1 Chronicles 25:16

KJV

The ninth to Mattaniah, [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve:

KJV (with Strong's)

The ninth {H8671} to Mattaniah {H4983}, he, his sons {H1121}, and his brethren {H251}, were twelve {H8147}{H6240}:

Complete Jewish Bible

the ninth to Mattanyahu, his sons and brothers, twelve;

Berean Standard Bible

the ninth to Mattaniah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

American Standard Version

the ninth to Mattaniah, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 25:16 meticulously records the ninth of twenty-four Levitical divisions appointed by King David for musical service in the Tabernacle, and later, the Temple. This verse specifically identifies Mattaniah as the leader of this ninth lot, detailing that his division, composed of himself, his sons, and his brethren, totaled twelve skilled musicians. This precise organization underscores David's commitment to establishing continuous, orderly, and dedicated worship, highlighting the integral role of music in ancient Israelite devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant administrative section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26), which meticulously details King David's extensive preparations for the future Temple service. Having secured the kingdom and brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, David, inspired by God, turned his attention to organizing the Levitical priesthood and temple ministries before the Temple itself was built by Solomon. Chapter 25 specifically focuses on the establishment of twenty-four divisions of temple musicians, chosen by lot, to ensure a continuous cycle of worship. Verses 9-31 list each of these divisions, with 1 Chronicles 25:16 precisely identifying the ninth such group, led by Mattaniah, thereby emphasizing the systematic and divinely ordained nature of this arrangement within the broader narrative of Israel's worship life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, music was not merely entertainment but a profound and integral component of worship, prophecy, and communal life. The Levites, a tribe set apart for sacred service, were entrusted with various duties, including the musical ministry. King David, himself a renowned musician and psalmist (as seen in [the Book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Israel")), understood the power and importance of music in expressing praise, lament, and adoration to God. His organization of these musical divisions reflects a sophisticated administrative foresight, ensuring that the elaborate sacrificial system and daily worship routines would be accompanied by a robust and skilled musical ministry. The use of "lots" for assigning these divisions, as mentioned in [1 Chronicles 25:8](/1_chronicles/25-8 "1 Chronicles 25:8 - Drawing Lots for Service"), was a common practice in ancient Israel for discerning divine will and ensuring impartial appointment, highlighting the belief that God Himself was ordering these sacred services.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail in this verse, and indeed the entire chapter, contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Order and Organization**, emphasizing God's desire for structure and intentionality in worship and ministry. David's precise arrangements, guided by divine inspiration, ensured efficiency and continuity in sacred service, a principle echoed throughout scripture regarding the proper conduct of God's people (e.g., [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order")). Second, it highlights the theme of **Dedicated Service**, where each division, including Mattaniah's, was consecrated to a specific aspect of temple worship, underscoring the importance of specialized roles and committed service within the community of faith. Third, the extensive organization of musicians underscores **The Centrality of Worship Through Music**, affirming that music was not peripheral but a primary means of expressing devotion to God. Finally, the phrase "he, his sons, and his brethren" reveals the theme of **Family in Ministry**, indicating that these sacred roles were often hereditary and involved entire families serving together, reflecting a holistic and communal approach to spiritual life and responsibility, as also seen in the priestly lineage of Aaron (e.g., [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mattaniah (Hebrew, _Mattanyah'_):** This name literally means "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of the Lord." The significance of such a name for a leader in temple worship, particularly one chosen by lot, is profound. It suggests that his very existence and role were seen as a divine endowment, underscoring the sacred nature of his calling and the belief that God Himself provides the individuals necessary for His service. This name appears several times in the Old Testament, often associated with Levites or those involved in religious service.
* **Twelve (Hebrew, _shenayim 'asar_):** The number twelve holds significant symbolic weight throughout biblical literature, often representing completeness, governmental order, or the totality of God's people (e.g., the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve apostles). In this context, it signifies that each musical division was a complete, standardized unit, ensuring a consistent and robust presence for worship. This uniformity across the twenty-four divisions speaks to the meticulous planning and the desire for comprehensive coverage of worship duties.
* **Brethren (Hebrew, _'achim_):** While "sons" refers to direct descendants, "brethren" (or brothers) can encompass a broader familial or clan relationship. This term emphasizes the communal and hereditary nature of the Levitical service. It implies that the divisions were not merely individual appointments but involved a collective, family-based commitment to ministry, reinforcing the idea of a shared heritage and responsibility in the sacred duties of the Tabernacle and Temple.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The ninth to Mattaniah":** This phrase establishes the specific order and divine appointment of this division. The use of "lot" (implied from 1 Chronicles 25:8) indicates that the selection was not based on human preference but on divine guidance, lending authority and sacredness to Mattaniah's leadership. It highlights the systematic and organized approach to temple service, ensuring every designated role was filled.
* **"[he], his sons, and his brethren":** This clause describes the composition of Mattaniah's division. The inclusion of "he" (Mattaniah himself) along with his "sons" and "brethren" underscores the familial and communal structure of the Levitical ministry. It implies that the service was often passed down through generations and involved an extended family unit, fostering continuity and a deep-rooted commitment to their sacred duties. The KJV's bracketed "he" clarifies that Mattaniah himself was counted among the twelve.
* **"[were] twelve":** This final phrase specifies the total number of individuals in Mattaniah's division. The consistent size of twelve for each of the twenty-four divisions (as implied by the repeated structure in 1 Chronicles 25:9-31) speaks to the remarkable organizational precision implemented by David. This standardization ensured that adequate personnel were always available for the continuous cycle of worship, maintaining the high standard and solemnity required for divine service. The KJV's bracketed "were" clarifies the verb tense.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 25:16, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Enumeration**. The text systematically lists each of the twenty-four divisions, their leaders, and their size, providing a detailed and comprehensive record. This enumeration emphasizes the meticulous **Organization** and **Precision** with which David established the temple service. The repetitive structure for each division (e.g., "The first to Asaph... the ninth to Mattaniah...") creates a sense of **Rhythm** and reinforces the idea of a divinely ordered system. Furthermore, the numerical detail and the consistent size of "twelve" for each division can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, representing completeness, order, and the comprehensive nature of the worship ministry. The text's straightforward, factual presentation underscores the historical reality and the importance placed on these administrative details by the Chronicler.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 25:16, though seemingly a simple administrative detail, offers profound theological insights into God's character and His desire for worship. It reveals that God is a God of order, who delights in worship that is not haphazard but intentional, well-prepared, and executed with excellence. David's meticulous organization of the temple musicians, guided by divine inspiration, demonstrates that every role, no matter how seemingly minor, is vital to the overall functioning of God's house and the expression of His praise. The continuity of service through families ("sons and brethren") also highlights the importance of passing on faith and spiritual disciplines across generations, ensuring a legacy of worship. This verse underscores that music is a powerful and divinely ordained means of expressing adoration, lament, and thanksgiving, a truth woven throughout the fabric of biblical worship.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Psalm 150:3-6](/psalms/150-3 "Psalm 150:3-6 - Praise God with Musical Instruments")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Equipping of the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Mattaniah's division, one among twenty-four, serves as a powerful reminder that God values order, dedication, and every single contribution within His kingdom. In our contemporary context, this translates to recognizing that every gift, every calling, and every act of service within the body of Christ is essential for its healthy functioning and for the effective proclamation of the Gospel. Just as David meticulously organized the temple musicians, we are called to approach our worship and ministry with intentionality, excellence, and a spirit of cooperation. Whether our role is prominent or behind the scenes, whether we are leading or serving in support, our faithful participation contributes to a beautiful symphony of praise that honors God. This passage encourages us to embrace our specific calling within the community of faith, understanding that our service, when offered with a willing heart, is a vital part of God's grand design for His Church and for the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of temple worship in 1 Chronicles challenge my own approach to personal worship and corporate ministry?**
* **In what ways can I, like Mattaniah, utilize my specific gifts and roles to contribute to the "orderly" and "excellent" worship of God in my community?**
* **Considering that Mattaniah's division included his "sons and brethren," how can I encourage and facilitate multi-generational involvement in ministry and spiritual growth within my family or church?**

### FAQ
**Why was such a detailed record of musicians important to the Chronicler?**

Answer: The Chronicler's primary purpose in writing 1 and 2 Chronicles was to encourage the post-exilic community by reminding them of their rich heritage, God's faithfulness to His covenant, and the importance of proper worship. The detailed record of the temple musicians, including Mattaniah's division in [1 Chronicles 25:16](/1_chronicles/25-16 "1 Chronicles 25:16 - Mattaniah's Division"), served several crucial functions. Firstly, it legitimized the Levitical order and their specific roles, demonstrating that their service was not arbitrary but divinely established by King David, a figure revered for his devotion and obedience. Secondly, it emphasized the centrality of worship, particularly through music, in Israel's relationship with God. This was a powerful message for a community rebuilding its temple and identity. Thirdly, the meticulous organization underscored God's desire for order and excellence in sacred service, providing a blueprint for how worship should be conducted. Finally, it highlighted the continuity of God's plan and the enduring nature of His covenant with Israel, even after the exile, by showing that the ancient structures of worship were foundational and still relevant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 25:16, with its emphasis on orderly, dedicated, and continuous worship through music, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous organization of the temple musicians under David foreshadows the perfect order and ultimate worship established by Christ. No longer are we bound to a physical temple or a specific Levitical lineage for access to God; instead, Christ Himself is the true [Temple](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the Temple"), the ultimate place where God dwells and is worshipped. Mattaniah, whose name means "gift of Yahweh," points to Jesus, the supreme [Gift of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Gift of His Son") to humanity, through whom all true worship is made possible. The "twelve" in Mattaniah's division, symbolizing completeness and order, can be seen as a precursor to the new spiritual Israel, the Church, founded upon the [twelve apostles](/matthew/10-2 "Matthew 10:2 - The Twelve Apostles"), where every believer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise (e.g., [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering Sacrifices of Praise")). The Old Testament worship, with its precise divisions and continuous service, prepared the way for the New Covenant worship in "spirit and truth" (as taught by Jesus in [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")), where Christ is both the object and the enabler of our praise, leading a heavenly chorus that transcends earthly limitations and continues for all eternity (e.g., [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The New Song of Redemption")).

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.