King James Version
1 Chronicles 23
32 verses with commentary
The Levites Organized
So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **So when David was old and full of days.**—Literally, *Now David had become old and satisfied with days.* (See Genesis 35:29; Job 42:17; where both terms, which are verbs here, appear as adjectives.) Perhaps our pointing is wrong. The expression “satisfied with days” reminds us of Horace, who describes the philosopher as departing this life like a satisfied guest (*ut conviva satur,* etc.).
*...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
Josiah reads the law, and renews the covenant.(1-3)
He destroys idolatry.(4-14)
The reformation extended to Israel, A passover kept.(15-24)
Josiah slain by Pharaoh-nechoh.
(25-30)
Wicked reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim.(31-37)
**Verses 1-3**
Josiah had received a message from God, that there was no preventing the ruin of Jerusalem, but ...
Read full commentary →And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2-5) The numbering of the Levites and their appointments.
(2) **And he gathered together all the princes of Israel.**—The form of the verb (the imperfect with *waw* conversive) implies that this was done in connection with the transfer of the kingdom to Solomon. The following chapters, therefore, relate to arrangements made by David towards the close of his life. (Comp. 1Chronicles 26:30, “the fo...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
Josiah reads the law, and renews the covenant.(1-3)
He destroys idolatry.(4-14)
The reformation extended to Israel, A passover kept.(15-24)
Josiah slain by Pharaoh-nechoh.
(25-30)
Wicked reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim.(31-37)
**Verses 1-3**
Josiah had received a message from God, that there was no preventing the ruin of Jerusalem, but ...
Read full commentary →Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Now** **. . .** **and**—*i.e.,* after the council had agreed upon it.
**The Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward.**—A census like that which Moses instituted (Numbers 4:3; Numbers 4:23; Numbers 4:30, &c.), of all Levites “from thirty years old and upward unto fifty years,” for the work of the Tabernacle.
**By their polls, man by man.**—Lit., *As to their skulls, as t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
Josiah reads the law, and renews the covenant.(1-3)
He destroys idolatry.(4-14)
The reformation extended to Israel, A passover kept.(15-24)
Josiah slain by Pharaoh-nechoh.
(25-30)
Wicked reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim.(31-37)
**Verses 1-3**
Josiah had received a message from God, that there was no preventing the ruin of Jerusalem, but ...
Read full commentary →Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges: set: or, oversee
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward.**—It is clear from 1Chronicles 23:5 that David himself is supposed to utter both verses, thus personally assigning their commission to the Levites. The Hebrew here is peculiar. We may render: “Of these let there be for superintending the work of the house of Jehovah twenty-four thousand, and scribes and judges six thousand.”
**To set fo...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-14**
What abundance of wickedness in Judah and Jerusalem! One would not have believed it possible, that in Judah, where God was known, in Israel, where his name was great, in Salem, in Zion, where his dwelling-place was, such abominations should be found. Josiah had reigned eighteen years, and had himself set the people a good example, and kept up religion according to the Divine la...
Read full commentary →Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Moreover four thousand were porters.**—Literally, *and four thousand* (are to be) *warders.* (Comp. 1Chronicles 9:21-27.) Reuss thinks 4,000 warders too many; but the different clans went on duty in turn.
**And four thousand praised the Lord** . . .—Rather, *and four thousand* (are to be) *praising the Lord with the instruments that I have made for praising.* (On “praising,” see 1Chronicles ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-14**
What abundance of wickedness in Judah and Jerusalem! One would not have believed it possible, that in Judah, where God was known, in Israel, where his name was great, in Salem, in Zion, where his dwelling-place was, such abominations should be found. Josiah had reigned eighteen years, and had himself set the people a good example, and kept up religion according to the Divine la...
Read full commentary →The Gershonites
And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. courses: Heb. divisions
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6-23) The twenty-four houses of the Levites.
(6) **And David divided them into courses.**—Heb., *he divided him them* (reflexive form of verb, with suffix) *into divisions.* (Comp. 1Chronicles 24:3, and Genesis 14:15.) Others read the simple voice of the verb here, as at 1Chronicles 24:4-5, 2Chronicles 23:18, Nehemiah 9:22; others, again, the intensive voice, as at 1Chronicles 16:3 (only). It is ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-14**
What abundance of wickedness in Judah and Jerusalem! One would not have believed it possible, that in Judah, where God was known, in Israel, where his name was great, in Salem, in Zion, where his dwelling-place was, such abominations should be found. Josiah had reigned eighteen years, and had himself set the people a good example, and kept up religion according to the Divine la...
Read full commentary →Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei. Laadan: or, Libni
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Of the Gershonites.**—1Chronicles 23:7-11 give the names of nine Gershonite houses, or guilds. David’s “courses” of Levites were formed according to the natural divisions already existing: *i.e.,* they coincided with the father-houses. They were doubtless twenty-four in number, like those of their brethren the musicians (1Chronicles 25:31), and like the priestly classes (1Chronicles 24:4). S...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-14**
What abundance of wickedness in Judah and Jerusalem! One would not have believed it possible, that in Judah, where God was known, in Israel, where his name was great, in Salem, in Zion, where his dwelling-place was, such abominations should be found. Josiah had reigned eighteen years, and had himself set the people a good example, and kept up religion according to the Divine la...
Read full commentary →The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **The sons of Laadan.**—These are named in two groups: viz., first, the three mentioned in this verse; secondly, the three named in 1Chronicles 23:9, and called “sons of Shimei.” This Shimei is not the same as the Shimei of 1Chronicles 23:7, whose sub-divisions are not given till 1Chronicles 23:10.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-14**
What abundance of wickedness in Judah and Jerusalem! One would not have believed it possible, that in Judah, where God was known, in Israel, where his name was great, in Salem, in Zion, where his dwelling-place was, such abominations should be found. Josiah had reigned eighteen years, and had himself set the people a good example, and kept up religion according to the Divine la...
Read full commentary →The sons of Shimei; Shelomith , and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the chief of the fathers of Laadan.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **These were the chief of the fathers of Laadan.**—Rather, *heads of the father-houses to Laadan.* The names seem to be at once those of the clans, or guilds, and of their existing chiefs. But perhaps we should render, *These are the chief father-houses.* To Laadan, then, pertained six houses, viz., Jehiel, Zetham, Joel, Shelomith, Haziel, and Haran.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-14**
What abundance of wickedness in Judah and Jerusalem! One would not have believed it possible, that in Judah, where God was known, in Israel, where his name was great, in Salem, in Zion, where his dwelling-place was, such abominations should be found. Josiah had reigned eighteen years, and had himself set the people a good example, and kept up religion according to the Divine la...
Read full commentary →And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei. Zina: or, Zizah
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **And the sons of Shimei.**—That is, of Shimei the “brother” of Laadan (1Chronicles 23:7). The bnê Shimei formed four houses, but were reckoned as three, because the two last-named, Jeush and Beriah, were numerically weak, and therefore counted as a single house and class (1Chronicles 23:11).
**Zina.**—1Chronicles 23:11 reads “Zizah” for this name, which is thus spelt quite differently in two...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-14**
What abundance of wickedness in Judah and Jerusalem! One would not have believed it possible, that in Judah, where God was known, in Israel, where his name was great, in Salem, in Zion, where his dwelling-place was, such abominations should be found. Josiah had reigned eighteen years, and had himself set the people a good example, and kept up religion according to the Divine la...
Read full commentary →And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house. had: Heb. did not multiply sons
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **But Jeush and Beriah had not many sons.**—*Now Jeush and Beriah had not multiplied sons; so they became* (one) *father-home* (*bêth-âb*), *one class* (or *muster—pĕquddāh*)*.* Altogether, then, there were nine Gershonite clans: viz., six of the sons of Laadan, and three of the sons of Shimei, among the 24,000 Levites of 1Chronicles 23:4.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-14**
What abundance of wickedness in Judah and Jerusalem! One would not have believed it possible, that in Judah, where God was known, in Israel, where his name was great, in Salem, in Zion, where his dwelling-place was, such abominations should be found. Josiah had reigned eighteen years, and had himself set the people a good example, and kept up religion according to the Divine la...
Read full commentary →The Kohathites
The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **The sons of Kohath.**—1Chronicles 23:12-20 give the names of nine Kohathite houses, “Amram, Izhar,” &c. (Comp. 1Chronicles 6:2; 1Chronicles 6:18.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. the king's gate--**The king had a gate from his palace into the temple (2Ki 16:18), which doubtless was kept constantly closed except for the monarch's use; and although there was no king in Israel on the return from the captivity, yet the old ceremonial was kept up, probably in the hope that the scepter would, ere long, be restored to the house of David. It is an honor by which Eastern king...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-14**
What abundance of wickedness in Judah and Jerusalem! One would not have believed it possible, that in Judah, where God was known, in Israel, where his name was great, in Salem, in Zion, where his dwelling-place was, such abominations should be found. Josiah had reigned eighteen years, and had himself set the people a good example, and kept up religion according to the Divine la...
Read full commentary →The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.
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KJV Study Commentary
The description of Aaron's consecration: 'Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, that he should burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.' Aaron's line was 'separated' (hivdil - set apart) for unique priestly functions - sanctifying holy things, burning incense, ministering, and pronouncing blessings...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **And Aaron was separated.**—Aaron and his sons, as priests, are thus excluded from present consideration. They form the proper subject of 1Chronicles 25:1-19, and are only mentioned here for the sake of completeness in the reckoning.
**That he should sanctify the most holy-things.**—Rather, *to hallow* (or *consecrate*)* him as most holy;* literally, *holy of holies* (*qôdesh qŏdāshîm*)*,* a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-14**
What abundance of wickedness in Judah and Jerusalem! One would not have believed it possible, that in Judah, where God was known, in Israel, where his name was great, in Salem, in Zion, where his dwelling-place was, such abominations should be found. Josiah had reigned eighteen years, and had himself set the people a good example, and kept up religion according to the Divine la...
Read full commentary →Now concerning Moses the man of God, his sons were named of the tribe of Levi.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Now concerning Moses the man of God.**—Rather, *Now Moses, the man of God.*
**His sons were named** (or should be named) **of the tribe of Levi.**—See Genesis 48:6 for the phrase “to be called after” (*niqrâ’ ‘al*)*.* Aaron’s sons were priests; but the sons of Moses, his brother, were reckoned as simple Levites, and therefore their houses are here enumerated (1Chronicles 23:15-17).
**The ma...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-14**
What abundance of wickedness in Judah and Jerusalem! One would not have believed it possible, that in Judah, where God was known, in Israel, where his name was great, in Salem, in Zion, where his dwelling-place was, such abominations should be found. Josiah had reigned eighteen years, and had himself set the people a good example, and kept up religion according to the Divine la...
Read full commentary →The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **The sons** **of Moses.**—See Exodus 2:22 for “Gershom,” Exodus 18:3-4 for both. Gershom means “expulsion” (comp Genesis 3:24), and is a variant form of Gcrshon. What is said in Exodus 2:22 is an allusive play on the name, not a derivation of it. “Eliezer,” *God is help,* a distinct name from “Eleazar” (1Chronicles 23:22), *God hath helped,* or, *is a helper.*
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-24**
Josiah's zeal extended to the cities of Israel within his reach. He carefully preserved the sepulchre of that man of God, who came from Judah to foretell the throwing down of Jeroboam's altar. When they had cleared the country of the old leaven of idolatry, then they applied themselves to the keeping of the feast. There was not holden such a passover in any of the foregoing re...
Read full commentary →Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief. Shebuel: or, Shubael
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **The sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief** (Heb., *head*)*.*—The statement that “Shebuel was the chief” implies that Gershom had other sons not mentioned here, as being reckoned members of the clan the sons of Gershom. Shebuel is called Shubael in 1Chronicles 24:20.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-24**
Josiah's zeal extended to the cities of Israel within his reach. He carefully preserved the sepulchre of that man of God, who came from Judah to foretell the throwing down of Jeroboam's altar. When they had cleared the country of the old leaven of idolatry, then they applied themselves to the keeping of the feast. There was not holden such a passover in any of the foregoing re...
Read full commentary →And the sons of Eliezer were, Rehabiah the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many. the chief: or, the first very many: Heb. were highly multiplied
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **And the sons of Eliezer were, Rehabiah the chief.**—The word “were” (became) ought not to be in italics in the text, as it is expressed in the Hebrew.
**The chief** (head) means founder and eponym of the clan the sons of Rehabiah.
**And Eliezer had none other sons.**—Literally, *And there became not to Eliezer ether sons, and the sons of Rehabiah had multiplied exceedingly* (*unto height,* ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-24**
Josiah's zeal extended to the cities of Israel within his reach. He carefully preserved the sepulchre of that man of God, who came from Judah to foretell the throwing down of Jeroboam's altar. When they had cleared the country of the old leaven of idolatry, then they applied themselves to the keeping of the feast. There was not holden such a passover in any of the foregoing re...
Read full commentary →Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **The sons of Izhar.**—Second son of Kohath. The sons of Izhar made one clan, that of Shelōmith (or Shelōmōth, 1Chronicles 24:22). The same variation occurred in the Hebrew of 1Chronicles 23:9, above.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-24**
Josiah's zeal extended to the cities of Israel within his reach. He carefully preserved the sepulchre of that man of God, who came from Judah to foretell the throwing down of Jeroboam's altar. When they had cleared the country of the old leaven of idolatry, then they applied themselves to the keeping of the feast. There was not holden such a passover in any of the foregoing re...
Read full commentary →Of the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **The sons of Hebron.**—“Of” is wanting in the Hebrew here, as well as in 1Chronicles 23:16; 1Chronicles 23:18; 1Chronicles 23:20. The sons of Hebron comprised four houses, clans, or classes. Their names recur in 1Chronicles 24:23.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-24**
Josiah's zeal extended to the cities of Israel within his reach. He carefully preserved the sepulchre of that man of God, who came from Judah to foretell the throwing down of Jeroboam's altar. When they had cleared the country of the old leaven of idolatry, then they applied themselves to the keeping of the feast. There was not holden such a passover in any of the foregoing re...
Read full commentary →Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah the first, and Jesiah the second.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **The sons of Uzziel** constituted two houses and classes. The nine clans of Kohathite Levites are again rehearsed at 1Chronicles 24:20-25.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-24**
Josiah's zeal extended to the cities of Israel within his reach. He carefully preserved the sepulchre of that man of God, who came from Judah to foretell the throwing down of Jeroboam's altar. When they had cleared the country of the old leaven of idolatry, then they applied themselves to the keeping of the feast. There was not holden such a passover in any of the foregoing re...
Read full commentary →The Merarites
The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi.**—See Exodus 6:19, and Numbers 3:33, and 1Chronicles 6:19.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-24**
Josiah's zeal extended to the cities of Israel within his reach. He carefully preserved the sepulchre of that man of God, who came from Judah to foretell the throwing down of Jeroboam's altar. When they had cleared the country of the old leaven of idolatry, then they applied themselves to the keeping of the feast. There was not holden such a passover in any of the foregoing re...
Read full commentary →And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them. brethren: or, kinsmen
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **And Eleazar died, and had no sons.**—Thus his house merged in that of the sons of Kish, who married his daughters according to the Law (Numbers 36:6-9). The sons of Mahli, then, were represented in David’s day by the house of Kish. (See 1Chronicles 24:29.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-24**
Josiah's zeal extended to the cities of Israel within his reach. He carefully preserved the sepulchre of that man of God, who came from Judah to foretell the throwing down of Jeroboam's altar. When they had cleared the country of the old leaven of idolatry, then they applied themselves to the keeping of the feast. There was not holden such a passover in any of the foregoing re...
Read full commentary →The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.**—These, with the sons of Kish. make only four Merarite houses, whereas six are required to make up a total of twenty-four Levitical houses. But 1Chronicles 24:26-27 shows that the chronicler’s registers named a third son of Merari, viz., Jaaziah, whose descendents constituted the three houses of Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri, in the time ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-24**
Josiah's zeal extended to the cities of Israel within his reach. He carefully preserved the sepulchre of that man of God, who came from Judah to foretell the throwing down of Jeroboam's altar. When they had cleared the country of the old leaven of idolatry, then they applied themselves to the keeping of the feast. There was not holden such a passover in any of the foregoing re...
Read full commentary →The Work of the Levites
These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers.**—Rather, *These were the sons of Levi, according to their father-houses* (clans), *heads of the houses* (fathers, *i.e.,* father-houses), *to those mustered of them, in an enumeration of names according to their polls.* This is the subscription to the foregoing list of names of the Levitical houses, as entered in the muster-roll...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-24**
Josiah's zeal extended to the cities of Israel within his reach. He carefully preserved the sepulchre of that man of God, who came from Judah to foretell the throwing down of Jeroboam's altar. When they had cleared the country of the old leaven of idolatry, then they applied themselves to the keeping of the feast. There was not holden such a passover in any of the foregoing re...
Read full commentary →For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever: that: or, and he dwelleth in Jerusalem, etc
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) F**or David said.**—This verse seems to assign a reason for the extension of the Levitical census.
**The Lord . . . hath given rest unto his people.**—So that they no longer wander from pasture to pasture in the wilderness, nor are any more oppressed by foreign tyrants as in the days of the judges.
**That they may dwell.**—Rather, *And He* (the Lord) *hath settled in Jerusalem for ever.* (Com...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-30**
Upon reading these verses, we must say, Lord, though thy righteousness be as the great mountains, evident, plainly to be seen, and past dispute; yet thy judgments are a great deep, unfathomable, and past finding out. The reforming king is cut off in the midst of his usefulness, in mercy to him, that he might not see the evil coming upon his kingdom: but in wrath to his people,...
Read full commentary →And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry** **. . .**—Rather, *And the Levites also have not* (now) *to carry the dwelling and all its vessels for its service,* as they had to do in the wanderings of Israel in the desert. The sacred dwelling-place (*mishkān*) had long been fixed at Gibeon; and the service of the Levites was so much the lighter, as in the olden time they not only h...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-30**
Upon reading these verses, we must say, Lord, though thy righteousness be as the great mountains, evident, plainly to be seen, and past dispute; yet thy judgments are a great deep, unfathomable, and past finding out. The reforming king is cut off in the midst of his usefulness, in mercy to him, that he might not see the evil coming upon his kingdom: but in wrath to his people,...
Read full commentary →For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above: numbered: Heb. number
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **For by the last words of David.**—That is, owing to his last commands. So Vulg. (juxta praecepta David novissima) and Syriac.
**The Levites were numbered.**—Literally, *these* (are), *i.e.,* according to the later idiom, *this* (is) *the* *enumeration of the sons of Levi, from twenty years old and upward.* The verse seems to mean that David towards the end of his reign instituted a census o...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-30**
Upon reading these verses, we must say, Lord, though thy righteousness be as the great mountains, evident, plainly to be seen, and past dispute; yet thy judgments are a great deep, unfathomable, and past finding out. The reforming king is cut off in the midst of his usefulness, in mercy to him, that he might not see the evil coming upon his kingdom: but in wrath to his people,...
Read full commentary →Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God; their: Heb. their station was at the hand of the sons of Aaron
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron.**—*For their appointment* (or *station*)* is at the side of the sons of Aaron* (*i.e.,* the priests). The Levites had no longer to carry the sacred dwelling and its vessels, but to minister, in subordination to the priesthood, in the permanent sanctuary.
**In the courts.**—*Over* (*i.e.,* in charge of) *the courts, and over the cells,* ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-30**
Upon reading these verses, we must say, Lord, though thy righteousness be as the great mountains, evident, plainly to be seen, and past dispute; yet thy judgments are a great deep, unfathomable, and past finding out. The reforming king is cut off in the midst of his usefulness, in mercy to him, that he might not see the evil coming upon his kingdom: but in wrath to his people,...
Read full commentary →Both for the shewbread , and for the fine flour for meat offering, and for the unleavened cakes, and for that which is baked in the pan, and for that which is fried, and for all manner of measure and size; pan: or, flat plate
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **Both for the shewbread, and for the fine flour.**—Rather, *And over the shewbread, and over,* &c. “For” (*lĕ*) continues the sense of “over” (‘al). The Levitical assistants of the priests had to see to the preparation of the things here enumerated.
**And for that which is baked in the pan.**—Literally, *and over the pan* (Leviticus 2:5).
**And for that which is fried.**—Rather, *and over th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-30**
Upon reading these verses, we must say, Lord, though thy righteousness be as the great mountains, evident, plainly to be seen, and past dispute; yet thy judgments are a great deep, unfathomable, and past finding out. The reforming king is cut off in the midst of his usefulness, in mercy to him, that he might not see the evil coming upon his kingdom: but in wrath to his people,...
Read full commentary →And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **To thank and praise the Lord.**—This refers to the special function of the 4,000 musicians (1Chronicles 23:5). (Comp. 1Chronicles 16:4.) Those who slew and flayed the victims could hardly have taken part in the service of song.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-30**
Upon reading these verses, we must say, Lord, though thy righteousness be as the great mountains, evident, plainly to be seen, and past dispute; yet thy judgments are a great deep, unfathomable, and past finding out. The reforming king is cut off in the midst of his usefulness, in mercy to him, that he might not see the evil coming upon his kingdom: but in wrath to his people,...
Read full commentary →And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **And to offer all burnt sacrifices.**—Rather, *And* *over all offering of burnt offerings.* The Levites had to select and prepare the victims, the priests offered them, when ready, upon the altar. The Levites had to do this “by number,” *i.e.,* according to the several numbers prescribed by the Law for each occasion. (See Numbers 28)
**According to the order commanded unto them.**—*According...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-37**
After Josiah was laid in his grave, one trouble came on another, till, in twenty-two years, Jerusalem was destroyed. The wicked perished in great numbers, the remnant were purified, and Josiah's reformation had raised up some to join the few who were the precious seed of their future church and nation. A little time, and slender abilities, often suffice to undo the good which ...
Read full commentary →And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term <em>עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordered worship according to divine pattern. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective empha...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **And that they should keep.**—This verse sums up the functions of the Levites under three general heads: “And let them keep the charge of the tent of meeting.” The words are evidently based upon Numbers 18:3-5.
**And the charge of the sons of Aaron.**—That is, all that the priests committed to them, and required of them (1Chronicles 23:28) as their appointed assistants. The word rendered “ch...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-37**
After Josiah was laid in his grave, one trouble came on another, till, in twenty-two years, Jerusalem was destroyed. The wicked perished in great numbers, the remnant were purified, and Josiah's reformation had raised up some to join the few who were the precious seed of their future church and nation. A little time, and slender abilities, often suffice to undo the good which ...
Read full commentary →