King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 23:5 Mean?

“Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.”

Context

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.

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

Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.

And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. courses: Heb. divisions

Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei. Laadan: or, Libni

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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 16:4.) We have here an interesting reference to the fact that David was not only a minstrel and inspired psalmist, but also an inventor of stringed instruments. So the prophet Amos (1Chronicles 6:5) speaks of the effeminate nobles of Israel, “who prattle on the mouth of the *nebel,* that invent themselves instruments of music, like David.” The reference is repeated in Nehemiah 12:36. **Which I have made.**—This expression proves that 1Chronicles 23:4-5 should be within inverted commas, as representing a spoken decree of David. Ewald thinks that the narrative is interrupted in 1Chronicles 23:5 by a fragmentary quotation from an ancient poet who speaks in the name of Jehovah, characterising *the musicians* as “those whom I have formed to sing my praise.” (But see 2Chronicles 7:6.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 23:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.