King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 15:20 Mean?

1 Chronicles 15:20 in the King James Version says “And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries o...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 15:20 · KJV

Context

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.

19

So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;

20

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

21

And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. on the: or, on the eighth to oversee

22

And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful. was for: or, was for the carriage: he instructed about the carriage song: Heb. lifting up

Read 1 Chronicles 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Ordained worship according to God's prescription. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ as true temple and worship center.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Ordained worship according to God's prescription challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ as true temple and worship center teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּזְכַרְיָ֨ה1 of 11

“And Zechariah”

H2148

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

וַֽעֲזִיאֵ֜ל2 of 11

“and Aziel”

H5815

aziel, an israelite

וּשְׁמִֽירָמ֤וֹת3 of 11

“and Shemiramoth”

H8070

shemiramoth, the name of two israelites

וִֽיחִיאֵל֙4 of 11

“and Jehiel”

H3171

jechiel (or jechavel), the name of eight israelites

וְעֻנִּ֣י5 of 11

“and Unni”

H6042

unni, the name of two israelites

וֶֽאֱלִיאָ֔ב6 of 11

“and Eliab”

H446

eliab, the name of six israelites

וּמַֽעֲשֵׂיָ֖הוּ7 of 11

“and Maaseiah”

H4641

maasejah, the name of sixteen israelites

וּבְנָיָ֑הוּ8 of 11

“and Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

בִּנְבָלִ֖ים9 of 11

“with psalteries”

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

עַל10 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עֲלָמֽוֹת׃11 of 11

“on Alamoth”

H5961

properly, girls, i.e., the soprano or female voice, perhaps falsetto

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 15:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 15:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 46:1-11

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