2 Chronicles 35 15

2 Chronicles 35:15 kjv

And the singers the sons of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the porters waited at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.

2 Chronicles 35:15 nkjv

And the singers, the sons of Asaph, were in their places, according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer. Also the gatekeepers were at each gate; they did not have to leave their position, because their brethren the Levites prepared portions for them.

2 Chronicles 35:15 niv

The musicians, the descendants of Asaph, were in the places prescribed by David, Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun the king's seer. The gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made the preparations for them.

2 Chronicles 35:15 esv

The singers, the sons of Asaph, were in their place according to the command of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the gatekeepers were at each gate. They did not need to depart from their service, for their brothers the Levites prepared for them.

2 Chronicles 35:15 nlt

The musicians, descendants of Asaph, were in their assigned places, following the commands that had been given by David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, the king's seer. The gatekeepers guarded the gates and did not need to leave their posts of duty, for their Passover offerings were prepared for them by their fellow Levites.

2 Chronicles 35 verses

2 Chronicles 35 15 Meaning

2 Chronicles 35:15 highlights the unwavering commitment and structured operation of the temple musicians (the sons of Asaph) and the gatekeepers during King Josiah’s great Passover celebration. Their service was executed with meticulous precision, adhering to the divinely established order originating from King David and his appointed musical leaders, who were seen as divinely inspired. Crucially, their ability to remain constantly at their posts was ensured by the support provided by their fellow Levites, allowing for an uninterrupted focus on their sacred duties.

2 Chronicles 35 15 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 35 details King Josiah's exemplary Passover, which the text extols as unprecedented since the time of the prophet Samuel. This grand celebration was a pivotal moment in Josiah's extensive reforms, following the purging of idolatry and the meticulous repair of the Temple outlined in chapter 34. The entire chapter emphasizes a return to God's ordained worship according to both Mosaic Law and the organizational decrees of King David. Verse 15 specifically highlights the seamless and disciplined operation of the various Levitical departments – particularly the singers and gatekeepers – underscoring that every facet of Temple service was properly structured and diligently performed, reflecting a complete revival of order and commitment to true worship.

2 Chronicles 35 15 Word analysis

• And the singers (וְהַמְשֹׁרְרִ֔ים, wəhaməshōrəriym): From the root shir (to sing). Refers to the specific group of Levitical musicians dedicated to performing sacred music in the Temple. Their role was a divinely appointed priestly function, not merely entertainment, essential for the spiritual atmosphere and liturgy.
• the sons of Asaph (בְּנֵ֣י אָסָ֔ף, bənê ’āsāp̄): Asaph was one of the principal music directors appointed by King David (1 Chr 16:4-5). His lineage continued his legacy, maintaining a hereditary, specialized musical ministry in the Temple. Many Psalms (e.g., Ps 50, 73-83) are associated with him or his guild.
• were in their place (עַל־מַדָּם֙, ‘al-maṣṣām): Literally "on their stand" or "at their station." This phrase denotes their fixed, assigned positions, implying disciplined readiness, orderliness, and adherence to established arrangements within the Temple service.
• according to the commandment (כְּמִצְוַ֥ת, kəmiṣwat): "Commandment" implies an authoritative and formal instruction, emphasizing the precise obedience and adherence to a long-standing, respected decree rather than improvisation.
• of David (דָּוִיד֙, Dawiḏ): Refers to King David, who famously organized the Levitical services, including the courses for priests, musicians, and gatekeepers. His arrangements were regarded as foundational and divinely inspired for proper worship (cf. 2 Chr 29:25).
• and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun (וְאָסָ֥ף וְהֵימָן֙ וִידִית֗וּן, wə’āsap̄ wəhêmān wîḏîṯūn): The three primary heads of the Levitical singing guilds established by David (1 Chr 25). They were key in setting the standards and structure for Temple music and worship.
• the king's seers (חֹזֵ֖ה הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ, ḥōzê hammōleḵ - could be understood as plural): From ḥōzeh, meaning "seer" or "visionary." This title, typically for prophets (e.g., Gad the seer), suggests that these musical leaders were divinely inspired. Their music and leadership were a form of prophecy, conveying God's presence and will, elevating their role beyond mere musical performance.
• and the porters (וְהַשֹּׁעֲרִ֔ים, wəhaššōʿariym): The gatekeepers, also Levites, responsible for guarding Temple entrances, maintaining order, and sometimes handling temple treasures (1 Chr 9:17-27, 26:12-19). Their diligent service was crucial for the sanctity and security of the Temple.
• waited at every gate (בְּשַׁעַר֩ וָשַׁ֙עַר֙ עָמְד֣וּ, bəshaʿar wāshaʿar ‘āməḏū): Highlights their comprehensive and vigilant presence at all Temple entry points, crucial for managing the large crowds during the Passover.
• they might not depart from their service (אֵין־לָהֶ֥ם לָס֛וּר מֵעֲבֹדָתָ֑ם, ’ên-lāhem lāsûr mē‘ăḇōḏāṯām): Emphasizes their uninterrupted commitment and dedication. They did not leave their posts, signifying perfect attendance and devotion to their duties.
• for their brethren the Levites prepared for them (כִּ֣י אֲחֵיהֶם הַלְוִיִּ֖ם הֵכִ֥ינוּ לָהֶֽם, kî ’aḥêhem halləwiyyiym hêḵînū lāhem): "Prepared for them" refers to providing their necessities like food, drink, or relief, ensuring they had no need to leave their assigned duties for practical concerns. This demonstrates a vital system of interdependency and mutual support within the Levitical body.

Words-group Analysis:

• "according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun, the king's seers": This phrase combines royal decree with inspired leadership. It highlights that the structure and spiritual depth of their worship were rooted in foundational commands (David's ordinance) and perpetuated by original, divinely inspired leaders (Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun). Their status as "the king's seers" sanctifies their musical ministry, portraying it as directly guided by God, elevating their worship beyond human invention.
• "they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them": This illustrates the practical mechanics of sustained, dedicated ministry. The singers and porters could maintain unbroken service because others proactively addressed their essential needs. This detail emphasizes communal responsibility and inter-Levitical support, demonstrating a well-ordered spiritual community where each part contributes to the flawless functioning of the whole, removing earthly distractions from sacred callings.

2 Chronicles 35 15 Bonus section

The mention of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun as "the king's seers" implies that their musical contributions were more than aesthetic performances; they were imbued with a prophetic spirit, conveying God's message and presence through song. This points to the high spiritual value of music in biblical worship. The systematic organization of the Temple duties, meticulously maintained since David's time and revived under Josiah, contrasts sharply with the spiritual disarray of previous reigns. This attention to detail ensured not only ceremonial purity but also efficient and consecrated worship, making the Temple a truly vibrant center for God's presence. The mutual support system among the Levites also serves as a model for all communities of faith: when believers work together, sharing burdens and supporting one another's ministries, the collective service to God is greatly enhanced and empowered for greater fruitfulness.

2 Chronicles 35 15 Commentary

2 Chronicles 35:15 encapsulates the spirit of restored and ordered worship under King Josiah. It reveals a Temple operating with divine precision, where even the minutiae of service were diligently followed. The Levites, from the chief musicians who prophesied through song to the gatekeepers guarding the very thresholds of God's house, each fulfilled their appointed roles without deviation. This meticulous adherence to Davidic and prophetic commands underscores a deep respect for established divine order in worship. Crucially, the verse unveils a vital system of interdependence: the focused dedication of these servants was enabled by the support of their brethren who handled their temporal needs. This demonstrates that true, sustained ministry thrives not just on individual commitment, but on the practical and communal support that frees ministers to concentrate on their spiritual callings.