1 Chronicles 15:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

So the singers {H7891}, Heman {H1968}, Asaph {H623}, and Ethan {H387}, were appointed to sound {H8085} with cymbals {H4700} of brass {H5178};

Complete Jewish Bible

The singers Heman, Asaf and Eitan were appointed to sound the bronze cymbals.

Berean Standard Bible

The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 15:19 details the specific appointment of Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, prominent Levitical musicians, to play cymbals of brass during King David's meticulously organized procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. This verse highlights the crucial role of skilled musical leadership and the intentional use of powerful percussive instruments in the sacred worship of ancient Israel, emphasizing the solemnity, joy, and order that characterized this pivotal moment in the nation's spiritual life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The preceding chapters recount the disastrous first attempt (1 Chronicles 13) where Uzzah died for touching the Ark, a failure rooted in a disregard for God's specific instructions. Recognizing this, David meticulously prepares for the Ark's transport in 1 Chronicles 15, ensuring that only the sanctified Levites carry it on their shoulders, as commanded (1 Chronicles 15:2). The chapter details David's careful organization of the Levites into various roles—priests, gatekeepers, and musicians—for the procession and subsequent worship. Verse 19 specifically names three chief musicians, underscoring their prominence in the grand, sacred event.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of King David marks a significant transition in Israelite history, moving from a tribal confederacy to a unified monarchy with Jerusalem as its spiritual and political capital. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's dwelling presence among His people, was central to Israel's identity and worship. Its proper handling and placement were paramount. Musically, ancient Israelite worship was rich and diverse, incorporating various instruments and vocalizations. The Levites, as a tribe set apart for temple service, were often responsible for the musical elements of worship. The mention of "cymbals of brass" points to the use of durable, resonant instruments capable of producing a loud, impactful sound suitable for a large public procession and solemn ceremony.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Organized and Intentional Worship**. David's careful arrangement of the Levites and their specific duties, including musical roles, highlights the importance of order, intentionality, and preparation in approaching God in worship. This contrasts sharply with the haphazard first attempt to move the Ark. Secondly, it emphasizes **The Centrality of Music in Worship**. Music was not merely an accompaniment but a vital and active component of Israelite worship, serving as a powerful expression of praise, reverence, and joy. The cymbals, in particular, provided a strong, percussive element designed to punctuate and emphasize the sacredness of the event, echoing the joyful noise commanded in [Psalm 100:1](/psalms/100-1 "Psalm 100:1 - Make a joyful noise"). Thirdly, the specific mention of Heman, Asaph, and Ethan highlights the theme of **Dedicated and Skilled Leadership**. These individuals were not just ordinary musicians but prominent Levitical leaders and chief musicians, whose names are associated with many Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 50](/psalms/50 "Psalm 50 - A Psalm of Asaph") and [Psalm 88](/psalms/88 "Psalm 88 - A Prayer of Heman")) and the ongoing musical tradition in the Temple. Their appointment underscores the value of skilled and consecrated leaders in facilitating communal worship and spiritual service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cymbals (Hebrew, _tzeltselim'_):** This term refers to a pair of percussive instruments, typically made of metal, that produce a sharp, clashing sound when struck together. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, cymbals were used in both secular and sacred settings, often to mark rhythm, emphasize musical phrases, or create a loud, attention-grabbing effect. The use of _tzeltselim_ in this context indicates a desire for a prominent and impactful sound, suitable for a grand procession involving the Ark of the Covenant.
* **To sound (Hebrew, _lehashmi'a'_):** This verb literally means "to cause to hear" or "to make a sound audible." It implies a deliberate and intentional act of producing a loud and clear sound, ensuring that the music was not merely background but a significant, heard element of the procession. This emphasizes the active and declarative nature of their musical ministry, contributing to the atmosphere of reverence and celebration.
* **Brass (Hebrew, _nechoshet'_):** The specification of "brass" (or copper, as the term can encompass both) indicates the material of the cymbals. Brass instruments are known for their resonant, bright, and powerful sound. This choice of material suggests a desire for a full, impactful, and durable sound, fitting for a grand and solemn occasion like the procession of the Ark, where the music was meant to be heard by a large crowd and contribute to the awe of the moment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan,":** This clause identifies the specific individuals appointed for this task. While the KJV uses "singers," the context of "to sound with cymbals" suggests their role here is instrumental. Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were not just any musicians; they were the chief Levitical musicians, heads of the three great musical guilds established by David. Their specific naming highlights their prominence, skill, and leadership in the musical aspect of Israel's worship.
* **"[were appointed] to sound":** The bracketed phrase clarifies the implied action, indicating that these individuals were formally designated or commissioned for this specific task. The verb "to sound" (as discussed above) emphasizes the deliberate and audible nature of their musical ministry, ensuring the music was heard and contributed significantly to the atmosphere of the event. This was not a casual act but a divinely ordained and carefully executed part of the worship.
* **"with cymbals of brass;":** This specifies the instrument and its material. The cymbals, known for their loud and distinct sound, would have provided a strong percussive element, marking rhythm, emphasizing key moments, and adding to the overall grandeur and solemnity of the procession. The material, brass, further denotes a high-quality, resonant instrument capable of producing a powerful and far-reaching sound, befitting the sacredness of the Ark's journey.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Specificity** by naming the three chief musicians—Heman, Asaph, and Ethan—which underscores their importance and the meticulous organization of David's worship reforms. This naming also serves as a form of **Historical Record**, documenting the precise roles and individuals involved in this pivotal event. The mention of "cymbals of brass" utilizes **Sensory Language**, evoking the loud, resonant sound that would have filled the air, thereby creating an atmosphere of awe and celebration. This detail also functions as **Symbolism**, where the loud, clear sound of the cymbals could symbolize the clear and joyful proclamation of God's presence and the triumph of His covenant with Israel. The overall passage, by focusing on the detailed preparations for the Ark's movement, uses **Emphasis** to highlight the reverence, order, and dedication required in approaching the holy God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 15:19 provides a glimpse into the rich, vibrant, and highly organized worship life of ancient Israel under King David. The appointment of Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, renowned musical leaders, to play the loud cymbals signifies the prominence and significance of music in their devotion. These cymbals likely served to punctuate moments of praise, reverence, or procession, reminding all present of the sacredness and joy of bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. Theologically, this passage underscores that worship is not a haphazard activity but a deliberate, ordered, and communal offering, engaging all senses and requiring skilled dedication. It reflects a deep understanding that God is worthy of our best, and our approach to Him should be marked by reverence, joy, and careful adherence to His revealed will.

* [Psalm 150:5](/psalms/150-5 "Psalm 150:5 - Praise Him with loud cymbals")
* [Nehemiah 12:45-46](/nehemiah/12-45 "Nehemiah 12:45-46 - Duties of Priests and Levites")
* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Singing Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though brief, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that worship, whether personal or communal, should be intentional, excellent, and engage all our being. Just as David ensured the Ark was moved according to God's instructions and with appropriate musical accompaniment, we are called to offer our best in service and praise. The commitment to ordered and passionate worship, as exemplified by these Levitical musicians, reflects a heart devoted to God. Our worship should be a deliberate act of adoration, contributing to an atmosphere where God's presence is honored and celebrated. It challenges us to consider the quality of our offering, not just in terms of musical skill, but in the sincerity of our hearts and the diligence of our preparation, recognizing that we are approaching a holy God who deserves our utmost reverence and joyful devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous preparation for worship in 1 Chronicles 15 challenge my own approach to personal and corporate worship?**
* **In what ways can I, like Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, use my gifts and skills with intentionality and excellence to glorify God?**
* **What role does "joyful noise" and passionate expression play in my understanding and practice of worship today?**

### FAQ

**Who were Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, and why were they specifically mentioned?**

Answer: Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were not just ordinary musicians; they were the chief Levitical musicians, heads of the three great musical guilds or families established by King David for the service of the tabernacle and later the Temple. Their names are prominently featured throughout the Psalms, with many psalms attributed to Asaph (e.g., [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - A Psalm of Asaph")) and others to Heman (e.g., [Psalm 88](/psalms/88 "Psalm 88 - A Prayer of Heman")). Ethan is also associated with a psalm ([Psalm 89](/psalms/89 "Psalm 89 - A Maskil of Ethan")). Their specific mention in 1 Chronicles 15:19 highlights their preeminent skill, leadership, and the crucial role they played in organizing and leading the musical aspects of Israel's worship. Their appointment by David underscored the importance of skilled and dedicated leadership in facilitating communal worship.

**What was the significance of using cymbals of brass in this procession?**

Answer: The use of "cymbals of brass" was highly significant. Cymbals, known for their loud and distinct clashing sound, provided a powerful percussive element that would have been clearly heard amidst a large crowd and procession. The material, brass (or copper), ensured a resonant, bright, and durable instrument capable of producing a full, impactful sound. This choice of instrument and material indicates a desire for a prominent and emphatic musical contribution to the event. The loud sound of the cymbals would have served to mark rhythm, emphasize key moments, and contribute to the overall atmosphere of awe, solemnity, and jubilant celebration as the Ark, representing God's presence, was brought into Jerusalem. It was a sound designed to capture attention and underscore the grandeur of the occasion, much like the trumpet blasts mentioned in [Psalm 98:6](/psalms/98-6 "Psalm 98:6 - With trumpets and the sound of the horn").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of worship under King David, culminating in the joyful procession of the Ark with its appointed musicians, foreshadows the ultimate worship established through Christ. The Ark symbolized God's presence among His people, and the elaborate musical accompaniment was a response to that presence. In the New Covenant, Christ Himself is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, the true "Ark" in whom all the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The loud, celebratory sound of the cymbals in 1 Chronicles 15:19 can be seen as a precursor to the "sound" of the gospel, which proclaims the good news of God's presence fully revealed in Jesus Christ. Just as the Levites were appointed to facilitate worship, Christ, our great High Priest, has opened the way for all believers to approach God directly ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, the Great High Priest")). Our worship now is not merely an external ritual but a spiritual offering, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as we sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord ([Ephesians 5:19](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19 - Singing to the Lord")). The order and excellence seen in David's worship find their perfection in the new creation, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 25:6

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.

1 Chronicles 15:16

And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren [to be] the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

1 Chronicles 16:5

Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;

1 Chronicles 25:1

¶ 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:

1 Chronicles 16:42

And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun [were] porters.

1 Chronicles 13:8

And David and all Israel played before God with all [their] might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

Psalms 150:5

Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.