1 Chronicles 25 13

1 Chronicles 25:13 kjv

The sixth to Bukkiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

1 Chronicles 25:13 nkjv

the sixth for Bukkiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve;

1 Chronicles 25:13 niv

the sixth to Bukkiah, his sons and relatives ? 12

1 Chronicles 25:13 esv

the sixth to Bukkiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

1 Chronicles 25:13 nlt

The sixth lot fell to Bukkiah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

1 Chronicles 25 verses

1 Chronicles 25 13 Meaning

1 Chronicles 25:13 describes the outcome of a divinely orchestrated lot, designating the tenth of the twenty-four divisions of Levitical musicians for temple service to Shimei. This particular division was composed of Shimei, along with his sons and brothers, collectively forming a unit of twelve individuals. It highlights King David's precise and structured organization of worship duties to ensure continuous praise and musical ministration in the future Temple.

1 Chronicles 25 13 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 25 details King David's meticulously planned organization of the Levitical musicians into twenty-four distinct divisions, each purposed for regular, round-the-clock service in the Lord's Temple, which was yet to be built by Solomon. This comprehensive structure aimed to ensure that music, a vital component of Israelite worship and prophesying, would be perpetually maintained and performed in an orderly fashion. Each division, determined by lot, consisted of twelve men, typically a head (from the main Levitical musical families of Asaph, Heman, or Jeduthun) along with his sons and other close male relatives, serving under the direction of their familial leader. Verse 13 specifically pinpoints the tenth division as falling by lot to Shimei, highlighting the structured, familial, and divinely ordained nature of this significant organizational endeavor.

1 Chronicles 25 13 Word analysis

• the tenth: (Hebrew: ha-'ăśîrî - הָעֲשִׂירִי)

  • Significance: Denotes specific placement in a numerical sequence. This was the result of a lot, indicating a precise and pre-determined slot in the twenty-four divisions. It highlights the divine ordering and impartial distribution of duties among the Levitical musicians.

• to Shimei: (Hebrew: Shim'î - שִׁמְעִי)

  • Significance: Shimei is named as the leader, the specific individual chosen by lot to head this division. While a common name, here it refers to the appointed chief of the tenth course of musicians. He is part of the established lineage of Levites set apart for temple music.

• he: Implied in "Shimei."

  • Significance: Refers to Shimei himself as the responsible leader, indicating his individual role as the head of the division chosen.

• his sons: (Hebrew: bānāyw - בָּנָיו)

  • Significance: Emphasizes the hereditary nature of the Levitical service, where responsibilities and skills were passed down through generations within families. It signifies that the service was a family endeavor, ensuring continuity and preservation of tradition.

• and his brothers: (Hebrew: we-'aḥīw - וְאֶחָיו)

  • Significance: Refers to other close male relatives or kinsmen who would serve alongside Shimei and his sons to fulfill the full quota of the division. This term signifies the broader familial and communal basis of service, underscoring the solidarity and collective responsibility within the Levitical clans for temple duties.

• twelve: (Hebrew: shenêm 'āśār - שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר)

  • Significance: The standard, complete number for each of the 24 divisions, highlighting the established and consistent structure. The number 12 often signifies completeness and divine order in biblical contexts (e.g., 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles), reflecting a perfect and divinely inspired arrangement.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "the tenth to Shimei": This phrase precisely defines the outcome of the lot – a specific man assigned a specific rotational duty. It showcases the divine appointment through lot (a method to ascertain God's will) and the meticulous nature of David's administrative reforms for worship, leaving nothing to chance or human preference outside of the established order.
  • "he, his sons, and his brothers": This grouping illustrates the familial unit appointed for service. It emphasizes that service in the temple was not just an individual task but a family inheritance and responsibility. This structure ensured continuity of trained personnel and preserved knowledge within these specialized Levitical families for generations of worship.
  • "twelve": This solitary word at the end encapsulates the complete, functional unit assigned. It points to the strategic foresight of King David in organizing robust, self-contained divisions, each perfectly sized to execute its rotating duty effectively and harmoniously in the sacred worship setting.

1 Chronicles 25 13 Bonus section

• The careful organization of musical divisions before the Temple was even built highlights David's spiritual foresight and deep reverence for orderly worship, emphasizing that preparation and intentionality precede glorious service to God.
• The use of lots (casting lots) in biblical times was considered a legitimate method for discerning God's will and making decisions, especially when human wisdom alone was insufficient. This reinforces that Shimei's appointment was seen as divinely sanctioned, not merely human arbitrary assignment.
• The system of 24 divisions meant that each division would serve approximately twice a year, ensuring constant rotation and a large body of Levites dedicated to these specific, skilled roles. This fostered a community of specialized ministers of praise.
• This detailed account of Levitical organization is particularly prominent in Chronicles, emphasizing the importance of Temple worship, priesthood, and divine order for the chronicler's post-exilic audience, serving as a reminder of God's perfect plan and a blueprint for renewed worship.

1 Chronicles 25 13 Commentary

1 Chronicles 25:13, though concise, powerfully illustrates the systematic and divinely-guided nature of King David's preparations for Temple worship. It goes beyond merely listing a name; it reveals the intentional structure put in place for continuous, ordered praise. The selection by lot signifies God's direct involvement in appointing individuals to sacred service, ensuring impartiality and confirming divine will over human preference. The formation of units comprised of "his sons and brothers," numbering "twelve," speaks to the hereditary nature of the Levitical calling, guaranteeing skill and commitment were passed down through families. This established structure demonstrates that meaningful worship requires not only fervent spirit but also meticulous organization, discipline, and communal participation to endure and glorify God.