1 Chronicles 25:7 kjv
So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.
1 Chronicles 25:7 nkjv
So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the LORD, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight.
1 Chronicles 25:7 niv
Along with their relatives?all of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD?they numbered 288.
1 Chronicles 25:7 esv
The number of them along with their brothers, who were trained in singing to the LORD, all who were skillful, was 288.
1 Chronicles 25:7 nlt
They and their families were all trained in making music before the LORD, and each of them ? 288 in all ? was an accomplished musician.
1 Chronicles 25 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ch 25:1 | Moreover David and the commanders of the army separated for service some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals… | David's organization of musicians |
| 1 Ch 25:6 | All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the LORD... | Leadership in temple music |
| 1 Ch 23:5 | 4,000 praised the LORD with instruments that I made for praise. | Levites designated for praise |
| 1 Ch 23:6 | And David organized them into divisions corresponding to the sons of Levi… | Divisions for service |
| 1 Ch 9:33 | And these are the singers, heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, living in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night. | Dedicated time for service |
| Num 4:47 | ...everyone who could do the service of ministry and the service of bearing burdens in the tent of meeting… | Ages for Levitical service |
| 1 Ki 7:13-14 | King Solomon sent and brought Hiram from Tyre... filled with skill... | Requirement of skill for God's work |
| Exo 31:3-5 | And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence... to devise artistic designs... | God granting skill for sacred work |
| Psa 33:3 | Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. | Excellence in musical praise |
| Psa 150:3-5 | Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!... with stringed instruments and pipe!... with sounding cymbals! | Variety and volume in worship instruments |
| Col 3:16 | ...singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. | New Testament call to singing |
| Eph 5:19-20 | addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart... | Music as spiritual expression |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | But all things should be done decently and in order. | Order in worship service |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. | God desires order, not chaos |
| Neh 12:47 | And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah gave the daily portions for the singers... | Continuity of temple music after exile |
| Ezr 3:10-11 | When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites... to praise the LORD... | Music at temple rebuilding |
| 2 Ch 29:25-27 | And he stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, according to the command of David... for the command was from the LORD through his prophets. | Divine origin of David's organization |
| 1 Ch 28:19 | “All this,” said David, “the LORD made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the work of these plans.” | Divine blueprint for temple service |
| Col 3:23-24 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men... | Work ethic for service to God |
| Rom 12:6-8 | Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them... he who contributes, in generosity; he who leads, with zeal... | Utilizing diverse gifts in service |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets... to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ... | Equipping for ministry and service |
1 Chronicles 25 verses
1 Chronicles 25 7 Meaning
This verse specifies the total count of the Levitical musicians chosen and organized by King David for temple service. It highlights that these were not just random individuals, but those highly trained and skillful in performing sacred songs dedicated to the Lord. The number, two hundred and eighty-eight, signifies a meticulously structured and comprehensive system of worship, emphasizing divine order and preparedness in service to God.
1 Chronicles 25 7 Context
First Chronicles chapter 25 details King David's intricate organization of the Levitical singers into 24 divisions for perpetual service in the temple. This arrangement mirrors the 24 divisions of priests and gatekeepers, emphasizing structure and dedication to the Lord's worship. Verses 1-6 list the family heads from Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun who prophesied with musical instruments. This verse (v. 7) then provides the aggregate number of all the musicians trained and set apart for this specific, sacred ministry. Historically, David's careful planning was foundational for Israel's worship life, ensuring skilled and consecrated service. This highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on true worship, the divinely ordained roles of the Levites, and the blueprint given to David for the Temple and its services, countering any idea of chaotic or unplanned devotion.
1 Chronicles 25 7 Word analysis
- So the number of them: This phrase signifies a summation or total count. It refers back to the previously enumerated groups of musical families, establishing the exact total of these select individuals for temple ministry. It emphasizes accountability and order.
- with their brethren: This indicates that the 24 family heads mentioned in previous verses were part of a larger, coordinated group. It points to a communal effort, where skilled individuals worked together under leadership to perform their assigned roles. It denotes fellowship and collective responsibility in worship.
- who were instructed: The Hebrew word is לָמַד (lamad), meaning "taught," "trained," or "disciplined." This term signifies intentional education and rigorous preparation, not mere natural talent. It implies a formal system of teaching and learning for temple musicians, ensuring that their worship was not casual but profoundly knowledgeable and skilled.
- in the songs of the LORD: Hebrew: שִׁירֵי יְהוָה (shirey Yahweh). This crucial phrase underscores the sacred nature of their music. These were not secular tunes or personal compositions only, but divine compositions or songs dedicated to worshipping and honoring Yahweh. It points to divinely inspired praise or songs aligned with God's word and character, reinforcing that their art served a spiritual purpose directly.
- all who were skillful: The Hebrew term can be translated as "trained" or "masterful in song" (מְלַמְּדֵי שִׁיר - m'lamdei shir). This goes beyond mere instruction; it denotes mastery, expertise, and proficiency. It communicates that only those who had honed their musical abilities to a high degree were consecrated for this specific service. It shows that excellence and competency were prerequisites for leading divine praise.
- was two hundred and eighty-eight: This precise numerical total is significant. It is 12 multiplied by 24 (the number of divisions for both priests and Levites). The number 12 symbolizes completeness and divine government (e.g., 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles). This meticulously chosen number illustrates the methodical, complete, and orderly organization of temple worship by David. Each of the 24 divisions of priests/Levites had 12 lead musicians dedicated to skilled worship. This specific number underscores the structured nature of their sacred duties.
1 Chronicles 25 7 Bonus section
The organized structure of the musicians, numbering 288 (24 divisions with 12 experts each), parallels the similar ordering of priests (1 Ch 24) and gatekeepers (1 Ch 26), showcasing David's comprehensive blueprint for a fully functional temple ministry. This extensive setup prefigures the importance of order in New Testament worship (1 Cor 14:40) and highlights that even before the temple was built, the preparations for its ministry were elaborate and Spirit-guided (1 Ch 28:19). The concept of being "instructed" and "skillful" echoes the New Testament's emphasis on gifts for building up the body, where each believer is called to develop their abilities for the collective edification of the church. This system was vital for ensuring uninterrupted, reverent, and skillful praise for generations to come, reflecting a proactive approach to maintaining the spiritual health of the nation through worship.
1 Chronicles 25 7 Commentary
First Chronicles 25:7 captures a profound truth about worship: it is to be a divinely ordered, skilled, and intentional act. David's meticulous organization of the 288 Levitical musicians reveals that sacred service is not left to chance or casual inclination. These men were specifically "instructed" and "skillful," signifying that God values prepared and excellent contributions in His service. Their role in singing the "songs of the LORD" emphasizes the God-centeredness of their worship and the holy purpose of their artistry. This precise structure and the requirement for proficiency ensured the continuity, dignity, and spiritual power of temple worship. It serves as a biblical principle that spiritual dedication, while heartfelt, should also be accompanied by diligence in developing and deploying gifts for God's glory.