1 Chronicles 25 21

1 Chronicles 25:21 kjv

The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

1 Chronicles 25:21 nkjv

the fourteenth for Mattithiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve;

1 Chronicles 25:21 niv

the fourteenth to Mattithiah, his sons and relatives ? 12

1 Chronicles 25:21 esv

to the fourteenth, Mattithiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

1 Chronicles 25:21 nlt

The fourteenth lot fell to Mattithiah and twelve of his sons and relatives.

1 Chronicles 25 verses

1 Chronicles 25 21 Meaning

This verse describes the specific assignment of the eighteenth musical division, chosen by lot, to Hanani for service in the tabernacle, and later the Temple. It indicates that Hanani, along with his sons and other related family members, collectively formed a distinct group of twelve key leaders responsible for leading worship through instrumental music and song. This allocation was part of King David's extensive and divinely-inspired organization of the Levites for the ongoing worship life of Israel.

1 Chronicles 25 21 Context

First Chronicles chapter 25 describes King David's careful organization of the Levitical musicians for perpetual service in the Tabernacle, and later the Temple that Solomon would build. This chapter immediately follows the detailed arrangement of the priestly courses in chapter 24, emphasizing David's meticulous planning for the administration and function of worship. Each of the twenty-four divisions of musicians was to serve in specific rotations, ensuring a continuous and orderly presence for instrumental and vocal worship.

The historical context is David's reign, a period of consolidation and preparation. Having brought the ark to Jerusalem and establishing Jerusalem as a religious center, David focused on establishing an organized system of worship. His actions are portrayed as divinely inspired, laying the groundwork for Solomon's temple and its services. The use of "casting lots" to assign these crucial roles signified divine sanction and impartiality, reinforcing that these appointments were not merely human choices but God's decree for His sacred service. This system underscored the importance of every participant in the collective worship, no matter their perceived status.

1 Chronicles 25 21 Word analysis

• the eighteenth: In Hebrew, "עַשְׁתֵּי עֶשְׂרֵה עָשָׂר" (‘ashtey ‘esre ‘asar), precisely denotes the numerical position. It signifies a specific outcome of the lot-casting, indicating the order and impartiality of the divine distribution of service roles among the Levitical families. This specific numbering underscores the structured and complete nature of David's organization.
• to Hanani: Hebrew: "חֲנָנִי" (Ḥǎnānî). The name means "Yahweh has been gracious" or "gracious is Yah." While common, the meaning subtly aligns with the gracious favor bestowed upon those appointed to serve in the presence of God. This Hanani is a prominent Levitical musician, distinguished from other biblical figures sharing the same name.
• his sons: Hebrew: "בָּנָיו" (bānāyw). This term signifies the direct male descendants of Hanani. In the context of Levitical service, roles were largely hereditary, indicating that this division comprised a family unit or lineage designated for this sacred musical duty, perpetuating the service across generations.
• and his brothers: Hebrew: "וְאֶחָיו" (wĕ’eḥāyw). This broadly refers to kinsmen or relatives. This inclusion suggests that the division was not solely limited to Hanani’s direct progeny but encompassed a broader familial group within the Levitical clan, underscoring communal participation and a collective responsibility within each of the twenty-four courses. It emphasizes the tribal and familial structure foundational to Israelite society and religious duties.
• twelve: Hebrew: "שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר" (shnêym ‘āsār). This number is highly significant in biblical numerology, frequently representing completeness, divine governmental order, or a foundational unit. Examples include the twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles, and twelve stones on the High Priest's breastplate. In this context, it indicates that each of the twenty-four musical divisions consisted of twelve leading individuals or heads of families, ensuring a consistent and robust representation within each course responsible for the musical worship. This precise number highlights David's comprehensive and ordered structure for divine service.

1 Chronicles 25 21 Bonus section

• The elaborate organization detailed in 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) goes beyond simple administration; it reflects a deep theological conviction that worship should be offered to God with utmost order, dedication, and beauty, befitting His majesty.
• The emphasis on music as an integral part of Temple worship highlights its profound spiritual significance in leading the people into God's presence, serving as a powerful conduit for praise and prophecy.
• While these specific Levitical divisions and their duties pertain to the Old Covenant Temple service, the underlying principles of dedicated, orderly, and divinely-appointed service to God through gifts (like music) remain timeless and resonate in the New Testament emphasis on spiritual gifts and orderly congregational worship (e.g., Rom 12; 1 Cor 12-14).

1 Chronicles 25 21 Commentary

1 Chronicles 25:21 exemplifies King David's visionary leadership in establishing orderly worship for the Lord. Far from leaving the vital task of praising God to chance or spontaneous whims, David, inspired by God, meticulously organized thousands of Levites into specific divisions for musical service. The allocation to Hanani's division by lot underscores a key principle: divine appointments. Positions of spiritual ministry, whether in ancient Temple service or modern Christian ministry, are ultimately determined by God’s sovereign hand, rather than mere human preference or ambition. The hereditary nature of the service, alongside the specific mention of Hanani, his sons, and his brothers, illustrates the importance of familial legacy in upholding sacred duties, fostering a sense of continuity and stewardship. The recurring motif of "twelve" further reinforces the comprehensive and divinely established nature of this worship structure, signifying completeness and a foundational order, meant to serve as a perpetual framework for exalting God in the community of Israel.