1 Chronicles 15:20
New International Version
Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah and Benaiah were to play the lyres according to alamoth,

New Living Translation
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were chosen to play the harps.

English Standard Version
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play harps according to Alamoth;

Berean Standard Bible
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth.

King James Bible
And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;

New King James Version
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with strings according to Alamoth;

New American Standard Bible
and Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with harps tuned to alamoth;

NASB 1995
and Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah and Benaiah, with harps tuned to alamoth;

NASB 1977
and Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with harps tuned to alamoth;

Legacy Standard Bible
and Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with harps set according to alamoth;

Amplified Bible
and Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah [were to play] with harps tuned to Alamoth [that is, a high pitch];

Christian Standard Bible
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play harps according to Alamoth

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play harps according to Alamoth;

American Standard Version
and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries set to Alamoth;

English Revised Version
and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries set to Alamoth;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Zechariah, Jaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were appointed to play harps according to [alamoth].

International Standard Version
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah played harps to accompany the women singers,

Majority Standard Bible
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth.

NET Bible
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to the alamoth style;

New Heart English Bible
and Zechariah, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with stringed instruments set to Alamoth;

Webster's Bible Translation
And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;

World English Bible
and Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with stringed instruments set to Alamoth;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jeheil, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries over the girls’ [voices],

Young's Literal Translation
and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jeheil, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries besides virgins,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with lyres upon Alemoth;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Zacharias, and Oziel, and Semiramoth, and Jehiel, and Ani, and Eliab, and Maasias, and Banaias, sung mysteries upon psalteries.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah were singing mysteries with the psalteries.

New American Bible
Zechariah, Uzziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah played on harps set to “Alamoth.”

New Revised Standard Version
Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play harps according to Alamoth;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
These were all who played with the instruments of brass to minister in the service: Azariah, Aziel, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maasiah, and Benaiah;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
These all sang with hymns of praise, to minister with instruments of brass: Azarayah, Azyayel, and Yukhiyel, and Yani, and Eliab, and Masyah and Benaiah.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries set to Alamoth;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Zacharias, and Oziel, Semiramoth, Jeiel, Oni, Eliab, Maasaeas, Banaeas, with lutes, on alaemoth.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Priests and Levites Carry the Ark
19The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals. 20Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth. 21And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith.…

Cross References
Psalm 81:2
Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre.

Psalm 150:3-5
Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. / Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. / Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals.

2 Samuel 6:5
David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.

1 Chronicles 13:8
David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.

1 Chronicles 16:5-6
Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals / and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel blew the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.

2 Chronicles 5:12-13
all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. / The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud

2 Chronicles 29:25-28
Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. ...

Nehemiah 12:27
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

Psalm 33:2-3
Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. / Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Psalm 92:1-3
A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day. It is good to praise the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, / to proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning and Your faithfulness at night / with the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre.

Psalm 98:4-6
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth—let your cry ring out, and sing praises! / Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. / With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

Psalm 149:3
Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.

Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Revelation 5:8
When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.


Treasury of Scripture

And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;

Aziel

1 Chronicles 15:18
And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

Jaaziel

Psalm 46:1
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Jump to Previous
Alamoth Benaiah Benai'ah Besides Eliab Eli'ab Harps Instruments Jehiel Jehi'el Lyres Maaseiah Ma-Asei'ah Play Psalteries Shemiramoth Shemi'ramoth Stringed Tuned Unni Virgins Zechariah Zechari'ah
Jump to Next
Alamoth Benaiah Benai'ah Besides Eliab Eli'ab Harps Instruments Jehiel Jehi'el Lyres Maaseiah Ma-Asei'ah Play Psalteries Shemiramoth Shemi'ramoth Stringed Tuned Unni Virgins Zechariah Zechari'ah
1 Chronicles 15
1. David having prepared a place for the ark,
15. the priests and Levites bring it from Obed-Edom
25. He performs the solemnity thereof with great joy
29. Michal despises him














Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah
These names represent a group of Levites appointed by King David to play musical instruments during the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties, emphasizing the importance of worship and music in Israelite culture. Each name reflects a unique heritage and role within the community, highlighting the diversity and unity in worship. The inclusion of these specific individuals underscores the organized and communal nature of worship in ancient Israel.

were to play the harps
Harps were stringed instruments commonly used in ancient Israelite worship, often associated with joy and celebration. The use of harps in this context signifies the importance of music in expressing reverence and adoration for God. Music played a crucial role in the spiritual life of Israel, serving as a means to glorify God and to accompany significant religious events. The harp, in particular, is frequently mentioned in the Psalms, which were often sung with musical accompaniment.

according to Alamoth
The term "Alamoth" is believed to refer to a musical term or style, possibly indicating a higher pitch or a specific tune. It may also suggest that the music was to be performed by young women or in a manner associated with youthfulness and vigor. This term appears in the superscription of Psalm 46, suggesting a connection between the psalm and the musical style or arrangement used in this passage. The use of specific musical terms indicates the structured and intentional nature of worship in ancient Israel, reflecting a deep appreciation for the arts in the service of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah
These individuals were Levites appointed by King David to play musical instruments during the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Their role was to lead worship and praise through music.

2. Harps
A stringed musical instrument used in ancient Israelite worship. The harp was significant in creating a joyful and reverent atmosphere during the procession.

3. Alamoth
This term is believed to refer to a musical style or a specific pitch, possibly indicating a higher register. It may also refer to young women, suggesting a particular vocal range or choir.

4. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with His people. The transportation of the Ark to Jerusalem was a significant event in Israel's history.

5. Jerusalem
The city chosen by God as the central place of worship for Israel. The Ark's arrival in Jerusalem marked a pivotal moment in establishing the city as the spiritual heart of the nation.
Teaching Points
The Role of Music in Worship
Music is a powerful tool for worship, helping to express joy, reverence, and adoration for God. It is important to incorporate music that honors God and aligns with biblical principles.

The Importance of Order and Preparation in Worship
The detailed organization of musicians and instruments shows the value of preparation and order in worship. We should approach worship with intentionality and reverence.

Using Our Gifts for God's Glory
Each Levite had a specific role in the worship service, demonstrating the importance of using our unique gifts and talents to serve God and edify the church.

Reverence for God's Presence
The Ark symbolized God's presence, and the careful handling of it teaches us to approach God with awe and respect in our worship and daily lives.THE ARK.

V. Two warders of the Ark.

VI. The king, with the heads of the nation.

(20) The eight harpers. Perhaps Maaseiah or Benaiah belongs to the next verse. This would give seven (comp. 1Chronicles 15:24) in each band.

Aziel should be Jaaziel, as in 1Chronicles 15:18.

Jehiel.--God liveth. Jeiel=Jeuel (1Chronicles 9:6; 1Chronicles 9:35), Remembered of God. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Zechariah,
וּזְכַרְיָ֨ה (ū·zə·ḵar·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2148: Zachariah -- the name of a number of Israelites

Aziel,
וַעֲזִיאֵ֜ל (wa·‘ă·zî·’êl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5815: Aziel

Shemiramoth,
וּשְׁמִֽירָמ֤וֹת (ū·šə·mî·rā·mō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8070: Shemiramoth -- probably 'name of heights', two Levites

Jehiel,
וִֽיחִיאֵל֙ (wî·ḥî·’êl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3171: Jehiel -- 'may God live', the name of a number of Israelites

Unni,
וְעֻנִּ֣י (wə·‘un·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6042: Unni -- two Levites

Eliab,
וֶֽאֱלִיאָ֔ב (we·’ĕ·lî·’āḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 446: Eliab -- 'God is father', the name of several Israelites

Maaseiah,
וּמַעֲשֵׂיָ֖הוּ (ū·ma·‘ă·śê·yā·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4641: Maaseiah -- 'work of Yah', the name of a number of Israelites

and Benaiah
וּבְנָיָ֑הוּ (ū·ḇə·nā·yā·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1141: Benaiah -- 'Yah has built up', the name of several Israelites

were to play the harps
בִּנְבָלִ֖ים (bin·ḇā·lîm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5035: A skin-bag for, liquids, a vase, a lyre

according to
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Alamoth;
עֲלָמֽוֹת׃ (‘ă·lā·mō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5961: Girls, the soprano, female voice, falsetto


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 15:20 And Zechariah and Aziel and Shemiramoth (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 15:19
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