1 Chronicles 25:14

KJV

The seventh to Jesharelah, [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve:

KJV (with Strong's)

The seventh {H7637} to Jesharelah {H3480}, he, his sons {H1121}, and his brethren {H251}, were twelve {H8147}{H6240}:

Complete Jewish Bible

the seventh to Y'sar'elah, his sons and brothers, twelve;

Berean Standard Bible

the seventh to Jesarelah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

American Standard Version

the seventh to Jesharelah, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 25:14 meticulously records the seventh of twenty-four Levitical divisions appointed by King David for musical service in the tabernacle, anticipating the future temple. This verse, though brief, highlights David's visionary leadership in establishing orderly and continuous worship, emphasizing the hereditary nature of sacred service and the integral role of music in ancient Israelite devotion. It underscores a deep commitment to God's house and the meticulous organization required to sustain a vibrant spiritual life for the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [1 Chronicles 25](/1_chronicles/25 "1 Chronicles 25 - David Organizes the Temple Musicians"), a chapter dedicated to detailing King David's elaborate organization of the Levitical musicians and singers for temple service. Following the detailed account of the priests' divisions in [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Divisions of Priests"), Chapter 25 focuses on the musical aspect of worship. The chapter begins by stating that David and the commanders of the army set apart certain Levites "for the service of prophesying with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals" ([1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - David's Setup of Temple Musicians")). The subsequent verses list the heads of the families, followed by a lottery system to determine the order of their service. Verse 14 specifically identifies Jesharelah as the head of the seventh division, comprising twelve members, consistent with the structure of all twenty-four divisions listed from [1 Chronicles 25:7-31](/1_chronicles/25-7 "1 Chronicles 25:7-31 - The Twenty-Four Divisions of Temple Musicians"). This structured listing underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on order, continuity, and the divine appointment of temple personnel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David, though forbidden from building the Temple himself, meticulously prepared for its construction and operation, demonstrating his profound dedication to God's worship. This organization occurred during a period of relative peace and national consolidation under David's reign, allowing for the establishment of complex administrative and religious structures. The Levites, traditionally responsible for various temple duties, were here specifically assigned the crucial role of leading musical worship. Music was not merely entertainment but an integral part of Israelite religious life, often associated with prophecy, lament, praise, and intercession, as seen in the Psalms and other prophetic books. The hereditary nature of these roles, indicated by "his sons, and his brethren," reflects the tribal and familial structure of Israelite society, where vocations, especially sacred ones, were often passed down through generations, ensuring continuity and specialized skill within the Levitical lineage. This meticulous planning predates the Temple's construction by Solomon, highlighting David's foresight and the importance placed on the *system* of worship even before its permanent physical dwelling was complete.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record in [1 Chronicles 25](/1_chronicles/25 "1 Chronicles 25 - David Organizes the Temple Musicians"), including [1 Chronicles 25:14](/1_chronicles/25-14 "1 Chronicles 25:14 - The Seventh Division of Musicians"), powerfully conveys several core themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Order and Organization** in divine service, illustrating David's commitment to establishing a structured and continuous system for worship, reflecting God's own character of order rather than chaos. Secondly, the phrase "his sons, and his brethren" highlights the **Hereditary Nature of Levitical Service**, underscoring the generational commitment to God's house and the passing down of spiritual legacy and skill within families dedicated to sacred duties. Thirdly, the entire chapter, by focusing on musicians, elevates the **Importance of Music in Worship**, showcasing it not as an auxiliary activity but as a central, even prophetic, means of praising God and facilitating spiritual connection, as also evident in the rich tradition of the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 150:3-5](/psalms/150-3 "Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise God with Instruments")). Finally, David's extensive preparations for the Temple, even though he would not build it, demonstrate a profound **Dedication to God's House and Worship**, setting a precedent for future generations and ensuring that the worship of Yahweh would be central to Israel's national life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jesharelah (Hebrew, _Yĕshar'êlāh_):** This name means "upright toward God" or "God is upright." While seemingly just a name in a list, the etymology subtly reinforces the character expected of those serving in God's presence. It suggests a life of integrity and faithfulness, a fitting attribute for one leading a division of worshipers. The Chronicler often includes details that subtly highlight the spiritual qualities associated with individuals in sacred roles.
* **Seventh (Hebrew, _shĕvî‘î_):** The number seven holds significant symbolic meaning in biblical numerology, often representing completeness, perfection, or divine order (e.g., the seven days of creation, the Sabbath). Here, it denotes the specific position of Jesharelah's division within the twenty-four, emphasizing the meticulously planned and exhaustive nature of David's organization. It underscores the idea that every aspect of the temple service was divinely ordered and complete.
* **Twelve (Hebrew, _shĕnêm ‘āsār_):** Each of the twenty-four divisions consisted of twelve members. The number twelve is highly significant in Israelite thought, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and symbolizing completeness and divine appointment (e.g., twelve apostles in the New Testament). This structure ensured sufficient personnel for continuous service and reflected the unified representation of all Israel in worship before God. It speaks to a comprehensive and well-resourced approach to sacred duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The seventh to Jesharelah":** This clause identifies the specific division by its numerical order and its appointed head. It immediately places Jesharelah within the larger, highly organized system established by King David. The emphasis on "seventh" highlights the meticulous and sequential nature of the roster, indicating that no detail was overlooked in the preparation for temple worship.
* **"[he], his sons, and his brethren":** The bracketed words "[he]" and "[were]" in the KJV indicate that these words are implied for clarity in the English translation, not explicitly present in the Hebrew. This phrase defines the composition of Jesharelah's division. It signifies a familial unit, emphasizing the hereditary nature of Levitical service, where the head of the household (Jesharelah) would lead his immediate family members and other relatives ("brethren") who were part of his extended clan in this sacred duty. This continuity ensured the preservation of musical skill and dedication across generations.
* **"[were] twelve":** This final phrase specifies the total number of individuals within Jesharelah's division. The consistent number of twelve members for each of the twenty-four divisions (as seen throughout [1 Chronicles 25](/1_chronicles/25 "1 Chronicles 25 - David Organizes the Temple Musicians")) underscores the uniformity and systematic approach to staffing the temple's musical service. This precise organization ensured that there would always be a sufficient and rotating cohort of trained musicians available for continuous worship, reflecting a high degree of planning and foresight.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's account in [1 Chronicles 25](/1_chronicles/25 "1 Chronicles 25 - David Organizes the Temple Musicians"), of which verse 14 is a part, primarily employs **List** and **Enumeration**. The chapter is essentially a detailed roster, systematically listing each of the twenty-four divisions of musicians. This meticulous listing serves to emphasize the **Order** and **Thoroughness** of David's preparations for the temple. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the X to Y, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve" (or similar variations) for each division creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, cadence, reinforcing the idea of a comprehensive and divinely ordained structure. Furthermore, the inclusion of the specific number **Twelve** for each division, and the total of twenty-four divisions (a multiple of twelve), carries **Symbolism**, pointing to completeness and the full representation of Israel in worship. The narrative also employs **Metonymy**, where the name of the division head (Jesharelah) stands for the entire group he leads, simplifying the enumeration while still conveying the familial and corporate nature of the service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 25:14, though a seemingly minor detail in a long list, contributes significantly to the Chronicler's overarching theological narrative concerning the centrality of worship and the meticulous preparation for God's presence. It underscores that true worship is not haphazard but requires intentionality, order, and dedicated service, reflecting God's own character. David's foresight in organizing these divisions, even before the Temple's construction, highlights the enduring principle that the *act* of worship and the *people* committed to it are paramount, transcending the physical structure. The hereditary nature of the service also points to the importance of generational faithfulness and the passing down of spiritual heritage. Ultimately, this verse, like the entire chapter, testifies to the profound value God places on organized, joyful, and skilled worship offered by His people.

* [Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Bezalel and Oholiab, Gifted by God for Service")
* [Psalm 150:3-5](/psalms/150-3 "Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise God with Instruments")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Jesharelah and his division in 1 Chronicles 25:14 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God values order and excellence in our worship and service, just as David meticulously planned for the temple. We are called to identify and cultivate our unique gifts—whether musical, administrative, teaching, or otherwise—and dedicate them to the glory of God and the edification of the church. This verse challenges us to consider how we can contribute to the corporate worship of God's people, recognizing that our individual contributions, when united in a structured and intentional manner, create a powerful and beautiful offering. It encourages us to be faithful stewards of our talents, not just for personal enjoyment, but for the communal expression of devotion to God, ensuring that our worship is both heartfelt and well-prepared.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of temple worship in David's time challenge my own approach to personal devotion and corporate service?**
* **What specific gifts or talents has God given me, and how can I intentionally use them to contribute to the order and beauty of worship in my community?**
* **In what ways can my family or spiritual community foster a generational commitment to serving God, similar to the hereditary Levitical service?**

### FAQ

**Why is this specific verse (1 Chronicles 25:14) important, given it's just a name in a list?**

Answer: While seemingly a simple entry in a long list, 1 Chronicles 25:14 is significant because it is part of a larger narrative demonstrating King David's profound dedication to establishing orderly and continuous worship for God's people. This verse, along with the others in [1 Chronicles 25](/1_chronicles/25 "1 Chronicles 25 - David Organizes the Temple Musicians"), highlights the meticulous planning, the importance of music, and the hereditary nature of sacred service. It underscores that every detail, even the staffing of a specific division, was part of a divinely inspired vision for comprehensive worship, setting a precedent for the future Temple and emphasizing that God values order and excellence in service. It also subtly reinforces the character expected of those serving God, as seen in the meaning of Jesharelah's name.

**What was the role of music in Israelite worship?**

Answer: Music played an absolutely integral and multifaceted role in ancient Israelite worship, far beyond mere entertainment. As seen in [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - David's Setup of Temple Musicians"), the Levites were set apart for "prophesying with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals." This suggests that music was a vehicle for divine inspiration and revelation. It was used for praise and thanksgiving ([Psalm 150](/psalms/150 "Psalm 150 - A Call to Praise God")), lament and supplication ([Psalm 137](/psalms/137 "Psalm 137 - By the Rivers of Babylon")), and even to accompany sacrifices and other temple rituals. Music facilitated a deeper connection with God, expressed the full range of human emotion before Him, and served as a powerful communal expression of faith and devotion, often leading the congregation into His presence.

**How does David's organization of the temple musicians relate to worship today?**

Answer: David's organization of the temple musicians, as exemplified in 1 Chronicles 25:14, provides timeless principles for worship today. First, it emphasizes the importance of **intentionality and order** in worship; while not rigidly prescriptive, it suggests that thoughtful planning enhances our offerings to God. Second, it highlights the **value of giftedness in service**; just as Jesharelah and his family used their musical talents, believers today are called to use their diverse spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ and glorify God ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")). Third, it underscores the **power of corporate worship**; the assembly of dedicated individuals working together creates a powerful and unified expression of praise. While we no longer have a physical temple or hereditary Levitical roles, the spirit of dedication, excellence, and communal participation in worship remains highly relevant for the church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of temple worship under David, culminating in the appointment of divisions like Jesharelah's, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament temple system, with its priests, sacrifices, and structured worship, was a shadow pointing to the reality of Christ. Jesus is the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), rendering all animal sacrifices obsolete. More profoundly, He is our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who has entered the true, heavenly sanctuary, not made with human hands ([Hebrews 8:1-2](/hebrews/8-1 "Hebrews 8:1-2 - Christ, Our High Priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary")). Through Him, we, as believers, become a [holy priesthood](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Holy Priesthood"), able to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship directly to God ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering Sacrifices of Praise")). The order and giftedness seen in David's temple musicians are now manifested in the church, the body of Christ, where the ascended Lord has [given gifts to men](/ephesians/4-7 "Ephesians 4:7 - Christ Gives Gifts to Men") for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the church ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")). Thus, the spirit of dedicated, ordered, and joyful worship, anticipated in 1 Chronicles 25:14, is fully realized in the New Covenant through our worship of Christ, who enables us to worship God [in spirit and truth](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - True Worship in Spirit and Truth").

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.