15:22 nkjv
Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful;
1 Chronicles 15:22 niv
Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it.
1 Chronicles 15:22 esv
Chenaniah, leader of the Levites in music, should direct the music, for he understood it.
1 Chronicles 15:22 nlt
Kenaniah, the head Levite, was chosen as the choir leader because of his skill.
1 Chronicles 15 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 4:15 | "And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering... then afterward the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it..." | Levites carried sacred objects |
| Deut 10:8 | "At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant..." | Levites chosen for Ark bearing |
| 1 Chron 15:2 | "Then David said that no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God..." | Levites designated for Ark |
| 1 Chron 15:16 | "David spoke to the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their relatives as the singers... with musical instruments..." | Levites appointed as musicians |
| 1 Chron 23:5 | "...and 4,000 were gatekeepers, and 4,000 praised the Lord with the instruments..." | Levites as musicians for worship |
| 1 Chron 25:7 | "The number of them along with their relatives... who were trained in singing for the Lord, all of whom were skillful..." | Skillful singers for the Lord |
| 2 Chron 5:12 | "...the Levitical singers... arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar..." | Levites led temple music |
| Ezra 3:10-11 | "When the builders laid the foundation of the temple... singers... sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord..." | Music essential in temple restoration |
| Neh 12:45-47 | "...ministers who had charge of the thanksgiving and the singers... For in the days of David... were leaders of the singers..." | David established musical roles |
| Ps 33:3 | "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts." | Calls for skillful musical praise |
| Ps 47:7 | "For God is king of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm of instruction." | Skillful and instructional praise |
| Ps 150:3-5 | "Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance..." | Variety of instruments in praise |
| 1 Sam 16:18 | "Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is skillful in playing..." | Example of skillful musicianship (David) |
| Exod 31:3-4 | "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge... to devise artistic designs..." | God grants skill for His service |
| 1 Kings 7:14 | "...a bronze worker, and he was full of skill, understanding, and knowledge..." | Hiram Abiff, skilled for Temple work |
| Prov 2:6 | "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." | Wisdom/understanding from God |
| Prov 24:5 | "A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge increases strength." | Value of understanding (mevin) |
| Col 3:16 | "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns..." | Worship through singing and wisdom |
| Eph 5:19 | "addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart," | Believers called to sing |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | "But all things should be done decently and in order." | Order and decency in worship |
| 1 Chron 13:9-10 | "And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand... and the anger of the Lord burst out against Uzzah..." | Contrast: Disobedience led to death |
| Num 8:24-26 | "This is what pertains to the Levites... to minister... to keep charge." | Levites minister according to charge |
1 Chronicles 15 verses
1 Chronicles 15 22 Meaning
This verse identifies Chenaniah as a leader among the Levites, specifically designated for the aspect of music or sacred song during the solemn procession of the Ark of the Covenant. He was entrusted with directing this vital musical worship because he possessed a profound understanding and skill in it. This highlights that service to God, particularly in sacred contexts, required not only divine appointment but also specific giftedness and practical proficiency.
1 Chronicles 15 22 Context
1 Chronicles 15 is set within King David's reign, focusing on his second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The first attempt, recounted in 1 Chronicles 13, resulted in tragedy because the Ark was transported on an oxcart, contrary to God's explicit instructions for it to be carried by Levites on poles (Exod 25:14; Num 4:15). In this chapter, David demonstrates a clear understanding of the past error, meticulous preparation, and strict adherence to the divine law concerning the Ark's sacred nature and the designated roles of the Levites. Chapter 15 emphasizes order, purification, and divinely appointed roles in worship, reflecting a heart determined to honor God's commands. Verse 22 specifically highlights the specialized, skillful role of music within this solemn and sacred procession, demonstrating that even the aesthetic and expressive parts of worship required specific talent and proper leadership.
1 Chronicles 15 22 Word analysis
- Chenaniah: Hebrew
כְּנַנְיָהוּ(Kenanyahu), meaning "Jehovah establishes" or "established by Yah." This name suggests a divine appointment or firm foundation, fitting for someone holding a significant role in God's service. - leader: Hebrew
שַׂר(sar), meaning "prince," "chief," "official," or "commander." It indicates a position of authority and responsibility within a structured organization, not just a participant but one who directs. - of the Levites: Hebrew
הַלְוִיִּם(ha-Leviyyim). The Levites were a specific tribe consecrated by God for temple/tabernacle service, including carrying sacred objects, ministering, and leading in worship, distinguishing them from the general populace. - in music: Hebrew
לַמַּשָּׂא(la-massa'). This is a nuanced term. While often translated "music" or "song" in modern versions,מַשָּׂא(massa) literally means "burden," "load," or "oracle." In this context, it refers to the specific liturgical chanting, processional song, or "bearing" of the choir/music accompanying the Ark. It suggests solemn, organized sound related to a sacred task or utterance, rather than casual music. - was to direct the music: Hebrew
וַיּוֹר(vayo-rer), derived from the verbיָרָה(yarah) in the Hiphil form. It means "to instruct," "to teach," "to direct," or "to set in motion." This indicates Chenaniah was responsible for the technical leadership and overall orchestration of the musical aspect, guiding the other singers and musicians precisely. - for he was skillful: Hebrew
כִּי מֵבִין הוּא(ki mevin hu).מֵבִין(mevin) is a participle fromבִּין(bin), meaning "to understand," "discern," or "perceive." It implies a deep, intelligent comprehension and practical proficiency, not merely a natural talent but a mastery born of wisdom and experience. This "skillfulness" goes beyond mere technical ability; it suggests discernment for how to best lead this sacred form of worship.
Words-group analysis:
- Chenaniah, leader of the Levites: Emphasizes that skill was combined with a designated, authoritative role. Leadership in sacred service requires not just spiritual gifting but also a proper place within God's ordered structure.
- was to direct the music: Highlights the intentional and guided nature of worship. Music in this context was not spontaneous or chaotic but meticulously organized and led, signifying reverence and order in God's presence.
- for he was skillful: Provides the divine justification and practical reason for Chenaniah's appointment. God desires service that is both devout and excellently executed, reflecting the perfection of His nature. This isn't just about natural ability, but the practical wisdom and understanding that allow for effective, edifying service.
1 Chronicles 15 22 Bonus section
The Chronicler’s repeated emphasis on musical personnel and their designated roles (1 Chron 15:16, 19, 21-22, 23:5, 25:1-8) reveals the crucial importance of organized worship and the high regard for musicians within David’s reformation. Chenaniah's specific title 'chief of the Levites for the song' indicates a distinct specialization, affirming that specific gifts were recognized and purposefully integrated into the Levitical system for the glory of God. This setup ensured that the process of worship was both joyful and holy, aesthetically rich and divinely approved, paving the way for the eventual full temple service under Solomon.
1 Chronicles 15 22 Commentary
1 Chronicles 15:22 underscores profound truths about service to God: divine ordination, precise adherence to instructions, and the necessity of skilled, dedicated labor. Chenaniah's role as director of the sacred music, entrusted due to his profound skill (mevin), shows that God's work, especially worship, demands both spiritual authority and practical excellence. It signifies that divine presence is to be met with utmost care and preparedness, contrasting with the previous failure where lack of understanding led to irreverence. The "music" (massa) here implies structured, liturgical chants accompanying the Ark, pointing to a solemn, ordered expression of worship. This verse teaches that our offerings to God should be our very best, not just in spirit but also in execution. It provides a foundational principle that effective ministry and worship flow from both understanding God's ways and diligently applying one's gifts with excellence.