1 Chronicles 23:31

And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD:

And to offer {H5927} all burnt sacrifices {H5930} unto the LORD {H3068} in the sabbaths {H7676}, in the new moons {H2320}, and on the set feasts {H4150}, by number {H4557}, according to the order {H4941} commanded unto them, continually {H8548} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}:

They were to be present regularly before ADONAI whenever burnt offerings were offered to ADONAI on Shabbat, at Rosh-Hodesh, and at the other designated times, in the numbers required by the rules for sacrifices.

Whenever burnt offerings were presented to the LORD on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, they were to serve regularly before the LORD in the numbers prescribed for them.

and to offer all burnt-offerings unto Jehovah, on the sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the set feasts, in number according to the ordinance concerning them, continually before Jehovah;

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:31 (KJV)

1 Chronicles 23:31 details a specific aspect of the Levites' duties in the temple service, as organized by King David. This verse highlights their responsibility for offering burnt sacrifices during Israel's most significant holy days, emphasizing the precise and continuous nature of their service before the Lord.

Context

This verse is part of King David's extensive preparations for the future Temple, to be built by his son Solomon. Recognizing his own inability to build the Temple, David meticulously organized the Levites into divisions and assigned them specific roles. Chapter 23 outlines the census of the Levites, their age for service, and their general duties, which included assisting the priests, maintaining the Temple, and overseeing the offerings. Verse 31 specifies the regularity and nature of their sacrificial duties, underscoring the importance of adhering to the divine commands for worship.

Key Themes

  • Order and Organization: David's detailed structuring of the Levites' duties reflects a commitment to order in divine service. This was crucial for the efficient and reverent operation of the future Temple, ensuring that worship was conducted "by number, according to the order commanded."
  • Continual Worship: The phrase "continually before the LORD" emphasizes the unending nature of God's worship and the Levites' constant presence and readiness for service. While specific offerings were tied to fixed times, the spirit of devotion was to be perpetual.
  • Observance of Appointed Times: The mention of "the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts" points to the central role of God's prescribed calendar in Israelite worship. These were not arbitrary dates but divinely instituted occasions for the nation to remember God's covenant and His works. The Levites were instrumental in facilitating these communal acts of worship, in accordance with the Mosaic Law's prescribed feasts.
  • Sacrificial System: "All burnt sacrifices" (Hebrew: โ€˜olah, ืขึนืœึธื”, meaning "that which goes up" or "ascends") were offerings entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement. The Levites' role in facilitating these sacrifices was vital for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The term "burnt sacrifices" (โ€˜olah) is significant, highlighting the complete offering of the animal to God. Unlike other sacrifices where portions might be eaten by the priests or worshippers, the โ€˜olah was wholly consumed, signifying total devotion and the complete removal of sin through atonement. The meticulous nature of the service, described as "by number, according to the order commanded," reflects the divine precision expected in worship under the Old Covenant.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled by Christ, the principles behind 1 Chronicles 23:31 remain relevant for believers today:

  • Structured Devotion: Just as the Levites had specific times for worship, believers are encouraged to set aside regular, dedicated times for prayer, Bible study, and corporate worship. Order in our spiritual lives fosters consistency and depth.
  • Continual Service: The call to serve "continually before the LORD" can be understood as living a life of ongoing worship and obedience. Every aspect of life can be an act of worship when done for God's glory, as highlighted in Colossians 3:17.
  • The Ultimate Sacrifice: The detailed attention to burnt sacrifices in the Old Testament points to the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fully atoned for sin and makes direct access to God possible. Our worship now is not through animal sacrifice but through faith in Him and presenting ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

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

  • Isaiah 1:13

    Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting.

  • Isaiah 1:14

    Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear [them].

  • Leviticus 23:24

    Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first [day] of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.

  • Psalms 81:1

    ยถ 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.

  • Psalms 81:4

    For this [was] a statute for Israel, [and] a law of the God of Jacob.

  • Leviticus 23:39

    Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day [shall be] a sabbath, and on the eighth day [shall be] a sabbath.

  • Numbers 28:1

    ยถ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
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