1 Chronicles 25:1
New International Version
David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. Here is the list of the men who performed this service:

New Living Translation
David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to proclaim God’s messages to the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. Here is a list of their names and their work:

English Standard Version
David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. The list of those who did the work and of their duties was:

Berean Standard Bible
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service:

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
Moreover David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. And the number of the skilled men performing their service was:

New American Standard Bible
Moreover, David and the commanders of the army set apart for the service some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals; and the number of those who performed this service was:

NASB 1995
Moreover, David and the commanders of the army set apart for the service some of the sons of Asaph and of Heman and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with lyres, harps and cymbals; and the number of those who performed their service was:

NASB 1977
Moreover, David and the commanders of the army set apart for the service some of the sons of Asaph and of Heman and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals; and the number of those who performed their service was:

Legacy Standard Bible
Moreover, David and the commanders of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph and of Heman and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals; and the number of those who performed their service was:

Amplified Bible
Moreover, David and the commanders of the army selected for the [temple] service some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals. The list of the musicians who performed their service was as follows:

Christian Standard Bible
David and the officers of the army also set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were to prophesy accompanied by lyres, harps, and cymbals. This is the list of the men who performed their service:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David and the officers of the army also set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were to prophesy accompanied by lyres, harps, and cymbals. This is the list of the men who performed their service:

American Standard Version
Moreover David and the captains of the host set apart for the service certain 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 them that did the work according to their service was:

Contemporary English Version
David and the temple officials chose the descendants of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to be in charge of music. They were to praise the LORD by playing cymbals, harps and other stringed instruments. Here is a list of the musicians and their duties:

English Revised Version
Moreover David and the captains of the host separated for the service certain 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 them that did the work according to their service was:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David and the army commanders appointed the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to serve as prophets with lyres, harps, and cymbals. This is the list of the men who performed this service:

Good News Translation
King David and the leaders of the Levites chose the following Levite clans to lead the worship services: Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. They were to proclaim God's messages, accompanied by the music of harps and cymbals. This is the list of persons chosen to lead the worship, with the type of service that each group performed:

International Standard Version
Along with officers in his army, David consecrated to assist in service to the descendants of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun those who prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals. The list of those who participated in this service included:

Majority Standard Bible
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service:

NET Bible
David and the army officers selected some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy as they played stringed instruments and cymbals. The following men were assigned this responsibility:

New Heart English Bible
Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, were to prophesy with harps, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals: and the number of those who did the work according to their service was:

Webster's Bible Translation
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:

World English Bible
Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with harps, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals. The number of those who did the work according to their service was:
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David and the heads of the host separate for service, of the sons of Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun, who are prophesying with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals; and the number of the workmen is according to their service.

Young's Literal Translation
And David and the heads of the host separate for service, of the sons of Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun, who are prophesying with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals, and the number of the workmen is according to their service.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will separate, and the chiefs of the army, for service to the sons of Asaph and Heman and Jeduthun, prophesying with harps, with lyres and with cymbals: and there will be their number of men of work for their service.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Moreover David and the chief .officers of the army separated for the ministry the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Idithun : to prophesy with harps, and with psalteries, and with cymbals according to their number serving in their appointed office.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then David and the magistrates of the army set apart, for the ministry, the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with harps and psalteries and cymbals, in accord with their number, having been dedicated to their appointed office.

New American Bible
David and the leaders of the liturgy set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who prophesied to the accompaniment of lyres and harps and cymbals. This is the list of those who performed this service:

New Revised Standard Version
David and the officers of the army also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals. The list of those who did the work and of their duties was:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
MOREOVER David and the princes of the tribes set aside for the service of the sons of Asaph, Haman and Jeruthun, the sons of Azram his son. These are the Levites according to the families of their fathers. These likewise cast lots over their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king and Zadok and Ahimelech and the chiefs of the fathers of the priests and Levites. The younger and the elder brother were reckoned alike in numbering; and the number of the workmen according to their service was,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David and the Princes of the army set apart for the ministry of the sons of Asaph: Haman and Irithun; the sons of Azram, his son. These are the sons of the Levites for the house of their fathers, and they cast also those lots opposite their brethren, and the sons of Aaron were in the presence of David the King, and Tsaduq and Akhimlek, and Chiefs of the fathers of the Priests, and of the Levites in the accounting and by number, the younger as his elder brother, so he was numbered; and the number of the men doing the work was for their services.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Moreover David and the captains of the host separated for the service certain 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 them that did the work according to their service was:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And king David and the captains of the host appointed to their services the sons of Asaph, and of Aeman, and of Idithun, prophesiers with harps, and lutes, and cymbals: and their number was according to their polls serving in their ministrations.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Twenty-Four Divisions of Musicians
1Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: 2From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 10:5
After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying.

2 Chronicles 29:25-30
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. ...

2 Kings 3:15
But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha

1 Samuel 19:20-24
he sent messengers to seize him. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon them, and Saul’s messengers also began to prophesy. / When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy. / Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the large cistern at Secu, where he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “At Naioth in Ramah,” he was told. ...

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.

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 20:21-22
Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.” / The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated.

Nehemiah 12:24-36
The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God. / Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. / They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe. ...

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.

Psalm 68:25
The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines.

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

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 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.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

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:

1 Chronicles 25:8
And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

1 Chronicles 26:13
And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.

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Apart Army Asaph Captains Commanders Cymbals David Harps Heman Host Instruments Jeduthun List Moreover Performed Prophesy Psalteries Separated Service Stringed Work
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Apart Army Asaph Captains Commanders Cymbals David Harps Heman Host Instruments Jeduthun List Moreover Performed Prophesy Psalteries Separated Service Stringed Work
1 Chronicles 25
1. The number and offices of the singers
8. Their division by lot into twenty-four orders














Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart
This phrase highlights the involvement of King David and his military leaders in organizing the worship and musical ministry in the temple. David, known as a man after God's own heart, was deeply involved in the spiritual life of Israel. His collaboration with military commanders suggests a unified leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of worship in both spiritual and national life. This setting apart indicates a consecration for a holy purpose, reflecting the biblical principle of dedicating individuals for specific roles in God's service.

some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun
Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun were prominent Levitical musicians appointed by David. Asaph is often associated with the Psalms, having several attributed to him (e.g., Psalm 50, 73-83). Heman is noted for his wisdom and musical talent, and Jeduthun is linked with prophetic music ministry. Their sons being set apart indicates a continuation of a family legacy in worship, highlighting the importance of generational faithfulness and the role of families in ministry.

to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals
The act of prophesying here is linked with musical expression, suggesting that music was a medium through which divine messages were communicated. This aligns with other instances in Scripture where music and prophecy are connected, such as the ministry of Elisha (2 Kings 3:15). The use of lyres, harps, and cymbals indicates a structured and diverse musical worship, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Israel and the importance of music in expressing worship and prophecy.

The following is the list of the men who performed this service:
This introduction to the list of musicians underscores the organized and intentional nature of temple worship. It reflects the biblical principle of order in worship and the importance of recognizing those who serve. The detailed listing of names in subsequent verses highlights the value of each individual's contribution to the community's spiritual life, emphasizing that every role in worship is significant in the eyes of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel who organized the Levitical musicians for temple worship.

2. Commanders of the Army
Military leaders who assisted David in organizing the musicians, indicating the importance of worship in national life.

3. Sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun
Levites set apart for musical service in the temple, known for their prophetic role through music.

4. Prophesy with Lyres, Harps, and Cymbals
The act of using music as a form of prophecy and worship, highlighting the spiritual significance of music in Israelite worship.

5. Service
The dedicated role of these musicians in the temple, emphasizing the organized and sacred nature of worship.
Teaching Points
The Role of Music in Worship
Music is not merely an art form but a means of prophecy and spiritual expression. It plays a vital role in worship, as seen in the organization of temple musicians.

Leadership in Worship
David's involvement, along with military leaders, underscores the importance of leadership in organizing and maintaining worship practices.

Spiritual Gifts and Service
The musicians were set apart for a specific service, reminding us of the importance of using our spiritual gifts for God's glory.

Prophetic Nature of Worship
Worship can be a form of prophecy, speaking God's truth and revelation through music and song.

Community and Worship
The involvement of various leaders and families in worship highlights the communal aspect of worship, encouraging us to participate actively in our faith communities.XXV.

THE TWENTY-FOUR CLASSES OF SINGERS, OR MINSTRELS.

(1) Moreover (and) David and the captains of the host.--The latter ("the princes" of 1Chronicles 24:6), were also concerned in the arrangement of the priestly classes (1Chronicles 23:2).

Separated to the service of the sons of Asaph.--Rather, separated for service the sons of Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun. These formed three guilds of sacred minstrels, famous to all after times. (Comp. the headings of many psalms in which these names occur, and also 1Chronicles 6:33, sqq., whence it appears that Asaph belonged to the sub tribe of Gershon, Heman to that of Kohath, and Ethan-Jeduthun to that of Merari, so that all the branches of Levi were represented among the musicians.)

Separated.--So Numbers 16:9, and Genesis 1:7. (Comp Acts 13:2.) . . .

Verse 1. - The twenty-four courses of those who were to be engaged in the temple service as singers and musicians fill up this chapter. They are to be taken from the three great families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. For the captains of the host, as designating those who superintended the order of temple worship, see 1 Chronicles 22:17; 1 Chronicles 23:2; 1 Chronicles 24:6; as also Numbers 4:3; Numbers 8:23. The sons of Asaph. (For a clear instance of the use of the preposition (lamed) prefixed, as here, see Ezra 8:24.) The English should appear "the sons of Asaph." Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun belonged respectively to the Gershon, Kohath, and Merarite families (1 Chronicles 6:18-32). Thus these singers and musicians were drawn from each great branch of Levi; viz. from Gershon, four through Asaph; from Kohath, six through Jeduthun; and from Merari, fourteen through Heman; while the whole number of those trained to sing was two hundred and eighty-eight. Who should prophesy. The Hebrew הַגִּבְּאִים (Jeremiah 14:14, 16) stands for Niphal participle plural, the singular of which (חַנּבָּא) appears in the following two verses. These were the utterers in song of the Divine mind and will. The essential meaning of the expression evidently is to use the voice in sacred service, more or less under Divine impulse. With cymbals. These instruments were used to regulate the time (compare this verse with 1 Chronicles 13:8). For some particulars respecting these and other musical instruments used in Israel at this time, the article "Music" in Smith's 'Bible Dictionary' may be consulted with advantage. And the number, etc. The literal translation of the last clause of this verse is, And was their number, the men of work, for their service, i.e. "And the number of workmen for the service was." The workmen intend, of course, those who performed the service.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Additionally, David
דָּוִיד֩ (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and the commanders
וְשָׂרֵ֨י (wə·śā·rê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of the army
הַצָּבָ֜א (haṣ·ṣā·ḇā)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

set apart
וַיַּבְדֵּ֣ל (way·yaḇ·dêl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 914: To be divided, separate

some of the sons
לִבְנֵ֤י (liḇ·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Asaph,
אָסָף֙ (’ā·sāp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 623: Asaph -- 'gatherer', the name of several Israelites

Heman,
וְהֵימָ֣ן (wə·hê·mān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1968: Heman -- an Israelite name

and Jeduthun
וִֽידוּת֔וּן (wî·ḏū·ṯūn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3038: Jeduthun

to prophesy
הַֽנִּבְּאִ֛ים‪‬ (han·nib·bə·’îm)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

with the accompaniment of lyres,
בְּכִנֹּר֥וֹת (bə·ḵin·nō·rō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3658: A harp

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

and cymbals.
וּבִמְצִלְתָּ֑יִם (ū·ḇim·ṣil·tā·yim)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - cd
Strong's 4700: Double tinklers, cymbals

The following
וַֽיְהִי֙ (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

is the list
מִסְפָּרָ֔ם (mis·pā·rām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4557: A number, definite, indefinite, narration

of the men
אַנְשֵׁ֥י (’an·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

who performed
מְלָאכָ֖ה (mə·lā·ḵāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property

this service:
לַעֲבֹדָ֗ה (la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5656: Work of any kind


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 25:1 Moreover David and the captains (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 24:31
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