1 Chronicles 25 16

1 Chronicles 25:16 kjv

The ninth to Mattaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

1 Chronicles 25:16 nkjv

the ninth for Mattaniah, his sons and his brethren, twelve;

1 Chronicles 25:16 niv

the ninth to Mattaniah, his sons and relatives ? 12

1 Chronicles 25:16 esv

the ninth to Mattaniah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

1 Chronicles 25:16 nlt

The ninth lot fell to Mattaniah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

1 Chronicles 25 verses

1 Chronicles 25 16 Meaning

This verse specifies the thirteenth division of Levitical musicians, under the leadership of Shubael, along with his direct descendants and relatives, collectively forming a group of twelve. This detail is part of King David's organized structure for musical service in the temple, ensuring systematic and continuous worship.

1 Chronicles 25 16 Context

1 Chronicles 25 details King David's careful and divinely guided organization of the Levitical musicians for perpetual service in the temple. This comprehensive structure, established before the temple's construction, underscored the vital role of worship through music. The chapter lists twenty-four divisions, each consisting of twelve members (a total of 288, 1 Chr 25:7), chosen by lot, ensuring fairness and demonstrating God's oversight. Verse 16 specifically names the thirteenth of these divisions under Shubael. This meticulous planning served not only for the present temple service but also set a precedent for future generations (post-exilic, relevant to the Chronicler's audience), affirming the continuity and legitimacy of their worship practices rooted in Davidic tradition. The detailed and orderly system stands in contrast to the less structured and often chaotic pagan worship practices of surrounding nations, highlighting the unique, sacred order of Israel's devotion to YHWH.

1 Chronicles 25 16 Word analysis

• the thirteenth: (Hebrew: laš·šelōšāh ʿāśār) This ordinal number signifies its specific position within the meticulously ordered twenty-four divisions of musicians. The numbering system demonstrates the comprehensiveness and systematic approach taken by David for temple service.
• to Shubael: (Hebrew: šūḇāʾēl) This is the leader of the thirteenth division. Shubael is identified elsewhere as the son of Gershom, a grandson of Moses (1 Chr 23:16, 26:24, often transliterated as Shebuel). His lineage connects him directly to Moses, granting significant authority and spiritual heritage to his role in temple service, and specifically as an overseer of the temple treasuries, indicating his broader leadership capacity beyond just music. His name means "returned of God" or "captive of God," possibly reflecting a return to God's favor or service.
• his sons: Refers to Shubael's male offspring, indicating the hereditary nature of this Levitical service. This highlights the continuity of ministerial roles across generations within specific families, emphasizing the long-term establishment of worship.
• and his brothers: Denotes other close male relatives or members of his clan (often including extended family in Hebrew usage) within the designated Levitical family. This implies a corporate and family-oriented structure for carrying out these sacred duties.
• twelve: The numerical value refers to the total members within Shubael's musical division. This consistent number (12 for each of the 24 divisions) across the various divisions emphasizes a symmetrical, complete, and balanced organization for temple worship, possibly echoing the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the complete body of Israel united in praise.

1 Chronicles 25 16 Bonus section

The extensive lists of names and numbers in Chronicles, though seemingly dry, serve a vital theological and historical purpose. For the post-exilic community for whom the Chronicler wrote, these lists authenticated their priestly and Levitical genealogies, ensuring that their current worship practices were in direct continuity with the established, divinely ordained structures from David's era. This detailed record of musicians also suggests that musical worship was not an afterthought but a central and highly valued component of Israel's national and religious identity, predating even the construction of the permanent Temple. The involvement of prophetic figures like Heman and Jeduthun (1 Chr 25:5) indicates that this music was not merely entertainment but was Spirit-inspired, leading to spiritual revelations and deeper communion with God.

1 Chronicles 25 16 Commentary

1 Chronicles 25:16 illustrates David's foresight and divine inspiration in establishing a highly organized, generational system for temple worship, particularly focusing on musical praise. The meticulous detail, from casting lots for assignments to specifying the exact number of personnel in each division, underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on proper, legitimate worship as foundational to Israel's identity and blessing. Shubael's inclusion and lineage underscore the importance of leadership rooted in sacred heritage. This systematic approach ensures perpetual praise and prevents disarray, reflecting God's nature as a God of order. It serves as a reminder that all gifts and callings, whether seemingly prominent or behind the scenes, contribute to the greater, ordered body of believers in God's service. For example, a church organizing a rota for specific ministry teams for consistent service over months or even years reflects the spirit of ordered, enduring commitment seen in this verse.