1 Chronicles 25:26 kjv
The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
1 Chronicles 25:26 nkjv
the nineteenth for Mallothi, his sons and his brethren, twelve;
1 Chronicles 25:26 niv
the nineteenth to Mallothi, his sons and relatives ? 12
1 Chronicles 25:26 esv
to the nineteenth, to Mallothi, his sons and his brothers, twelve;
1 Chronicles 25:26 nlt
The nineteenth lot fell to Mallothi and twelve of his sons and relatives.
1 Chronicles 25 26 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Organizational Order and Levites | ||
| 1 Chron 23:2-5 | David also gathered together all the leaders of Israel, with the priests and the Levites. And the Levites were numbered... four thousand were gatekeepers... and four thousand praised the LORD with musical instruments... | David organizes Levite duties, including musicians. |
| 1 Chron 24:1 | Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron... | Priesthood also divided into orderly courses. |
| 1 Chron 25:1 | Moreover David and the commanders of the army separated for service some of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun... | Overview of setting apart temple musicians. |
| Num 4:4-5 | This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of meeting... to carry the most holy things. | Levites' responsibilities detailed. |
| Num 8:14 | Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel... and the Levites shall be Mine. | Levites set apart for divine service. |
| Ezra 3:10 | When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD... | Restoration of Levite music ministry. |
| Neh 11:22 | The overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi... a son of Bani, of the sons of Asaph, the singers in the service of the house of God. | Continuation of Levite singers' role. |
| Worship, Music, and Prophecy | ||
| 1 Sam 10:5-6 | You will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with a harp, a tambourine, a flute, and a lyre before them; and they will be prophesying. And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you... | Music connected to prophecy and Spirit. |
| 2 Kgs 3:15 | But now bring me a musician. Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. | Music facilitating divine revelation. |
| Psa 33:2-3 | Praise the LORD with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song... | Call to worship with musical instruments. |
| Psa 150:3-5 | Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals... | Various instruments used in praise. |
| Rev 5:8-9 | The twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each a harp... And they sang a new song... | Heavenly worship includes harps and singing. |
| Rom 12:1-2 | I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. | Serving God with one's life as worship. |
| Significance of the Number Twelve | ||
| Gen 35:22 | The sons of Jacob were twelve. | Establishes 12 tribes of Israel. |
| Matt 10:2-4 | Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter... | Christ chose 12 apostles. |
| Rev 21:12-14 | It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed... And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. | New Jerusalem structured around twelve. |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. | Gifts for the equipping of the church. |
| Diligent Service | ||
| Col 3:23-24 | And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. | Doing all work diligently for the Lord. |
| Heb 12:28 | Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. | Serving God acceptably. |
| Phil 4:8 | Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. | Emphasizes things of virtue and praise. |
1 Chronicles 25 verses
1 Chronicles 25 26 Meaning
1 Chronicles 25:26 meticulously records the details for the twenty-sixth division of musicians consecrated for temple service under King David's organized structure. It specifically identifies Hananiah as the head of this division, noting that his "sons and his brethren" made up the remaining members, totaling twelve musicians devoted to sacred music and prophecy in the worship of the Lord. This verse completes the precise enumeration of these 24 divisions, each numbering twelve, signifying meticulous organization and commitment to ordered worship.
1 Chronicles 25 26 Context
1 Chronicles chapter 25 provides an elaborate description of King David's careful organization of the Levite musicians for the service in the Tabernacle (and future Temple). This chapter, alongside others like chapters 23, 24, and 26, underscores David's dedication to establishing a structured, orderly system for temple worship, administration, and gatekeeping. The focus here is on the musicians – "prophesying with harps, lyres, and cymbals" (1 Chron 25:1). This implies a divinely inspired, Spirit-led aspect to their musical service, transcending mere performance to spiritual utterance. The chapter identifies three primary leaders (Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun), from whom 24 divisions of musicians are chosen by lot, ensuring fairness and divine selection. Each division consists of 12 men, including the leader, his sons, and brethren. Verse 26, the final one in the long list, details the twenty-sixth lot (which implies the counting continues, as there are 24 lots overall), specifically assigning it to Hananiah's family. This comprehensive organizational effort was not merely for human efficiency but deeply spiritual, aiming to prepare and sustain a worshipful atmosphere fitting for the presence of God.
1 Chronicles 25 26 Word analysis
- the twenty-sixth: (Hebrew: הֶעֶשְׂרִים וְשִׁשִּׁי, ha'esriym v'shishi) This precise ordinal number highlights the methodical and meticulous nature of the organizational scheme. It signifies the ongoing commitment to structure and order in worship, indicating that this system was extensive and thoroughly planned out by King David, inspired by God.
- to Hananiah: (Hebrew: לַחֲנַנְיָהוּ, lachananyahu) This is the recipient of the lot, identifying the specific head of this division. The name Hananiah means "Yahweh has been gracious" or "gracious is Yah," which is significant given the context of being chosen for sacred service. His very name points to the divine favor involved in being designated for temple ministry, an honor not taken lightly.
- his sons: (Hebrew: בָּנָיו, banayv) This term emphasizes a family-centric approach to temple service, indicating a hereditary aspect within these Levitical roles. This ensured continuity and passing down of skills and spiritual training from generation to generation, establishing a lasting legacy of devotion within the lineage.
- and his brethren: (Hebrew: וְאֶחָיו, v'ehav) Refers to other male relatives within the extended family, not necessarily direct siblings. This expands the scope beyond immediate descendants, demonstrating a broader mobilization of kin for this vital sacred duty. It reinforces the tribal and familial dedication to their priestly and Levitical roles.
- twelve: (Hebrew: שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר, shneiym asar) The precise number indicating the total size of this musical division. This figure, recurring throughout the 24 divisions, signifies completeness, governmental order, and spiritual wholeness within the Israelite understanding (e.g., twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles). It highlights that each unit was robust enough to effectively perform its duties.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "the twenty-sixth to Hananiah": This pairing directly connects a specific administrative lot number to a named individual, highlighting a system where each position was deliberately assigned and not left to chance. It signifies accountability and order within the complex religious machinery established by David. The process of drawing lots (mentioned in 1 Chron 25:8) underscored divine selection.
- "his sons and his brethren": This phrase details the composition of the division under Hananiah's leadership. It points to a communal and familial structure of service. It emphasizes not just individual gifting but also collective, organized ministry within extended family units. This promoted inherited knowledge and devotion within specific families consecrated for divine service.
- "twelve": This solitary yet powerful word encapsulates the standard unit size of each division. Its repetitive use throughout the chapter (1 Chron 25:9-31) underscores David's vision for uniformity, completeness, and structured excellence in temple worship. This precise numerical arrangement reflected divine wisdom in bringing order out of potential chaos in a massive liturgical endeavor.
1 Chronicles 25 26 Bonus section
The chronicler's detailed listing of names and numbers throughout chapters 23-26 of 1 Chronicles (and specifically here in 25:26) served a crucial purpose for the post-exilic community in Judah. By recalling the precise organization initiated by David, it provided a blueprint and validation for re-establishing proper temple service. This was not just historical record-keeping; it was a guide and an encouragement for a people seeking to faithfully restore their covenant relationship with God. The specificity implied divine authority and long-term divine commitment to such orderly worship. The detailed nature also combats the potential for spiritual laxity or human invention in worship, directing the people back to the divinely sanctioned ways of their revered past.
1 Chronicles 25 26 Commentary
1 Chronicles 25:26 concludes a remarkable administrative list, providing the final entry for the musicians' divisions established by King David. It is not merely a bureaucratic record but a testament to the King's divinely inspired passion for orderly, vibrant worship. By detailing Hananiah and his twelve family members, the verse underlines several key themes. Firstly, it shows the meticulous care taken in organizing temple service, demonstrating a kingdom that prioritized sacred duties and recognized music as integral to praise and prophecy. Secondly, the familial structure (sons and brethren) emphasizes the enduring, generational nature of dedication to God. This wasn't a temporary assignment but a legacy passed down. Lastly, the repeated number twelve for each division unit speaks to a sense of completeness, order, and symbolic perfection in the divine plan for Israel's worship, echoing broader biblical numerology related to covenant and chosen people. This structure aimed to ensure a consistent, spiritually empowered flow of worship, bringing glory to God in an organized and profound manner.
Practical usage examples:
- Order in Service: Encourages churches to organize ministries with careful planning and specific roles, just as David did for the Levites.
- Generational Faithfulness: Inspires families to pass down faith and spiritual gifting through generations, seeing it as a legacy.
- Valuing Worship: Reminds believers that music and organized worship are not secondary but central to honouring God and can even be prophetic in nature.