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.

And with them Heman {H1968} and Jeduthun {H3038} with trumpets {H2689} and cymbals {H4700} for those that should make a sound {H8085}, and with musical {H7892} instruments {H3627} of God {H430}. And the sons {H1121} of Jeduthun {H3038} were porters {H8179}.

With them were Heman and Y'dutun to play trumpets and cymbals, also instruments for the songs about God; while the sons of Y'dutun were assigned to the gate.

Heman and Jeduthun had with them trumpets and cymbals for the music and instruments for the songs of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were stationed at the gate.

and with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should sound aloud, and with instruments for the songs of God; and the sons of Jeduthun to be at the gate.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:42 provides a glimpse into the meticulously organized worship established by King David after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. This verse specifically highlights the roles of prominent Levitical musicians and their duties.

Context

Chapter 16 of 1 Chronicles details the significant event of King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and placing it in the tent he had prepared for it. Following this momentous occasion, David institutes a comprehensive system of worship and service before the Lord. He appoints various Levites to minister, to thank, to praise, and to bless the Lord God of Israel (1 Chronicles 16:4). Our verse, 1 Chronicles 16:42, fits within this detailed description of the daily and ongoing service before the Ark, emphasizing the vital role of music and gatekeeping in the tabernacle worship.

Key Themes

  • Organized Worship and Service: David's reign was marked by a deep commitment to orderly and intentional worship. This verse underscores the systematic appointment of individuals to specific roles within the sacred service, ensuring that praise to God was continuous and well-executed.
  • The Importance of Music in Worship: Heman and Jeduthun, along with Asaph (mentioned earlier in the chapter), were chief musicians appointed by David. Their use of "trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound" and "instruments of musick of God" highlights the vibrant, celebratory, and consecrated nature of instrumental praise in ancient Israelite worship. This dedication of musical talent to God is a recurring theme in the Psalms, such as Psalm 150:3-5.
  • Multifaceted Levitical Service: Beyond music, the verse notes that "the sons of Jeduthun were porters." This illustrates the diverse responsibilities of the Levites, who not only led worship but also served as guardians of the tabernacle gates, maintaining order and security. This shows that all roles, whether prominent or behind-the-scenes, were crucial for the proper functioning of God's house. For more on Levitical duties, see 1 Chronicles 23:28-32.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "instruments of musick of God" (Hebrew: ื›ึผึฐืœึตื™ ืฉืึดื™ืจ ื”ึธืึฑืœึนื”ึดื™ื, keli shir ha'elohim) literally translates to "instruments of song of God" or "instruments of music belonging to God." This emphasizes that these instruments and their use were consecrated for divine service, not merely for entertainment. They were dedicated to the worship and glory of God, underscoring the sacredness of their purpose.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Intentional Worship: Just as David meticulously organized worship, we are called to approach God's presence with intentionality and preparation. Our worship, whether corporate or individual, should be deliberate and heartfelt.
  • Valuing All Roles in Service: Every role within the body of Christ, from visible leadership to behind-the-scenes support, is vital and valuable in God's eyes. The "porters" were just as necessary as the chief musicians for the tabernacle's operation. This reminds us to appreciate and participate in all forms of service to God and the church.
  • Using Talents for God's Glory: Our skills and talents, whether musical, organizational, or otherwise, are gifts from God that should be consecrated and used for His glory. This verse encourages us to dedicate our best to His service.
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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

  • Psalms 150:3

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

  • Psalms 150:6

    Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 7:6

    And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy [endureth] for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.

  • Psalms 84:10

    For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:25

    And he set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for [so was] the commandment of the LORD by his prophets.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:28

    And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: [and] all [this continued] until the burnt offering was finished.

  • 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.
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