1 Chronicles 6 39

1 Chronicles 6:39 kjv

And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,

1 Chronicles 6:39 nkjv

And his brother Asaph, who stood at his right hand, was Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,

1 Chronicles 6:39 niv

and Heman's associate Asaph, who served at his right hand: Asaph son of Berekiah, the son of Shimea,

1 Chronicles 6:39 esv

and his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, namely, Asaph the son of Berechiah, son of Shimea,

1 Chronicles 6:39 nlt

Heman's first assistant was Asaph from the clan of Gershon. Asaph's genealogy was traced back through Berekiah, Shimea,

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 39 Meaning

1 Chronicles 6:39 identifies Asaph as one of the three principal chief musicians appointed by King David for temple worship. He is positioned "on his right hand," indicating a prominent and honored role second only to Heman, who was likely the primary choirmaster. The verse further provides Asaph's direct lineage, naming his father Berechiah and grandfather Shimea, thus authenticating his hereditary Levitical authority and connection to the Gershonite line responsible for specific temple services. This meticulous record emphasizes divine order, assigned honor, and continuity within sacred worship roles.

1 Chronicles 6 39 Context

This verse is situated within a detailed genealogical account of the Levites in 1 Chronicles chapter 6. Specifically, verses 31-47 enumerate the individuals whom King David appointed to oversee the musical service in the house of the Lord. The Chronicler prioritizes this lengthy list, particularly the detailed lineages of the three principal musicians—Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun/Ethan—to emphasize the organized, hereditary nature of temple worship established by David, a system that would serve as a model for generations. Historically, this section underscores David's vision for proper, joyous worship centered around the ark of the covenant, foreshadowing the grand Temple. For the post-exilic community, to whom Chronicles was likely addressed, these genealogies provided a crucial link to their past, validating their lineage and therefore their right and responsibility to serve in the newly rebuilt temple according to divine, Davidic precedents. The chronicler's focus is on the legitimate continuation of sacred service and the ordered nature of the worship of God.

1 Chronicles 6 39 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew "waw" (וְ), functioning as a conjunction. It logically connects Asaph's information to the preceding lineage of Heman, presenting him as a parallel but distinct figure in the overall structure of temple music.

• his brother: Hebrew "ach" (אָח). While it can mean a literal sibling, in this ecclesiastical context, it strongly denotes a close associate, colleague, or fellow Levite, sharing a common mission and spiritual fraternity with Heman. It signifies a profound bond of shared ministry and mutual respect, implying co-leadership in their sacred roles rather than mere kinship.

• Asaph: Hebrew "Asaph" (אָסָף). This is the personal name of a prominent Levite, a son of Berechiah, and one of the three principal heads of the temple musicians (alongside Heman and Jeduthun/Ethan) appointed by David. He is famed for the Psalms attributed to him (e.g., Ps 50, 73-83), highlighting his prophetic and musical gifts.

• stood: Hebrew "amad" (עָמַד). This verb denotes permanence, established presence, or an assigned position rather than merely a temporary physical stance. It indicates that Asaph occupied a recognized and enduring office or role in the temple service. It signifies his authorized function and continuing responsibility.

• on his right hand: Hebrew "yamiyn" (יָמִין) with a possessive suffix. In ancient cultures and throughout the Bible, the "right hand" consistently symbolizes a position of honor, authority, and prominence. For Asaph to "stand on his right hand" implies that he was designated as the chief associate or next in command to Heman, underscoring his high status and critical role within the worship hierarchy. This echoes divine appointments of honor.

• even: (or "namely"). This linking particle introduces further clarifying identification of Asaph, specifying his parentage to leave no doubt as to the particular individual referenced.

• Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea: These names trace Asaph's precise lineage within the Levites, specifically confirming his descent from Gershon through Berechiah (בֶּרֶכְיָה - "The LORD has blessed") and Shimea (שִׁמְעָא - "report/fame"). These genealogical details are paramount for the Chronicler, validating the individual's legitimate claim to their hereditary Levitical function and linking him to the long-standing covenant faithfulness of God. It highlights the divine order and succession within the priesthood and temple service.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "And his brother Asaph stood on his right hand": This phrase paints a picture of hierarchical yet collaborative leadership in temple worship. Asaph is not just a subordinate but a valued colleague ("brother") holding a position of significant honor and responsibility next to Heman. It conveys the deliberate organization of worship and the recognition of gifted individuals in ministry.
  • "even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea": This part stresses the importance of lineage and identity. By providing Asaph's specific ancestry, the Chronicler authenticates his role within the Levitical priesthood, emphasizing that service was not arbitrary but rooted in divine appointment and covenant history, ensuring purity and legitimacy of office.

1 Chronicles 6 39 Bonus section

• The meticulous attention to genealogies in Chronicles, including this verse, underscores the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and the hereditary nature of the Levitical service, providing legitimacy and structure for temple functions even after periods of disruption like the exile.
• Asaph's spiritual contribution extends beyond his role in temple organization; his psalms (e.g., Ps 73, 77, 78) are characterized by their deep theological insights, historical reflection, and often a grappling with the paradoxes of faith, showcasing him not merely as a musician but as a prophet-singer.
• The placement of musicians "right hand" and "left hand" indicates a symmetrical, ordered, and visually harmonious arrangement of worship leaders around the central figure of Heman, reflecting divine order and beauty in sacred liturgy.

1 Chronicles 6 39 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:39 meticulously details the establishment of sacred musical worship under King David, identifying Asaph as a paramount figure. He is designated as Heman's co-leader, specifically holding the position "on his right hand." This is not a mere descriptive detail but a profound theological statement. The "right hand" symbolizes a place of ultimate honor, trust, and authority—a concept recurring throughout Scripture, notably in depictions of Christ's exalted position at God's right hand. Thus, Asaph's placement signifies his weighty responsibility and privileged access within the sanctuary, underscoring his spiritual authority in leading Israel's praise. The verse's precise genealogical details validate Asaph's Levite heritage, particularly his belonging to the Gershonite line, confirming his legitimate participation in the hereditary temple service. For the post-exilic community, such details were crucial for rebuilding identity and reinstituting proper worship according to the divinely established pattern, reminding them of God's faithfulness in preserving those set apart for His service. It highlights that true worship involves both structure and gifted, divinely appointed leadership.