1 Chronicles 15:21

KJV

And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Mattithiah {H4993}, and Elipheleh {H466}, and Mikneiah {H4737}, and Obededom {H5654}, and Jeiel {H3273}, and Azaziah {H5812}, with harps {H3658} on the Sheminith {H8067} to excel {H5329}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Mattityahu, Elif'lehu, Mikneyahu, 'Oved-Edom, Ye'i'el and 'Azazyahu were to play lyres to lead the sh'minit [low-pitched music?].

Berean Standard Bible

And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith.

American Standard Version

and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps set to the Sheminith, to lead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 15:21 meticulously details the appointment of specific Levite musicians—Mattithiah, Elipheleh, Mikneiah, Obededom, Jeiel, and Azaziah—who were tasked with playing harps on the "Sheminith" during the sacred procession of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse underscores King David's profound commitment to highly organized, skilled, and intentional worship, highlighting the importance of musical excellence and the specialized roles of the Levites in the spiritual and national life of Israel. It portrays a scene of reverent joy and professional dedication in the service of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the pivotal narrative of King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This endeavor follows the tragic failure of the first attempt, recounted in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - The Failed Attempt to Move the Ark"), which resulted in Uzzah's death due to improper handling of the Ark. Having learned from this devastating error, David meticulously consults with the Levites and priests, ensuring that the Ark is carried according to the precise instructions of Mosaic law, emphasizing the sanctity of God's commands (as highlighted in [1 Chronicles 15:2](/1_chronicles/15-2 "1 Chronicles 15:2 - David's Instruction to the Levites")). Chapter 15 provides a detailed account of the careful selection and assignment of various Levite families to specific roles, including gatekeepers, singers, and instrumentalists. Verse 21 specifically names six individuals chosen for their musical prowess, emphasizing their contribution to the joyful and reverent atmosphere surrounding the Ark's arrival, which culminates in a grand celebration described in [1 Chronicles 15:25-29](/1_chronicles/15-25 "1 Chronicles 15:25-29 - The Ark Enters Jerusalem"), marking a new era of centralized worship in Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's tangible presence among His people and serving as the focal point of their worship and national identity. Its proper handling and veneration were paramount, reflecting the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, music played a vital role in religious ceremonies, royal processions, and communal celebrations, often involving large ensembles and specialized musicians. David, himself a skilled musician and composer (as evidenced in [1 Samuel 16:18](/1_samuel/16-18 "1 Samuel 16:18 - David's Skill with the Lyre") and numerous Psalms), initiated significant reforms in Israelite worship. He established a highly organized musical ministry for the tabernacle and, prophetically, for the future temple. The Levites, as the priestly tribe, were divinely appointed for specific duties related to the tabernacle and temple service, including the sacred task of transporting the Ark and leading worship. The detailed listing of names and instruments reflects the professionalization and high esteem given to sacred music during this period of Israel's history under David's leadership, underscoring the importance of offering God the very best in every aspect of worship.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 15:21 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles, which frequently emphasizes proper worship and the Davidic covenant. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Organized and Intentional Worship**, demonstrating David's commitment to establishing a structured and divinely ordered system of worship that honored God with precision and reverence. The meticulous selection of personnel and instruments highlights that worship was not haphazard but a carefully planned and executed endeavor, reflecting God's own orderliness. Secondly, the phrase "to excel" points to the theme of **Excellence in Service**, emphasizing the high standard expected of those serving God. This pursuit of offering one's very best in spiritual duties is a recurring motif throughout Chronicles, reflecting the belief that God deserves nothing less than the highest quality of devotion and skill, as seen in the broader descriptions of temple service and the dedication of resources (e.g., [1 Chronicles 29:1-9](/1_chronicles/29-1-9 "1 Chronicles 29:1-9 - David's Preparations for the Temple")). Lastly, the verse illuminates the **Specialized Role of the Levites** in Israel's spiritual life, particularly their function as custodians of sacred objects and leaders in musical worship. Their lineage, training, and specific assignments, as detailed in this chapter and elsewhere (e.g., [1 Chronicles 23](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - Divisions of the Levites")), were crucial for maintaining the purity and order of Israel's covenant relationship with God, ensuring that the sacred duties were performed by those consecrated for the task.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sheminith (Hebrew, _shᵉmîynîyth'_):** This term literally means "the eighth" and is a musical designation. In the context of harps, it is widely understood to refer to an instrument played in a lower register, perhaps an octave lower, or a specific musical mode or tuning that produced a deeper, richer sound. Its mention here suggests a sophisticated musical arrangement, indicating that different instruments were employed to create a full and harmonious soundscape for the procession, with distinct parts for various registers. This detail points to a highly developed musical tradition in Israelite worship, where specific instrumentation and tunings were employed for sacred occasions.
* **excel (Hebrew, _nâtsach'_):** This primitive root means "to glitter from afar," "to be eminent," "to be permanent," or "to oversee." In a musical context, as used here, it implies performing with exceptional skill, mastery, and leadership. The form in the verse, `לְנַצֵּחַ` (lenatseach), is an infinitive construct, meaning "to oversee" or "to lead," often translated as "to excel" or "to be preeminent." This suggests that these Levites were not merely playing instruments but were chosen for their outstanding ability to lead and enhance the worship, offering their very best in service to God, ensuring the music was not just present but powerfully effective and well-executed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah":** This opening clause lists six specific Levite musicians by name. The inclusion of their names emphasizes the meticulous organization of David's worship reforms and highlights the personal accountability and skill of each individual chosen for this sacred task. Obededom is particularly notable, having previously hosted the Ark and received blessings for doing so ([1 Chronicles 13:14](/1_chronicles/13-14 "1 Chronicles 13:14 - Obed-Edom's Household Blessed")). His continued involvement, now as a musician, underscores the enduring nature of his dedication and the blessing upon his service.
* **"with harps":** This specifies the instrument these particular Levites were assigned to play. Harps (Hebrew: `kinnôwr`) were stringed instruments commonly used in Israelite worship, known for their melodious and often soothing sounds. Their presence indicates a deliberate choice for instruments that could contribute to a joyful yet reverent atmosphere during the Ark's procession, providing a rich sonic texture to the celebration.
* **"on the Sheminith":** This musical direction further refines the type of harp or the manner in which it was to be played. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," "Sheminith" indicates a lower register or a specific musical mode, suggesting a structured and nuanced musical composition where different instruments played distinct parts to create a rich, layered sound. This detail speaks to the sophistication of the musical arrangements for this significant event, demonstrating a high level of musical artistry dedicated to God's glory.
* **"to excel":** This final phrase defines the standard and purpose of their musical performance. It conveys that these musicians were chosen not just for their presence but for their ability to perform with a high degree of skill, leadership, and dedication. This implies that their offering was of the highest quality—an act of worship performed with excellence for the glory of God, setting a benchmark for all who serve in sacred capacities.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 15:21 employs several literary devices to convey its message with precision and emphasis. The most prominent is **Listing/Cataloging**, where the specific names of the Levite musicians are enumerated. This detailed list serves to underscore the meticulous organization and personal involvement in David's worship reforms, emphasizing that each individual had a distinct and vital role. The act of naming these individuals also lends a sense of historical authenticity and importance to their contribution to such a significant national and religious event. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Emphasis** on skill and dedication, particularly through the concluding phrase "to excel." This phrase highlights the high standard of performance expected in sacred service, elevating the musical ministry from mere performance to an act of profound worship requiring mastery and preeminence. The verse also subtly uses **Symbolism**, where the harps and the "Sheminith" setting symbolize the beauty, order, and joy intended for the worship of God. Music itself is a symbolic expression of praise and devotion, and its careful orchestration here points to the reverence due to the divine presence embodied by the Ark.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 15:21 offers profound theological insights into the nature of worship and service to God. It teaches us that God values not only our presence in worship but also the quality and intentionality of our offerings. The meticulous preparation, the specific assignment of roles, and the emphasis on "excelling" demonstrate that worship is not a casual endeavor but a sacred act demanding our best. This principle extends beyond musical ministry to all forms of service within the community of faith, reminding believers that every gift and talent, when consecrated to God, should be exercised with diligence and a spirit of excellence. The joy and reverence associated with the Ark's return, facilitated by such organized and skilled worship, illustrate that true worship is a holistic response to God's presence, engaging both our hearts and our highest abilities in a manner worthy of His glory.

* [Psalm 33:2](/psalms/33-2 "Psalm 33:2 - Praise with the Lyre and Harp")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")
* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Whatever You Do, Do Heartily")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account in 1 Chronicles 15:21 serves as a powerful reminder for contemporary believers about the nature of our worship and service. Just as King David ensured the Levites offered their best in skill and dedication for the sacred task of bringing the Ark, we too are called to approach our spiritual duties with intentionality and excellence. This isn't about human performance for its own sake, but about honoring God, who is worthy of our utmost. Whether in our corporate worship, our personal devotions, our service within the church, or our daily vocations, we are encouraged to use our unique gifts and talents—be they musical, administrative, teaching, compassionate, or otherwise—with a heart that desires to "excel" for His glory. This verse challenges us to move beyond perfunctory engagement to a place of thoughtful preparation, joyful participation, and wholehearted offering, recognizing that our best efforts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, contribute meaningfully to the spiritual vitality of God's people and the advancement of His kingdom. Our excellence in service becomes a tangible expression of our love and reverence for the One who has given us everything.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous preparation and specific assignment of roles in [1 Chronicles 15:21](/1_chronicles/15-21 "1 Chronicles 15:21 - Levite Musicians") challenge our approach to worship and service today?**
* **What does "to excel" mean for our modern worship, both individually and corporately, beyond just musical performance?**
* **In what ways can we identify and cultivate our unique talents and gifts to offer them with excellence in service to God and His church, reflecting the spirit of the Levite musicians?**

### FAQ
**What is "Sheminith" and why is it important?**

Answer: "Sheminith" (שְׁמִינִית) literally means "the eighth" in Hebrew. In a musical context, it is widely interpreted as a musical term referring to a lower octave or a specific musical mode/tuning that produced a deeper, bass-like sound. Its importance lies in demonstrating the sophistication of Israelite musical worship during David's time. It indicates that the musical arrangements for the Ark's procession were not simplistic but carefully orchestrated, with different instruments playing in various registers to create a rich, full, and harmonious sound. This detail highlights the intentionality and artistry dedicated to praising God, ensuring the music was as excellent as possible for such a sacred event.

**Who were Mattithiah, Elipheleh, Mikneiah, Obededom, Jeiel, and Azaziah?**

Answer: These were specific Levite musicians chosen by King David to play harps during the procession of the Ark of the Covenant. As Levites, they belonged to the tribe designated for priestly and sanctuary duties, including musical service. Their individual names being listed underscores the personal selection process and the high regard for their particular skills. Obededom, in particular, is mentioned elsewhere in Chronicles as the man whose household was blessed by hosting the Ark for three months after the first failed attempt to move it ([1 Chronicles 13:14](/1_chronicles/13-14 "1 Chronicles 13:14 - Obed-Edom's Household Blessed")). His inclusion here as a musician shows his continued and blessed involvement in the sacred service.

**Why was music so prominent in the Ark's procession and David's worship reforms?**

Answer: Music was deeply integral to ancient Israelite worship and celebration, and David, himself a skilled musician ([1 Samuel 16:18](/1_samuel/16-18 "1 Samuel 16:18 - David's Skill with the Lyre")), understood its power to express devotion, joy, and reverence. The prominence of music in the Ark's procession (as detailed in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem")) reflects David's comprehensive reforms to establish a highly organized and joyful system of worship for the nation. Music served to enhance the atmosphere of celebration and awe, helping the people express their praise and acknowledge God's presence among them. It was a vital component of the communal expression of faith, designed to engage the emotions and spirits of the worshippers, making the sacred event a truly vibrant and memorable experience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization, skilled musicianship, and pursuit of excellence in [1 Chronicles 15:21](/1_chronicles/15-21 "1 Chronicles 15:21 - Levite Musicians"), all focused on bringing the Ark of the Covenant—the tangible symbol of God's presence—into Jerusalem, find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant worship, with its physical instruments, designated Levites, and tangible Ark, pointed forward to a greater reality. Christ is the true and ultimate High Priest, who has entered the heavenly sanctuary not with the blood of animals or the sound of harps, but with His own blood, securing an eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He is the very presence of God among us, the true "Ark" in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Under the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from external rituals and physical instruments to worship "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), where believers themselves become living instruments of praise. We, as a "royal priesthood," are called to offer spiritual sacrifices ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), not just with harps, but with our lives, our voices, and our every action, making melody in our hearts to the Lord ([Ephesians 5:19](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19 - Singing to the Lord")). The excellence sought in the Old Testament musicians is now an internal disposition, a desire to offer our redeemed selves as a wholehearted response to the perfect and complete work of Christ, who enables us to truly "excel" in worship that is pleasing to God, for His glory alone ([Philippians 1:9-11](/philippians/1-9-11 "Philippians 1:9-11 - Abounding in Love and Knowledge")).

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 15:18

And with them their brethren of the second [degree], Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

Psalms 92:3

Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.

Psalms 150:3

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

Psalms 12:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

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 25:7

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.

Psalms 81:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.