King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 25:8 Mean?

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

Context

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

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.

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

Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons were twelve :

The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve :

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **And they cast lots, ward against ward.**—Rather, *And they cast lots of charge,* that is, for determining the order in which each of the twenty-four guilds, or classes, should take charge of the services. (Comp, the LXX., κλήρους ἐφημερίων*,* “lots of courses;” and see Luke 1:6.) Some Hebrew MSS. and the Targum repeat the word “ward” (*mishmèreth, *“charge”), whence the reading of the Authorised Version. The ancient versions omit the word altogether. **As well the small as the great.**—Heb., *exactly as the small* (or, *the younger*)*, so the great* (or, *the elder*)*.* (Comp. the Vulg., “ex aequo tam major quam minor.”) But perhaps *leummath* is here used absolutely: “They cast lots in like manner” (1Chronicles 24:31). The senior houses, or guilds, had no advantage over the juniors, the order of rotation being decided by lot. (Comp. 1Chronicles 24:31.) **The teacher as the scholar.**—Literally, *cunning* (1Chronicles 25:7) *with learner.* According to 1Chronicles 23:5, the whole number of Levites appointed for the service of song was 4,000. These were all included in the twenty-four classes, 288 of them being “cunning” men, that is, masters in their art, and the remaining 3,712 forming the rank and file of the choirs under the training of the proficients. The Aramaic word *talmid* (scholar) occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament. It is the term used of the *disciples* of the Rabbis in the Talmud, and is the exact equivalent of the New Testament word, μαθητής*.*

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 25:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.