1 Chronicles 15:17

So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;

So the Levites {H3881} appointed {H5975} Heman {H1968} the son {H1121} of Joel {H3100}; and of his brethren {H251}, Asaph {H623} the son {H1121} of Berechiah {H1296}; and of the sons {H1121} of Merari {H4847} their brethren {H251}, Ethan {H387} the son {H1121} of Kushaiah {H6984};

So the L'vi'im appointed Heman the son of Yo'el; of his kinsmen, Asaf the son of Berekhyahu; of the descendants of M'rari their kinsmen, Eitan the son of Kushayahu;

So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah;

So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;

Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:17 details the specific individuals chosen from among the Levites to oversee the musical aspects of worship during the momentous occasion of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse highlights the careful and intentional organization put in place by King David for divine service.

Context

This verse is situated within a crucial period in Israel's history, following David's initial, ill-fated attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). Recognizing the error in not following God's prescribed method of transport (the Ark was to be carried by Levites, not on a cart), David meticulously prepared for a second, proper transfer. 1 Chronicles 15:1-16 describes David's directives for sanctifying the Levites and assigning them their roles. Verse 17 specifically names the chief musicians appointed from the three main Levitical families (Kohath, Gershon, and Merari, though not explicitly stated as such for each name here, it's implied by their lineage).

Key Themes

  • Order and Preparation in Worship: The meticulous appointment of specific individuals underscores the importance of order, preparation, and divine instruction in approaching God. David understood that God's presence (symbolized by the Ark) required reverence and adherence to His ways.
  • The Role of Music in Worship: The naming of Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, who would become legendary figures in Israel's musical tradition, emphasizes the integral role of music in biblical worship. They were not merely carriers but were set apart for leading praise.
  • Divine Appointment and Giftedness: These men were chosen for their specific roles, likely for their skill and spiritual discernment. Their appointment highlights the principle that God raises up and gifts individuals for particular service within His kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "appointed" (wayyaสฟฤƒmรฎdรป) suggests establishing or setting up, indicating a formal and deliberate assignment of duties. The names themselves are significant: Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (also known as Jeduthun in other passages) are frequently mentioned together in the Psalms and other historical books as prominent worship leaders and seers. Their inclusion here marks the beginning of their illustrious service.

Related Scriptures

These three men โ€“ Heman, Asaph, and Ethan โ€“ would become foundational figures in Israel's worship, often associated with composing and leading the music of the Temple, as seen in later accounts of Hezekiah's reforms and throughout the Psalms. Many Psalms are attributed to Asaph (Psalm 73-83), and Heman is noted as a "king's seer" and musician in 1 Chronicles 25:5. Their appointment here sets the stage for generations of temple music and worship.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God values order and intentionality in worship and service. Just as specific individuals were gifted and appointed for crucial roles in ancient Israel, believers today are called to use their diverse gifts for the building up of the body of Christ (Romans 12:6-8). It underscores that every part of serving God, even what might seem administrative, is sacred and requires diligence and reverence. Moreover, it highlights the enduring power and importance of music and heartfelt praise in drawing near to God.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 6:33

    And these [are] they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,

  • 1 Chronicles 6:44

    And their brethren the sons of Merari [stood] on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

  • 1 Chronicles 6:39

    And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, [even] Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,

  • Psalms 83:1

    ยถ A Song [or] Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.

  • Psalms 73:1

    ยถ A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:19

    So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, [were appointed] to sound with cymbals of brass;

  • 1 Chronicles 25:1

    ยถ Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
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