1 Chronicles 16 5

1 Chronicles 16:5 kjv

Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;

1 Chronicles 16:5 nkjv

Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, and Obed-Edom: Jeiel with stringed instruments and harps, but Asaph made music with cymbals;

1 Chronicles 16:5 niv

Asaph was the chief, and next to him in rank were Zechariah, then Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals,

1 Chronicles 16:5 esv

Asaph was the chief, and second to him were Zechariah, Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel, who were to play harps and lyres; Asaph was to sound the cymbals,

1 Chronicles 16:5 nlt

Asaph, the leader of this group, sounded the cymbals. Second to him was Zechariah, followed by Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They played the harps and lyres.

1 Chronicles 16 verses

1 Chronicles 16 5 Meaning

1 Chronicles 16:5 describes the appointment of specific Levites by King David to minister before the Ark of the Covenant, particularly focusing on their roles in the musical worship. It lists Asaiah as the chief among them, along with Zechariah, Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, and Obed-Edom. The verse then specifies that Jeiel was responsible for playing psalteries and harps, and Asaph was designated to play cymbals, highlighting their specialized instrumental functions in this inaugural worship service.

1 Chronicles 16 5 Context

1 Chronicles 16 describes King David’s glorious celebration of bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem and placing it within the tent he had prepared for it. This was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, signifying the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious and political capital. After offering sacrifices and blessing the people, David set up an elaborate system for worship before the Ark. The verse is part of a list of Levites specifically assigned to the sacred duty of ministering to the Lord with music and praise, reflecting David’s comprehensive organization of worship, distinct from the traditional priestly duties, in anticipation of the future Temple service.

1 Chronicles 16 5 Word analysis

• And Asaiah the chief:
  • Asaiah (עֲשׂוּיָה - ‘Asuyah): Meaning "Yahweh has made" or "Made by Yahweh." His name itself suggests divine purpose in his calling.
  • chief (הָרֹאשׁ - ha-ro’sh): Designates him as the leader or primary person among this particular group of Levites, underscoring the structured hierarchy within David’s worship arrangements.
• and Zechariah next to him:
  • Zechariah (זְכַרְיָהוּ - Zekaryahu): Meaning "Yahweh remembers." His placement indicates a high-ranking or principal assistant role to Asaiah, reflecting a precise order in divine service.
  • next to him: Denotes proximity in position and possibly in authority or function.
• and Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-Edom:
  • Jeiel (יְעִיאֵל - Ye'i'el): Meaning "God takes away" or "Taken by God." Listed first in this broader group of individuals and later highlighted for his instrumental role, emphasizing his significance.
  • Shemiramoth (שְׁמִירָמוֹת - Shemiramoth): Meaning "Names of heights." A Levite musician appointed by David.
  • Jehiel (יְחִיאֵל - Yehi'el): Meaning "May God live!" or "God lives."
  • Mattithiah (מַתִּתְיָהוּ - Mattityahu): Meaning "Gift of Yahweh."
  • Eliab (אֱלִיאָב - 'Eli'av): Meaning "My God is father."
  • Benaiah (בְּנָיָהוּ - Benayahu): Meaning "Yahweh has built." A common and distinguished name; here it belongs to a Levite dedicated to worship.
  • Obed-Edom (עֹבֵד אֱדוֹם - 'Oved 'Edom): Meaning "Servant of Edom" (often referring to a Gittite from Gath, possibly originally). His inclusion here is highly significant, as the Ark previously blessed his household abundantly (1 Chr 13:13-14), marking him as someone exceptionally blessed and trusted with sacred proximity to the Ark. His continuous presence in sacred service is a testament to the Lord’s faithfulness.
• and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps;
  • psalteries (נֵבֶל - nevel): A stringed instrument, likely a type of lyre or harp, noted for its resonant sound, associated with praise and joyful worship.
  • harps (כִּנּוֹר - kinnor): Another stringed instrument, famously played by David himself. Often used for spiritual purposes, prophecy, and praise. This second mention of Jeiel, with specific instruments, signifies his designated instrumental specialization and prominence.
• but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;
  • Asaph (אָסָף - Asaph): Meaning "collector" or "gatherer." A renowned Levite, chief of David's three primary choir directors (alongside Heman and Jeduthun/Ethan), and the namesake of many Psalms (Psa 73-83). His designation emphasizes his crucial role and leadership in worship.
  • made a sound (הִשְׁמִיעַ - hishmi’a): Implies a distinct, powerful, and deliberate production of sound, drawing attention to the cymbal's percussive nature.
  • cymbals (מְצִלְתַּיִם - metziltayim): Percussion instruments producing a sharp, resounding tone, used for emphatic rhythmic accompaniment, joyful declaration, and to punctuate worship, indicating vibrancy and strong expression of praise.

1 Chronicles 16 5 Bonus section

• The emphasis on named individuals within the musical leadership (Asaiah, Zechariah, Jeiel, Asaph, etc.) signifies the personalized nature of divine calling and service within the Levite ranks, rather than merely an anonymous priestly function. Each was specifically chosen for this sacred ministry.
• The re-mention of Jeiel and the distinct roles for Asaph suggest a functional hierarchy or specific instrumental expertise, demonstrating David’s detailed and specialized approach to organizing worship. This set a standard for specialized liturgical roles within the Lord’s house.
• The musical instruments listed (psalteries, harps, cymbals) are representative of melody, harmony, and rhythm respectively, showcasing a complete and rich sound in worship that was meant to evoke strong emotion and participation. This full-spectrum sound was not incidental but foundational to Old Testament corporate worship.

1 Chronicles 16 5 Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:5 illustrates David's profound commitment to ordered and exuberant worship, placing music at the heart of the sacred liturgy before the Ark. The meticulous listing of names highlights the specific roles assigned to various Levites, not just for general duties but for specialized musical contributions. Asaiah's leadership, Zechariah's support, and the presence of names like Obed-Edom, who had experienced the direct blessing of the Ark, underline the spiritual depth and continuity desired in the worship team. The explicit mention of Jeiel with psalteries and harps, and Asaph with cymbals, demonstrates that distinct instrumental voices were integral to Davidic worship, fostering a full, dynamic sound. Asaph's pivotal role with the percussive cymbals points to music not merely as background but as an active, emphatic, and essential component of expressing joy, thanksgiving, and praise to the Most High, serving as a blueprint for organized worship in the centuries that followed, especially in the Temple.