Chenaniah
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Introduction:
Chenaniah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of King David's reign. His role is primarily associated with music and the organization of the Levites during the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant. The name Chenaniah means "Yahweh establishes" or "Yahweh has planted," reflecting a common theme of divine establishment and purpose.

Biblical References:
Chenaniah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15:22 and 1 Chronicles 15:27. These passages highlight his leadership and musical expertise during a significant event in Israel's history.

1. 1 Chronicles 15:22 : "Chenaniah the head Levite was the director of the music because he was skillful."
This verse identifies Chenaniah as a leader among the Levites, specifically tasked with directing music. His skill in music is emphasized, suggesting that he was not only a capable leader but also a talented musician. This role was crucial during the transportation of the Ark, as music played a significant part in the worship and celebration accompanying this event.

2. 1 Chronicles 15:27 : "Now David was clothed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and as were the singers, and Chenaniah the music director of the singers. David also wore a linen ephod."
Here, Chenaniah is again mentioned in the context of the Ark's transportation. He is described as the music director of the singers, indicating his leadership in organizing and directing the musical aspect of the procession. The mention of his attire, similar to that of King David and the other Levites, underscores the solemnity and importance of the occasion.

Role and Significance:
Chenaniah's role as a music director highlights the importance of music in Israelite worship and religious ceremonies. His leadership in this area reflects the structured and organized approach King David took in ensuring that the Ark's transportation was conducted with reverence and joy. Music, under Chenaniah's direction, served as a means of expressing worship, unity, and celebration among the people of Israel.

Theological Implications:
Chenaniah's involvement in the Ark's transportation underscores the significance of worship in the life of Israel. His skill and leadership in music reflect the broader biblical theme of using one's talents for the glory of God. The emphasis on his skill suggests that God values excellence and dedication in the service of worship. Furthermore, Chenaniah's role illustrates the importance of order and leadership within the community of faith, particularly in the context of worship and religious observance.

Conclusion:
While the biblical text provides limited information about Chenaniah, his role as a music director during a pivotal moment in Israel's history highlights the integral role of music and leadership in worship. His example serves as a reminder of the importance of using one's God-given talents in service to the Lord and the community of believers.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Chenaniah

preparation, or disposition, or strength, of the Lord

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Chenaniah

(established by the Lord), chief of the Levites when David carried the ark to Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 15:22; 26:29)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CHENANIAH

ken-a-ni'-a (kenanyahu, and kenanyah, literally "established by God"): Chief of the Levites who was over "the songs," or "the carrying" (namely, "of the ark") from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:22, 27; 1 Chronicles 26:29).

Strong's Hebrew
3663. Kenanyah -- two Israelites
... two Israelites. Transliteration: Kenanyah or Kenanyahu Phonetic Spelling:
(ken-an-yaw') Short Definition: Chenaniah. ... NASB Word Usage Chenaniah (3). Chenaniah. ...
/hebrew/3663.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Chenaniah (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHENANIAH. ken-a-ni'-a ... 26:29). Multi-Version
Concordance Chenaniah (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles ...
/c/chenaniah.htm - 7k

Chenani'ah (3 Occurrences)
Chenani'ah. Chenaniah, Chenani'ah. Chephar . Multi-Version Concordance
Chenani'ah (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 15:22 And Chenaniah...
/c/chenani'ah.htm - 7k

Kenaniah (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:27 David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites
who bore the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song ...
/k/kenaniah.htm - 7k

Singing (65 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 1 Chronicles 15:22 Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was over the song: he
instructed about the song, because he was skillful. (See NAS NIV). ...
/s/singing.htm - 29k

Burden (111 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:22 And Chenaniah, head of the Levites, 'is' over the burden; he
instructeth about the burden, for he 'is' intelligent. (YLT). ...
/b/burden.htm - 46k

Outward (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 26:29 Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward
business over Israel, for officers and judges. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/o/outward.htm - 13k

Jizharites (3 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 1 Chronicles 26:29 Of the Jizharites, Chenaniah and his sons were over
Israel, for the outward business for officers and judges. (DBY). ...
/j/jizharites.htm - 7k

Wore (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:27 David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites
who bore the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song ...
/w/wore.htm - 11k

Intelligent (47 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 15:22 And Chenaniah, head of the Levites, 'is' over
the burden; he instructeth about the burden, for he 'is' intelligent. (YLT). ...
/i/intelligent.htm - 20k

Instructeth (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 15:22 And Chenaniah, head of the Levites, 'is' over the burden; he
instructeth about the burden, for he 'is' intelligent. (YLT). ...
/i/instructeth.htm - 8k

Resources
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Concordance
Chenaniah (3 Occurrences)

1 Chronicles 15:22
Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was over the song: he instructed about the song, because he was skillful.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS)

1 Chronicles 15:27
David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites who bore the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: and David had on him an ephod of linen.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS)

1 Chronicles 26:29
Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Subtopics

Chenaniah

Chenaniah: A Levite

Chenaniah: An Izharite

Related Terms

Chenaniah (3 Occurrences)

Chephar (1 Occurrence)

Chenani: A Levite
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