King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 25:6 Mean?

1 Chronicles 25:6 in the King James Version says “All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, f...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. according: Heb. by the hands of the king”

1 Chronicles 25:6 · KJV

Context

4

Of Heman: the sons of Heman; Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamtiezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth: Uzziel: also called, Azareel, ver.18. Shebuel: also called, Shubael, ver.20.

5

All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. words: or, matters

6

All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. according: Heb. by the hands of the king

7

So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.

8

And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Musical divisions - worship leaders organized. The Hebrew term שִׁיר (shir) - song/singing is theologically significant here, pointing to Music as integral to worship. 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 Music as integral to worship. 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: New song of redemption in 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 Musical divisions - worship leaders organized 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 Music as integral to worship challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does New song of redemption in 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 · 20 words
כָּל1 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֵ֣לֶּה2 of 20
H428

these or those

עַל3 of 20
H5921

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

יְדֵ֣י4 of 20

“All these were under the hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֲבִיהֶ֨ם5 of 20

“of their father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בַּשִּׁ֜יר6 of 20

“for song”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

בֵּ֣ית7 of 20

“in the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֗ה8 of 20

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בִּמְצִלְתַּ֙יִם֙9 of 20

“with cymbals”

H4700

(only dual) double tinklers, i.e., cymbals

נְבָלִ֣ים10 of 20

“psalteries”

H5035

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

וְכִנֹּר֔וֹת11 of 20

“and harps”

H3658

a harp

לַֽעֲבֹדַ֖ת12 of 20

“for the service”

H5656

work of any kind

בֵּ֣ית13 of 20

“in the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים14 of 20

“of 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

עַ֚ל15 of 20
H5921

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

יְדֵ֣י16 of 20

“All these were under the hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ17 of 20

“according to the king's”

H4428

a king

אָסָ֥ף18 of 20

“to Asaph”

H623

asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first

וִֽידוּת֖וּן19 of 20

“Jeduthun”

H3038

jeduthun, an israelite

וְהֵימָֽן׃20 of 20

“and Heman”

H1968

heman, the name of at least two israelites

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 25:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 25:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 25:1-31 Chronicles 15:16Ephesians 5:191 Chronicles 15:19Psalms 68:25Colossians 3:16

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