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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [First Chronicles, Chapter XXV].</TITLE>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1708)
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>F I R S T &nbsp; C H R O N I C L E S</B></FONT>
<BR>
<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XXV.</FONT>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
David, having settled the courses of these Levites that were to attend
the priests in their ministrations, proceeds, in this chapter, to put
those into a method that were appointed to be singers and musicians in
the temple. Here is,
I. The persons that were to be employed, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:1">ver. 1</A>),
their sons
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:2-6">ver. 2-6</A>),
and other skilful persons,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:7">ver. 7</A>.
II. The order in which they were to attend determined by lot,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:8-31">ver. 8-31</A>.</P>
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<A NAME="1Ch25_7"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Courses of the Singers.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1015.</TD></TR>
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>1 Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the
service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who
should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals:
and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
&nbsp; 2 Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and
Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which
prophesied according to the order of the king.
&nbsp; 3 Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and
Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of
their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks
and to praise the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>.
&nbsp; 4 Of Heman: the sons of Heman; Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel,
Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and
Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, <I>and</I> Mahazioth:
&nbsp; 5 All these <I>were</I> the sons of Heman the king's seer in the
words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen
sons and three daughters.
&nbsp; 6 All these <I>were</I> under the hands of their father for song
<I>in</I> the house of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps,
for the service of the house of God, according to the king's
order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.
&nbsp; 7 So the number of them, with their brethren that were
instructed in the songs of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, <I>even</I> all that were
cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Observe,
I. Singing the praises of God is here called <I>prophesying</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:1-3"><I>v.</I> 1-3</A>),
not that all those who were employed in this service were honoured with
the visions of God, or could foretel things to come. Heman indeed is
said to be the <I>king's seer in the words of God</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>);
but the psalms they sang were composed by the prophets, and many of
them were prophetical; and the edification of the church was intended
in it, as well as the glory of God. In Samuel's time singing the
praises of God went by the name of <I>prophesying</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+10:5,19:20">1 Sam. x. 5; xix. 20</A>),
and perhaps that is intended in what St. Paul calls <I>prophesying,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+11:4,14:24">1 Cor. xi. 4; xiv. 24</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. This is here called a <I>service,</I> and the persons employed in
it <I>workmen,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
Not but that it is the greatest liberty and pleasure to be employed in
praising God: what is heaven but that? But it intimates that it is our
duty to make a business of it, and stir up all that is within us to it;
and that, in our present state of corruption and infirmity, it will not
be done as it should be done without labour and struggle. We must take
pains with our hearts to bring them, and keep them, to this work, and
to engage all that is within us.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
III. Here were, in compliance with the temper of that dispensation, a
great variety of musical instruments used, <I>harps, psalteries,
cymbals</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:1,6"><I>v.</I> 1, 6</A>),
and here was one that <I>lifted up the horn</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>),
that is, used wind-music. The bringing of such concerts of music into
the worship of God now is what none pretend to. But those who use such
concerts for their own entertainment should feel themselves obliged to
preserve them always free from any thing that savours of immorality or
profaneness, by this consideration, that time was when they were
sacred; and then <I>those</I> were justly condemned who brought them
into common use,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Am+6:5">Amos vi. 5</A>.
<I>They invented to themselves instruments of music like David.</I></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
IV. The glory and honour of God were principally intended in all this
temple-music, whether vocal or instrumental. It was <I>to give thanks,
and praise the Lord,</I> that the singers were employed,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
It was <I>in the songs of the Lord that they were instructed</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>),
that is, <I>for songs in the house of the Lord,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
This agrees with the intention of the perpetuating of psalmody in the
gospel-church, which is <I>to make melody with the heart,</I> in
conjunction with the voice, <I>unto the Lord,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+5:19">Eph. v. 19</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
V. The order of the king is likewise taken notice of,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>
and again
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
In those matters indeed David acted as a prophet; but his taking care
for the due and regular observance of divine institutions, both ancient
and modern, is an example to all in authority to use their power for
the promoting of religion, and the enforcing of the laws of Christ. Let
them thus be <I>ministers of God for good.</I></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
VI. The fathers presided in this service, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
and the children were <I>under the hands of their father,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:2,3,6"><I>v.</I> 2, 3, 6</A>.
This gives a good example to parents to train up their children, and
indeed to all seniors to instruct their juniors in the service of God,
and particularly in praising him, than which there is no part of our
work more necessary or more worthy to be transmitted to the succeeding
generations. It gives also an example to the younger to <I>submit
themselves to the elder</I> (whose experience and observation fit them
for direction), and, as far as may be, to do what they do <I>under
their hand.</I> It is probable that Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun, were
bred up under Samuel, and had their education in the schools of the
prophets which he was the founder and president of; then they were
pupils, now they came to be masters. Those that would be eminent must
begin early, and take time to prepare themselves. This good work of
singing God's praises Samuel revived, and set on foot, but lived not to
see it brought to the perfection it appears in here. Solomon perfects
what David began, so David perfects what Samuel began. Let all, in
their day, do what they can for God and his church, though they cannot
carry it so far as they would; when they are gone God can out of stones
raise up others who shall build upon their foundation and bring forth
the top-stone.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
VII. There were others also, besides the sons of these three great men,
who are called their <I>brethren</I> (probably because they had been
wont to join with them in their private concerts), who were
<I>instructed in the songs of the Lord,</I> and were cunning or well
skilled therein,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
They were all Levites and were in number 288. Now,
1. These were a good number, and a competent number to keep up the
service in the house of God; for they were all skilful in the work to
which they were called. When David the king was so much addicted to
divine poesy and music many others, all that had a genius for it,
applied their studies and endeavours that way. Those do religion a
great deal of good service that bring the exercises of devotion into
reputation.
2. Yet these were but a small number in comparison with the 4000 whom
David appointed thus to <I>praise the Lord,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+23:5"><I>ch.</I> xxiii. 5</A>.
Where were all the rest when only 288, and those but by twelve in a
course, were separated to this service? It is probable that all the
rest were divided into as many courses, and were to follow as these
led. Or, perhaps, these were <I>for songs in the house of the Lord</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>),
with whom any that worshipped in the courts of that house might join;
and the rest were disposed of, all the kingdom over, to preside in the
country congregations, in this good work: for, though the sacrifices
instituted by the hand of Moses might be offered but at one place, the
psalms penned by David might be sung every where,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+2:8">1 Tim. ii. 8</A>.</P>
<A NAME="1Ch25_8"> </A>
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<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>8 And they cast lots, ward against <I>ward,</I> as well the small as
the great, the teacher as the scholar.
&nbsp; 9 Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second
to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons <I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 10 The third to Zaccur, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 11 The fourth to Izri, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren, <I>were</I>
twelve:
&nbsp; 12 The fifth to Nethaniah, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 13 The sixth to Bukkiah, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 14 The seventh to Jesharelah, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 15 The eighth to Jeshaiah, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 16 The ninth to Mattaniah, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 17 The tenth to Shimei, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 18 The eleventh to Azareel, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 19 The twelfth to Hashabiah, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 20 The thirteenth to Shubael, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 21 The fourteenth to Mattithiah, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his
brethren, <I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 22 The fifteenth to Jeremoth, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 23 The sixteenth to Hananiah, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 24 The seventeenth to Joshbekashah, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his
brethren, <I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 25 The eighteenth to Hanani, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 26 The nineteenth to Mallothi, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his
brethren, <I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 27 The twentieth to Eliathah, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his brethren,
<I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 28 The one and twentieth to Hothir, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his
brethren, <I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 29 The two and twentieth to Giddalti, <I>he,</I> his sons, and his
brethren, <I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 30 The three and twentieth to Mahazioth, <I>he,</I> his sons, and
his brethren, <I>were</I> twelve:
&nbsp; 31 The four and twentieth to Romamti-ezer, <I>he,</I> his sons, and
his brethren, <I>were</I> twelve.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Twenty-four persons are named in the beginning of this chapter as sons
of those three great men, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. Ethan was the
third
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+6:44"><I>ch.</I> vi. 44</A>),
but probably he was dead before the establishment was perfected and
Jeduthun came in his room. [Or perhaps Ethan and Jeduthun were two
names for the same person.] Of these three Providence so ordered it
that Asaph had four sons, Jeduthun six [only five are mentioned
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>;
Shimei, mentioned
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>,
is supposed to have been the sixth], and Heman fourteen, in all
twenty-four (who were named,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:2-4"><I>v.</I> 2-4</A>),
who were all qualified for the service and called to it. But the
question was, In what order must they serve? This was determined by
lot, to prevent strife for precedency, a sin which most easily besets
many that otherwise are good people.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. The lot was thrown impartially. They were placed in twenty-four
companies, twelve in a company, in two rows, twelve companies in a row,
and so they cast lots, <I>ward against ward,</I> putting them all upon
a level, small and great, teacher and scholar. They did not go
according to their age, or according to their standing, or the degrees
they had taken in the music-schools; but it was referred to God,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ch+25:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
Small and great, teachers and scholars, stand alike before God, who
goes not according to our rules of distinction and precedency. See
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+20:23">Matt. xx. 23</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. God determined it as he pleased, taking account, it is probable, of
the respective merits of the persons, which are of much more importance
than seniority of age or priority of birth. Let us compare them with
the preceding catalogue and we shall find that,
1. Josephus was the second son of Asaph.
2. Gedaliah the eldest son of Jeduthun.
3. Zaccur the eldest of Asaph.
4. Izri the second of Jeduthun.
5. Nethaniah the third of Asaph.
6. Bukkiah the eldest of Heman.
7. Jesharelah the youngest of Asaph.
8. Jeshaiah the third of Jeduthun.
9. Mattaniah the second of Heman.
10. Shimei the youngest of Jeduthun.
11. Azareel the third of Heman.
12. Hashabiah the fourth of Jeduthun.
13. Shubael the fourth of Heman.
14. Mattithiah the fifth of Jeduthun.
15. Jeremoth the fifth of Heman.
16. Hananiah the sixth of Heman.
17. Joshbekashah the eleventh of Heman.
18. Hanani the seventh of Heman.
19. Mallothi the twelfth of Heman.
20. Eliathah the eighth of Heman.
21. Hothir the thirteenth of Heman.
22. Giddalti the ninth of Heman.
23. Mehazioth the fourteenth of Heman. And, <I>lastly,</I>
Romamti-ezer, the tenth of Heman. See how God increased some and
preferred the younger before the elder.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
III. Each of these had in his chorus the number of twelve, called
<I>their sons and their brethren,</I> because they observed them as
sons, and concurred with them as brethren. Probably twelve, some for
the voice and others for the instrument, made up the concert. Let us
learn with one mind and one mouth to glorify God, and that will be the
best concert.</P>
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