1 Chronicles 25:6 kjv
All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.
1 Chronicles 25:6 nkjv
All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the authority of the king.
1 Chronicles 25:6 niv
All these men were under the supervision of their father for the music of the temple of the LORD, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king.
1 Chronicles 25:6 esv
They were all under the direction of their father in the music in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the order of the king.
1 Chronicles 25:6 nlt
All these men were under the direction of their fathers as they made music at the house of the LORD. Their responsibilities included the playing of cymbals, harps, and lyres at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman reported directly to the king.
1 Chronicles 25 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 4:21 | And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. | Origin of instruments, skilled musicians |
| Num 3:6 | Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him. | Levites' specific role in ministry |
| Num 8:19 | And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel... | Levites gifted for temple service |
| 1 Sam 10:5 | ...thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them... | Prophetic music and instruments |
| 2 Sam 6:5 | And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments... | David's devotion with music |
| 1 Chr 9:33 | And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night. | Dedication of temple musicians |
| 1 Chr 15:16 | And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals... | David's organization of music |
| 1 Chr 23:5 | Moreover four thousand were gatekeepers; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made... | King David's provision for praise |
| 1 Chr 23:28 | For their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD... | Levites' comprehensive duties |
| 1 Chr 24:1 | These are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. | Ordered divisions for worship |
| 1 Chr 25:1 | Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph... | Context: David sets apart musicians |
| 2 Chr 5:12 | Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun... with cymbals and psalteries and harps... | Similar instrument usage at temple dedication |
| 2 Chr 5:13 | It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD... | Unity and purpose in musical worship |
| Neh 12:46 | For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. | Continuity of musical tradition |
| Ps 33:2 | Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. | Command to praise God with instruments |
| Ps 149:3 | Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. | Praise involving music and movement |
| Ps 150:3-5 | Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp... | Call to extensive instrumental praise |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry... | Gifted individuals for ministry service |
| Col 3:16 | Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. | New Testament worship principles |
| Heb 13:15 | By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. | Praise as a New Covenant offering |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | Let all things be done decently and in order. | Principle of orderly worship (NT) |
1 Chronicles 25 verses
1 Chronicles 25 6 Meaning
This verse succinctly describes the core role of the designated Levitical musicians: to provide organized and skilled musical praise in the sacred presence of God. It highlights their structured service under familial leadership, emphasizing their dedication and the instrumental nature of their worship within the divine assembly in the house of the LORD. Their specific instruments and ordered leadership underscored the dignity and importance of musical adoration as an integral part of Israel's covenant relationship with God.
1 Chronicles 25 6 Context
1 Chronicles chapter 25 details King David's meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians into twenty-four courses, mirroring the priestly divisions. This organization was undertaken with prophetic insight and for the structured service of the future temple worship. Verse 6 specifically identifies the large group of musicians – the 288 skilled sons from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun – and delineates their primary role. Their work was not incidental but foundational to the spiritual life of Israel, orchestrated under their 'fathers' (the principal leaders) and, ultimately, under the king's direction for divine service. This pre-construction planning for temple liturgy underscores the profound importance of worship, demonstrating how even music was precisely defined and performed within God's ordered dwelling. Historically, David laid the groundwork for orderly worship that would continue for generations in the Jerusalem Temple.
1 Chronicles 25 6 Word analysis
- All these: Refers directly to the total number of two hundred eighty-eight skilled musicians, who were "instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning" (1 Chr 25:7), implying high proficiency and a sacred calling rather than a mere talent.
- were under the hands of their father: This phrase (עַל־יְדֵי אֲבִיהֶם, al-yedei aviheM) literally means "upon the hands of their father" or "at the disposal/direction of their father." It signifies hierarchical authority, oversight, and training within a family line dedicated to this sacred office. The 'fathers' (Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun) served as their direct spiritual and professional supervisors, indicating a discipleship model of inherited and developed skill for worship.
- for song: (לַשִּׁיר, la-shir) Denotes their primary function: the vocal and instrumental rendition of sacred music. This "song" was integral to Israel's communal worship and spiritual expression before God. It emphasizes that their primary ministry was a melodic offering.
- in the house of the LORD: (בֵּית יְהוָה, beit YHVH) Refers to the consecrated space of worship—first the Tabernacle, then later Solomon's Temple—where God's presence dwelled. This indicates the holiness and dedicated nature of their musical ministry, performed exclusively in God's presence.
- with cymbals, psalteries, and harps: These are the specific instruments (בַּמְצִלְתַּיִם, נְבָלִים, וְכִנֹּרוֹת, ba-metziltai-im, nevalim, ve-kinorot) that formed the core ensemble of Levitical temple music.
- Cymbals: Percussion instruments, used for marking rhythm and strong accents, creating a grand, unified sound for calls to worship and emphasis.
- Psalteries (or lyres/harps depending on translation, often nevel): Stringed instruments, likely with more resonance, producing fuller accompaniment and melodic lines.
- Harps (or lyres, kinor): Another common stringed instrument in ancient Israel, generally associated with praise and lament, providing a harmonious background for singing. Their specific mention indicates a full and orchestrated musical performance, not ad hoc playing.
- for the service of the house of God: (לַעֲבֹדַת בֵּית הָאֱלֹהִים, la-avodat beit ha-Elohim) This phrase encompasses the overarching purpose of their music: it was not for entertainment, but a dedicated service or labor (עֲבֹדָה, avodah) as part of the complete sacred ministry within the Temple. It underscores their role as ministers, consecrated for their divine assignment within the divine institution.
1 Chronicles 25 6 Bonus section
- The meticulous numbering (288 skilled musicians chosen from a much larger Levitical population) in Chapter 25, including this verse, underscores the strategic and deliberate nature of David's preparations for the Temple worship, emphasizing quality over quantity in sacred service.
- The musical leadership was divinely sanctioned and included those who were said to "prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals" (1 Chr 25:1, 3). This indicates a spiritual dimension to their musical offerings, where music facilitated a prophetic utterance or conveyed a divine message during worship.
- The dedication "day and night" mentioned for these temple singers in Nehemiah 12:46-47 and 1 Chronicles 9:33 highlights a continual commitment, far beyond a performance, indicating a living sacrifice of praise central to the daily operations of God's house.
- While an hereditary role, their effectiveness relied on ongoing "skill" and "training" (1 Chr 25:7), underscoring that spiritual office in God's house requires diligent preparation and practiced ability alongside lineage.
1 Chronicles 25 6 Commentary
This verse crystallizes the vision of worship under King David, portraying a highly organized and consecrated musical ministry. It reveals that praise was not left to chance but was meticulously structured and inherited through families dedicated to this specific role within the Levitical framework. The phrase "under the hands of their father" highlights both divine commissioning and diligent discipleship, as musical skill and spiritual devotion were passed down and nurtured across generations. The instruments mentioned – cymbals for emphasis, psalteries and harps for melody and harmony – suggest a rich and sophisticated soundscape for worship, signifying that God deserves the very best in dedication, skill, and resources. Crucially, their entire endeavor was "for the service of the house of God," emphasizing that music was a priestly labor, a vital aspect of temple operations, glorifying God and aiding the congregation in true worship. This organizational principle reflects God's desire for order and excellence in His house, prefiguring the call to orderly and Spirit-filled worship within the New Covenant Church.