1 Chronicles 23:28

Because their office [was] to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;

Because their office {H4612} was to wait {H3027} on the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175} for the service {H5656} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, in the courts {H2691}, and in the chambers {H3957}, and in the purifying {H2893} of all holy things {H6944}, and the work {H4639} of the service {H5656} of the house {H1004} of God {H430};

Their role was to assist the descendants of Aharon with the service of the house of ADONAI in the courtyards and rooms, and with purification of all the holy articles - in other words, with the work needed to minister in the house of God.

but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God,

For their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of Jehovah, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, even the work of the service of the house of God;

Commentary

Context

1 Chronicles 23 details King David's administrative reforms and organization of the Levites for their service in the future Temple, which his son Solomon would build. Prior to this, the Levites primarily cared for the Tabernacle. As the nation grew and the vision for a permanent Temple emerged, David ensured that the various Levitical families were assigned specific duties and divisions based on their age and lineage. This verse, 1 Chronicles 23:28, specifically outlines the core responsibilities of the Levites, emphasizing their role in assisting the Aaronic priesthood in the comprehensive operations of the House of the LORD.

Key Themes

  • Organized Service: The verse highlights the meticulous organization of service within the ancient Israelite worship system. David's foresight ensured that every aspect of Temple operations was covered, from the grand rituals to the mundane upkeep. This speaks to the importance of order and diligence in divine service and the structured roles within God's plan.
  • Support for Priestly Duties: The Levites' primary function described here was to "wait on the sons of Aaron." This underscores their supportive role to the priests, who performed the sacrifices and direct intercession. It illustrates a hierarchical yet interdependent structure where different roles contributed to a unified purpose. For more on the initial appointment of the Levites to assist the priests, see Numbers 3:6. The priests themselves had a specific charge over the sanctuary, as detailed in Numbers 18:7.
  • Holiness and Purity: The mention of "purifying of all holy things" emphasizes the crucial aspect of ritual purity in the Temple. The Levites were responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the sacred vessels, garments, and areas within the House of God, ensuring that everything was fit for divine presence and worship. This meticulous attention to detail reflected the holiness of God.
  • Comprehensive Devotion: The phrase "the work of the service of the house of God" encapsulates the broad range of duties performed by the Levites. Their responsibilities extended to all areas โ€“ "in the courts, and in the chambers" โ€“ demonstrating a complete dedication to the functioning of the sanctuary.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "office" (ืžึทืฉึผื‚ึธื, maล›ล›ฤสผ) can also mean "burden" or "charge," implying a weighty responsibility or assignment. This wasn't merely a job but a sacred trust. The phrase "wait on" (ืœึฐืขึธื‘ึฐื“ึธื”, lฤสปovdฤh, related to สปavad) signifies active service, often implying diligent labor or worship. It's the same root used for "service" later in the verse, emphasizing that their entire existence in this role was one of dedicated ministration to God through assisting the priests.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today. Just as the Levites had specific, divinely appointed roles in the Temple, every believer is called to serve within the body of Christ. Not everyone is called to the same front-facing leadership role (like the priests), but every supportive function is vital for the overall health and effectiveness of the church. Whether it's through teaching, administration, hospitality, or maintenance, all service done "unto the Lord" (as seen in Colossians 3:23) contributes to the spiritual "house of God." It reminds us that diligence, purity of heart, and a spirit of cooperation are essential in all forms of spiritual service, reflecting God's order and holiness.

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

  • 2 Chronicles 35:11

    And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled [the blood] from their hands, and the Levites flayed [them].

  • 2 Chronicles 35:14

    And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests: because the priests the sons of Aaron [were busied] in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron.

  • Nehemiah 13:9

    Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.

  • 2 Chronicles 35:3

    And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; [it shall] not [be] a burden upon [your] shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,

  • 2 Chronicles 35:6

    So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that [they] may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

  • 2 Chronicles 31:11

    ยถ Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared [them],

  • 2 Chronicles 29:5

    And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy [place].
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