1 Chronicles 25:14

the seventh to Jesarelah, his sons, and his brothers--12 in all;

Study Bible

the seventh lot
In the context of 1 Chronicles 25, the casting of lots was a method used to determine the order of service among the musicians in the temple. The use of lots is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often seen as a way to discern God's will (Proverbs 16:33). The number seven is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or perfection, which may suggest the divine order and completeness in the organization of temple worship.

fell to Jesharelah
Jesharelah, also referred to as Asarelah in some translations, was one of the sons of Asaph, a prominent figure in the organization of temple music. The name Jesharelah means "upright toward God" or "God is upright," reflecting the character and purpose of those who were set apart for the ministry of music. This highlights the importance of integrity and devotion in those who lead worship, serving as a reminder that worship is not just a duty but a calling to reflect God's holiness.

his sons and his brothers
This phrase emphasizes the familial aspect of temple service. The inclusion of both sons and brothers suggests a community and generational involvement in worship. It underscores the biblical principle of passing down faith and service from one generation to the next, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7. The family unit is portrayed as a vital component of spiritual life and worship, reinforcing the idea that worship is a communal and familial responsibility.

twelve in all
The number twelve is significant throughout Scripture, often representing God's people (e.g., the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve apostles). In this context, it may symbolize completeness and the full representation of the community in worship. The number twelve here could also reflect the organized and structured nature of temple service, ensuring that worship was conducted in an orderly and comprehensive manner. This serves as a reminder of the importance of order and structure in worship, allowing for a harmonious and unified expression of praise to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesharelah
A leader among the sons of Asaph, who were appointed by King David to prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals. Jesharelah's name means "upright toward God," reflecting a life dedicated to worship and service.

2. Sons and Brothers
This refers to the family members of Jesharelah who were involved in the musical ministry. The inclusion of family highlights the communal and generational aspect of worship in Israel.

3. The Number Twelve
This number is significant in biblical terms, often representing completeness or divine order. Here, it indicates the organized structure of the musical service.

4. King David
The king of Israel who organized the Levitical musicians into divisions for temple worship, emphasizing the importance of music in spiritual life.

5. The Temple Worship
The context of this verse is the preparation for temple worship, which was central to Israel's religious life and identity.

Teaching Points

The Role of Music in Worship
Music is a powerful tool for worship and prophecy, as seen in the appointment of Jesharelah and his family. It is a means to express devotion and communicate God's truth.

Generational Worship
The involvement of sons and brothers in worship highlights the importance of passing down faith and worship practices through generations.

Divine Order and Structure
The organization of musicians into groups of twelve reflects God's desire for order in worship. This can inspire us to seek structure and discipline in our spiritual practices.

Community in Worship
Worship is not just an individual act but a communal experience. The collective participation of Jesharelah's family underscores the importance of community in our spiritual lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Jesharelah and his family in temple worship inform our understanding of the importance of music in church today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship practices are passed down to future generations, as seen in the involvement of Jesharelah's sons and brothers?

3. What does the number twelve signify in the context of worship, and how can we apply the principle of divine order in our personal and communal worship?

4. How can we foster a sense of community in our worship experiences, drawing from the example of Jesharelah's family?

5. Reflect on a time when music played a significant role in your spiritual life. How can you incorporate music more intentionally into your daily worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 6
Provides a genealogy of the Levites, including the sons of Asaph, highlighting the hereditary nature of their roles in worship.

Psalm 150
Emphasizes the use of musical instruments in worship, connecting to the role of Jesharelah and his family in temple music.

Ephesians 5:19
Encourages believers to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, drawing a parallel to the communal worship led by Jesharelah.