King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 23:6 Mean?

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

Context

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

The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three.

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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 a question of pointing, the consonants remaining the same in each form. “David divided them,” *i.e.,* the 2,400 superintendents (1Chronicles 23:4; comp. 1Chronicles 23:24). Many of the names here enumerated recur in 1Chronicles 24:20-31; 1Chronicles 26:20-28; whereas the names of the courses of musicians (1Chronicles 25:1-31), warders (1Chronicles 26:1-19), and scribes and judges (1Chronicles 26:29-32), are totally different. **Among the sons of Levi.**—Rather, *according to the sons of Levi,* viz., *according to Gershon, &c.:* that is, according to the three great sub-divisions of the tribe (1Chronicles 6:1; 1Chronicles 6:16). Notice the correct spelling, “Gershon” (not Gershom).

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 23:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.