2 Chronicles 29 14

2 Chronicles 29:14 kjv

And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei: and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel.

2 Chronicles 29:14 nkjv

of the sons of Heman, Jehiel and Shimei; and of the sons of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel.

2 Chronicles 29:14 niv

from the descendants of Heman, Jehiel and Shimei; from the descendants of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel.

2 Chronicles 29:14 esv

and of the sons of Heman, Jehuel and Shimei; and of the sons of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel.

2 Chronicles 29:14 nlt

From the family of Heman: Jehiel and Shimei.
From the family of Jeduthun: Shemaiah and Uzziel.

2 Chronicles 29 verses

2 Chronicles 29 14 Meaning

This verse specifies key individuals from the Levitical clans of Heman and Jeduthun who had purified themselves and were prepared for the restoration of the Lord's worship in the temple under King Hezekiah. It highlights their active participation and readiness for sacred service.

2 Chronicles 29 14 Context

2 Chronicles 29 begins with King Hezekiah's reign, immediately after his idolatrous father Ahaz. Hezekiah, in his first regnal year, initiated a major spiritual reform, starting with the cleansing and consecration of the desecrated Temple. The preceding verses (2 Chr 29:3-11) describe Hezekiah's command to the Levites to sanctify themselves and the Temple, emphasizing that their fathers had been unfaithful and had forsaken the Lord. The Levites responded obediently, gathering to cleanse themselves (2 Chr 29:12-14) before commencing the monumental task of purifying the Temple's inner courts and sacred objects (2 Chr 29:15-19). This verse is part of a list (2 Chr 29:12-14) detailing the specific Levitical leaders who spearheaded this initial self-purification, signifying the ready obedience of their respective families to Hezekiah’s righteous call and a fundamental turning away from the idolatry and neglect that characterized Ahaz’s reign. The Chronicler emphasizes proper Temple worship as central to national well-being and a restored relationship with God.

2 Chronicles 29 14 Word analysis

• And of the sons of Heman:
  • And (וְ wə-): A connective conjunction, linking this phrase to the previous enumeration of Levites who sanctified themselves. It signifies continuation and adds more names to the list of leaders.
  • of the sons of (מִבְּנֵ֤י mi-bə·nê): "From among the sons of," indicating descendants or members of the clan/family. This emphasizes the generational nature of the Levitical service and the continuation of the family line’s responsibility.
  • Heman (הֵימָן Hêman): Transliteration from Hebrew. Means "faithful" or "trusty." Heman was a prominent Kohathite Levite, a grandson of the prophet Samuel (1 Chr 6:33-38), and a chief musician appointed by King David, head of one of the three great Levitical choirs (1 Chr 25:1). His descendants were responsible for particular parts of the musical service in the temple. The inclusion of his sons highlights the continued commitment of this influential family to true worship.
• Jeiel (יְחִיאֵ֕ל Yəḥi’êl): Transliteration from Hebrew. Means "God lives" or "God causes to live." One of Heman's sons, serving in the Levitical choir and administrative functions. His presence here signifies the continuity of this key family's service.
• and Shimei (וְשִׁמְעִ֖י wəšim‘î): Transliteration from Hebrew. Means "my fame/report" or "one who hears/listens." Another son of Heman, similarly involved in the Temple service.
• and of the sons of Jeduthun:
  • and of the sons of (וּמִבְּנֵ֥י u-mi-bə·nê): Similar to the preceding phrase, it introduces another group or lineage from among the Levites who were sanctified.
  • Jeduthun (יְדִית֥וּן Yəḏîṯun): Transliteration from Hebrew. Means "praising" or "he gives praise." Also known as Ethan (1 Chr 6:44). He was a Merarite Levite, a contemporary of Heman and Asaph, and another head of a major Levitical musical division appointed by David. His lineage was also dedicated to the musical ministry and prophetic utterances (1 Chr 25:1, 3).
• Shemaiah (שְׁמַעְיָ֖ה Šəma‘yāh): Transliteration from Hebrew. Means "Yahweh has heard" or "heard of Yahweh." A son of Jeduthun. This name, frequently used, carries theological weight regarding God's attentiveness.
• and Uzziel (וְעֻזִּיאֵֽל wə‘uzzî’êl): Transliteration from Hebrew. Means "my strength is God." Another son of Jeduthun, indicating a commitment to the divine power that strengthens in service.

The listing of these specific individuals from the prominent Levitical families of Heman and Jeduthun underscores the organized and intentional nature of the purification process. It indicates that leaders from key service lines, especially those responsible for musical worship (which was significant in David's organization of the Levites), actively participated in the spiritual revival, ensuring a full spectrum of Temple service could be restored. Their readiness exemplified the broader obedience of the Levites in general, mentioned in 2 Chronicles 29:15.

2 Chronicles 29 14 Bonus section

The detailed genealogy and identification of these Levites resonate with the Chronicler's general emphasis on order, proper lineage, and dedicated service in God's house, frequently referenced in 1 Chronicles, especially chapters 6, 9, 23-26. The fact that the sons of the musicians (Heman and Jeduthun) are named before others in some listings suggests the high esteem in which their service, including its prophetic aspect through song, was held. Their act of purifying themselves demonstrates personal responsibility and a foundational step for corporate worship and national revival. It also stands as a subtle polemic against the laxity and idolatry of Ahaz’s reign by showcasing the restoration of strict adherence to covenant stipulations and purity laws.

2 Chronicles 29 14 Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:14 is a precise detail within the Chronicler's narrative of Hezekiah's sweeping reforms. It names the leading representatives of the highly respected Levitical families of Heman and Jeduthun. These families were designated by David centuries earlier for continuous musical ministry, prophecy, and instruction within the Temple (1 Chr 25). Their presence in the list of sanctified Levites is significant. It implies that these prominent lineages, who embodied the spirit of Davidic worship, were leading the way in the process of self-purification. This meticulous record highlights the comprehensive nature of the revival—it wasn't just a political decree but involved the full cooperation and commitment of the priestly and Levitical families, beginning with their personal cleansing. Their sanctification was essential because the physical cleansing of the Temple itself, described later in the chapter, depended on the ritual purity of those performing the sacred task. The inclusion of specific names validates the historical account and underscores the personal commitment required for a genuine spiritual awakening and the re-establishment of holy worship. This verse affirms the principle that proper divine service necessitates personal consecration and obedience.