1 Chronicles 28 13

1 Chronicles 28:13 kjv

Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 28:13 nkjv

also for the division of the priests and the Levites, for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the articles of service in the house of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 28:13 niv

He gave him instructions for the divisions of the priests and Levites, and for all the work of serving in the temple of the LORD, as well as for all the articles to be used in its service.

1 Chronicles 28:13 esv

for the divisions of the priests and of the Levites, and all the work of the service in the house of the LORD; for all the vessels for the service in the house of the LORD,

1 Chronicles 28:13 nlt

The king also gave Solomon the instructions concerning the work of the various divisions of priests and Levites in the Temple of the LORD. And he gave specifications for the items in the Temple that were to be used for worship.

1 Chronicles 28 verses

1 Chronicles 28 13 Meaning

1 Chronicles 28:13 details specific components of the comprehensive plan that King David received directly from God for the future Temple. It specifies that these divinely revealed instructions encompassed "the divisions of the priests and the Levites" for their organized service, as well as "all the work of the service of the house of the Lord," meaning every aspect of temple operation and ritual, and "all the vessels of service in the house of the Lord," indicating that even the design and use of sacred implements were divinely ordained. This verse emphasizes the divine origin of all aspects of temple organization and function, leaving nothing to human arbitrary design.

1 Chronicles 28 13 Context

First Chronicles 28 recounts David's final public address to Israel's leaders, preparing for the construction of the Temple. David confirms that God has chosen his son, Solomon, to build the sacred house. The most significant revelation in this chapter, and specifically pertinent to verse 13, is David's declaration that he received the entire plan for the Temple directly from the Lord. This was not a human architectural endeavor but a divinely inspired blueprint, detailed even to the organizational structures of its personnel and the specifications of its vessels. Historically, this marks a pivotal moment of transition from the nomadic tabernacle worship to a permanent, centralized place of worship in Jerusalem. The detailed plans highlight the unique holiness of Yahweh and the precise requirements for His worship, differentiating Israel's worship from the often chaotic or human-devised rituals of surrounding pagan cultures.

1 Chronicles 28 13 Word analysis

• Also for: Connects this verse directly to the preceding ones (v. 11-12), indicating additional aspects of the divine architectural and operational plans that David received from God for the Temple.
• the divisions (Hebrew: makhalukot - מַחֲלֻקוֹת): Refers to the courses, classes, or organized groups. In the books of Chronicles, David's organization of the priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers into fixed courses is a major theme, ensuring systematic and continuous service, often by lot, as described in 1 Chronicles 23-26. This administrative structure was critical for efficiency and orderly worship.
• of the priests (Hebrew: hakkohanim - הַכֹּהֲנִים): The descendants of Aaron, specifically appointed by God to offer sacrifices, minister before Him, teach the law, and bless the people. Their sacred duties were strictly prescribed.
• and the Levites (Hebrew: v'hallelvim - וְהַלְוִיִּם): Members of the tribe of Levi, consecrated for temple service as assistants to the priests. Their tasks varied widely, including caring for the tabernacle/temple structure, preparing offerings, music, and being gatekeepers and scribes. Their structured roles ensured the overall functioning of the divine worship system.
• and for all the work of the service (Hebrew: ulekhol meleket ha'avodah - וּלְכָל מְלֶכֶת הָעֲבֹדָה): "Work of the service" encompasses the totality of every function, ritual, duty, and activity performed within the Temple. This emphasizes divine instruction over every detail, from the grandest ceremonies to the seemingly mundane tasks, ensuring that every operation adhered to God's will.
• of the house of the Lord (Hebrew: beit Yahweh - בֵּית יְהוָה): Refers to the future Temple, God's dwelling place on Earth. Its status as God's "house" necessitated ultimate reverence and adherence to divine specifications for its construction, function, and the people serving within it.
• and for all the vessels of service (Hebrew: ulekhol keley hashareith - וּלְכֹל כְּלֵי הַשָּׁרֵת): Refers to all the sacred implements, utensils, and furnishings required for Temple rituals (e.g., altars, lampstands, tables for showbread, basins, shovels, musical instruments, etc.). These were not ordinary objects but consecrated tools with specific designs and purposes, integral to holy worship.
• in the house of the Lord: Reaffirms the exclusive sacred space for which these vessels were intended. Their consecrated nature meant they were set apart from common use and strictly dedicated to the worship of God within His holy sanctuary.

Words-group Analysis

• "the divisions of the priests and the Levites": This phrase highlights the systematic organization and order demanded by God for His sacred service. It reflects the meticulous care God required for the functioning of His holy dwelling, ensuring that human efforts would be conducted with reverence and efficiency, according to His divine will, rather than human whim.
• "all the work of the service of the house of the Lord": This phrase stresses the comprehensive nature of the divine blueprint. It signifies that not just the physical structure, but every action, every ritual, every duty within the Temple, was to be conducted according to precise divine revelation, emphasizing that God's authority and wisdom extended to even the smallest procedural detail of worship.
• "all the vessels of service in the house of the Lord": This group emphasizes the consecrated nature of every implement used in the Temple. It underlines that these were not common tools but sacred objects, set apart exclusively for holy purposes. Their specific design and use were divinely mandated, signifying their indispensable role in facilitating God-ordained worship and their direct connection to the holiness of the Temple itself.

1 Chronicles 28 13 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's intense focus on the detailed organization of priests and Levites (1 Chr 23-26; 2 Chr 8:14; 2 Chr 29) aligns with the priestly concerns of the post-exilic community. This highlights the importance of re-establishing proper temple service and structure after their return from exile, making this verse especially relevant to the original audience.
• The phrase "all the work of the service" implies comprehensive knowledge and foresight on God's part, knowing exactly what would be required for the centuries of Temple service. This speaks to God's omniscience and careful provision for His people's worship.
• The repeated emphasis on "all" (all the work, all the vessels) underlines the divine nature and complete scope of the revelation, indicating that God provided exhaustive instructions, leaving no ambiguity for critical components of the Temple and its service. This ensured unity and conformity to His standards.
• This specific listing within the broader architectural plan reinforces the idea that true worship is not chaotic but requires intentionality, preparation, and divine guidance in its methods and implements. It implicitly critiques any human tendency towards casualness or innovation in serving God where precise divine mandates exist.

1 Chronicles 28 13 Commentary

1 Chronicles 28:13 unveils the extraordinary divine blueprint given to David for Solomon's Temple, encompassing not just its physical architecture but its entire operational framework. The meticulous attention to "divisions" of personnel—priests and Levites—underscores God's profound interest in ordered, disciplined, and purposeful service in His presence. It shows that effective ministry isn't merely about good intentions, but also about precise organization, divinely orchestrated roles, and proper administrative structure. Furthermore, "all the work of the service" and "all the vessels of service" emphasize that God's holiness demands attention to every detail of worship. No task, no instrument, however seemingly small, was left to human improvisation; all aspects were predetermined by divine revelation. This passage establishes a principle that true worship is rooted in obedience to God's instructions, ensuring reverence, holiness, and effectiveness in sacred duties. It contrasts sharply with pagan worship, often driven by human superstition or artistic preference, asserting Yahweh's precise and holy character in every detail of His worship. This pattern points forward to the New Testament emphasis on orderly worship and service performed "as to the Lord," using spiritual gifts in unity for the building up of the body, recognizing that Christians are themselves living temples of the Holy Spirit, called to offer spiritual sacrifices through Jesus Christ (1 Pet 2:5).