King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 23:25 Mean?

1 Chronicles 23:25 in the King James Version says “For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever: that:...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 23:25 · KJV

Context

23

The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.

24

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.

25

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

26

And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.

27

For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above: numbered: Heb. number

Read 1 Chronicles 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Levitical divisions and temple service organization. The Hebrew term עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) - service/work 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 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 Ordered worship according to divine pattern. 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: Priesthood of all believers under Christ.

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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 Levitical divisions and temple service organization 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 Ordered worship according to divine pattern challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Priesthood of all believers under Christ 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 · 12 words
כִּ֚י1 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָמַ֣ר2 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֔יד3 of 12

“For David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הֵנִ֛יחַ4 of 12

“hath given rest”

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

יְהוָ֥ה5 of 12

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵֽי6 of 12

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל7 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְעַמּ֑וֹ8 of 12

“unto his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיִּשְׁכֹּ֥ן9 of 12

“that they may dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם10 of 12

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

עַד11 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

לְעוֹלָֽם׃12 of 12

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 23:25 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 23:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 7:11Psalms 132:13-141 Chronicles 22:182 Samuel 7:1Psalms 135:21Zechariah 8:3

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 23 →

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