1 Chronicles 25:21

KJV

The fourteenth to Mattithiah, [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve:

KJV (with Strong's)

The fourteenth {H702}{H6240} to Mattithiah {H4993}, he, his sons {H1121}, and his brethren {H251}, were twelve {H8147}{H6240}:

Complete Jewish Bible

the fourteenth to Mattityahu, his sons and brothers, twelve;

Berean Standard Bible

the fourteenth to Mattithiah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

American Standard Version

for the fourteenth, Mattithiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 25:21 precisely details the organization of the Levitical musicians for temple service under King David's reign. This verse identifies Mattithiah as the leader of the fourteenth division of these dedicated musicians, specifying that his group, comprising himself, his sons, and his brethren, totaled twelve individuals. This meticulous record underscores the highly structured and orderly nature of the worship system established by David, designed for continuous and comprehensive service in the house of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 25 is situated within a larger section (Chapters 23-27) that meticulously describes King David's administrative and organizational preparations for the future Temple, which his son Solomon would build. Following the detailed division of the priests into twenty-four courses in [1 Chronicles 24](/1-chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Divisions of Priests"), Chapter 25 focuses specifically on the organization of the Levitical musicians. This chapter systematically lists the twenty-four divisions of musicians, each headed by a chief and comprising twelve members, all dedicated to "prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals" ([1 Chronicles 25:1](/1-chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - Organization of Temple Musicians")). The repetitive structure for each division, including the leader, the composition ("he, his sons, and his brethren"), and the total number ("twelve"), emphasizes the thoroughness and orderliness of David's planning, ensuring a continuous and robust system of worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the reign of King David, a pivotal time in Israelite history marked by the consolidation of the kingdom and the establishment of Jerusalem as its spiritual and political capital. While the Temple itself had not yet been built, David, as a man after God's own heart, was deeply committed to preparing for its worship. The Levites, as a tribe set apart for sacred service, had specific duties outlined in the Mosaic Law, which David now expanded and organized for the complex needs of a centralized sanctuary. Music played a profoundly significant role in ancient Near Eastern worship, often seen as a means of communicating with the divine, expressing praise, lament, and prophecy. David himself was a renowned musician and psalmist, and his personal devotion likely influenced the prominent place given to music in the Temple service. The use of "lots" to determine the order of service ([1 Chronicles 25:8](/1-chronicles/25-8 "1 Chronicles 25:8 - Drawing Lots for Service")) was a common practice in ancient Israel, signifying divine appointment and impartiality.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail in 1 Chronicles 25, including the specific mention of Mattithiah's division, highlights several enduring themes. Foremost is the theme of **Order and Organization in Worship**. David's elaborate system reflects a belief that God, being a God of order and not confusion, is honored by structured and intentional service. This organization ensured that worship would be continuous and well-executed, providing a framework for future generations. Another prominent theme is **Dedicated Service**. The Levites, including Mattithiah and his family, were consecrated for sacred duties, embodying a principle of wholehearted devotion to God's work, a concept echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Numbers 3:6-9](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6-9 - Levites Given to Aaron for Service")). Furthermore, the inclusion of "his sons, and his brethren" underscores **Generational Faithfulness and Corporate Responsibility**. Faith and service were often passed down through families, ensuring continuity and reinforcing spiritual legacy within the community. Finally, the extensive organization of musicians powerfully demonstrates **The Centrality of Music in Worship**. Music was not merely an accompaniment but an integral part of Israelite worship, serving as a medium for praise, prophecy, and communion with God, a practice whose importance is affirmed in passages like [Psalm 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Psalm 150:6 - Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mattithiah (Hebrew, _Matityahu'_):** This name literally means "Gift of Yahweh" or "Gift of the Lord." For a leader of a division dedicated to temple worship, this name is profoundly fitting. It suggests that Mattithiah's very existence and his consecrated service were perceived as a divine endowment, a gift from God to facilitate the sacred worship of His people. The name itself serves as a subtle theological statement about the source and purpose of all service in God's house.
* **Brethren (Hebrew, _ʾeḥāyw'_):** While "brethren" can refer to immediate siblings, in this context, particularly within the Levitical tribal structure, it more broadly encompasses members of the same extended family, clan, or even fellow Levites from the same lineage or professional group. This usage highlights the communal and familial nature of the temple service, where duties were often shared and passed down within specific Levitical families, reinforcing a sense of corporate identity and shared responsibility in the sacred work.
* **Twelve (Hebrew, _šĕnê ʿāśār'_):** The number twelve is highly significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness, governmental perfection, or divine order. It appears frequently in contexts related to Israel (twelve tribes) and later in the New Testament (twelve apostles). Here, it signifies the standardized, complete, and orderly size of each division of musicians, ensuring a consistent and robust workforce for continuous worship. This uniformity underscores the meticulous planning and the divine order intended for the Temple service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fourteenth to Mattithiah":** This opening phrase precisely places Mattithiah's division within the meticulously ordered sequence of the twenty-four courses of musicians. The use of "the fourteenth" emphasizes the systematic and comprehensive nature of David's organization, where each group had its designated place and turn of service, ensuring continuity and preventing chaos in the temple's musical liturgy.
* **"[he], his sons, and his brethren":** This clause describes the composition of Mattithiah's specific division. It highlights the familial and communal aspect of the service. "He" refers to Mattithiah himself as the head, while "his sons" indicates the direct generational continuity and training within the family. "His brethren" extends this to other kinsmen or fellow Levites within his broader clan, emphasizing that the service was a corporate endeavor, drawing upon the collective talents and dedication of the Levitical lineage.
* **"[were] twelve":** This final phrase specifies the total number of individuals in Mattithiah's division. The consistent number of twelve across all twenty-four divisions (as implied by the chapter's overall structure) underscores the principle of order, uniformity, and completeness that characterized David's preparations for the Temple. It ensured that each rotating course had a full complement of skilled musicians ready for their sacred duties, reflecting a commitment to excellence and thoroughness in worship.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary devices at play in 1 Chronicles 25:21 and the surrounding chapter are **Enumeration** and **Repetition**. The text systematically lists each of the twenty-four divisions of musicians, providing a detailed account of their leaders and composition. This **Enumeration** serves to emphasize the sheer scale and meticulousness of David's organizational efforts. Furthermore, the consistent phrase structure—"[The Xth] to [Leader], [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve"—is a clear example of **Repetition**. This stylistic choice not only aids in the clear presentation of information but also powerfully reinforces the theme of **Order** and **Uniformity**. The repeated pattern highlights the deliberate, structured nature of the temple service, underscoring that every aspect was carefully planned and executed according to a divine blueprint, reflecting God's character of precision and harmony.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians, as exemplified by Mattithiah's division, reveals profound theological truths about the nature of worship and service to God. It underscores that true worship is not chaotic but is characterized by order, intentionality, and a deep reverence for God's character. David's foresight in establishing these courses demonstrates a commitment to facilitating continuous and excellent praise, recognizing music as a powerful conduit for spiritual expression and divine encounter. This detail also emphasizes the concept of dedicated, consecrated service, where individuals and families were set apart for specific roles in God's house, highlighting the value God places on faithful stewardship of gifts and callings. The inclusion of "sons and brethren" further speaks to the importance of generational faithfulness and the communal nature of worship, where the entire community participates in upholding God's glory.

* [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1-chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - Organization of Temple Musicians")
* [Numbers 3:6](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6 - Levites Given to Aaron for Service")
* [Psalm 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Psalm 150:6 - Call to Praise the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Mattithiah's division in 1 Chronicles 25:21, though seemingly a mundane organizational record, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the intentionality and excellence we bring to our own worship and service, whether individually or corporately. Just as David meticulously planned for the Temple, we are called to be good stewards of our gifts and time, bringing order and purpose to our spiritual disciplines and communal gatherings. The emphasis on "his sons, and his brethren" encourages us to foster generational faithfulness within our families and faith communities, actively mentoring and involving younger generations in the work of the Kingdom. Furthermore, recognizing the centrality of music in ancient worship prompts us to value and utilize all forms of artistic expression in glorifying God, understanding that every gift can be consecrated for His praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does intentionality and order enhance our worship and service today, both personally and corporately?**
* **In what ways can we identify and utilize our unique gifts, like Mattithiah's musical talent, for God's glory within our communities?**
* **How can we actively mentor and involve younger generations in faith and service, ensuring a legacy of dedication to God's work?**
* **What is the significance of communal worship in our lives, and how can we participate more fully in fostering an environment of praise and spiritual growth?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a specific detail about a particular division of musicians recorded in the Bible?**

Answer: This seemingly minor detail is recorded for several significant reasons. Firstly, it underscores God's desire for order and excellence in worship. The meticulous organization reflects His character as a God of precision, not chaos. Secondly, it highlights King David's profound commitment to establishing a comprehensive and enduring system of worship for the future Temple, demonstrating his leadership and devotion. Thirdly, it emphasizes the importance of every individual and group in the larger tapestry of God's service, showing that even seemingly small roles contribute to the grand design. Finally, it serves as a historical record, affirming the meticulous nature of biblical accounts and the reality of the preparations for the Temple.

**What was the significance of music in ancient Israelite worship, beyond mere entertainment?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, music was far more than entertainment; it was a vital and integral component of worship, serving multiple spiritual functions. As seen in [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1-chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - Organization of Temple Musicians"), musicians were said to "prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals," indicating a spiritual, inspired dimension to their art. Music was a powerful medium for expressing praise, lament, intercession, and thanksgiving to God. It facilitated a deeper connection with the divine, prepared hearts for spiritual encounter, and often accompanied prophetic utterances. The sheer scale of the musical organization in David's time demonstrates its central role in the liturgical life of the nation, viewed as a consecrated offering to the Lord.

**How does this Old Testament organization of worship relate to the New Testament church?**

Answer: While the specific forms and rituals of worship have changed with the coming of Christ, the underlying principles of orderly worship, dedicated service, and the use of diverse gifts remain profoundly relevant for the New Testament church. Just as Mattithiah's division served a specific function, the Apostle Paul teaches that the church is a body with many members, each with unique gifts given by the Spirit for the common good and the edification of the body ([1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1-corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity in the Spirit")). The emphasis on order in the Old Testament temple finds its New Testament parallel in instructions for orderly corporate worship ([1 Corinthians 14:40](/1-corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order")). Ultimately, both Testaments affirm that God desires intentional, heartfelt, and well-ordered worship from His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians, including Mattithiah's division, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Temple, with its elaborate worship system, was a shadow pointing to the reality found in Christ. He is the true and perfect worship leader, the one through whom all acceptable worship is offered to God ([Hebrews 8:1-2](/hebrews/8-1 "Hebrews 8:1-2 - Christ, Our High Priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary")). The name "Mattithiah," meaning "Gift of Yahweh," beautifully foreshadows Christ Himself, who is God's ultimate and most precious gift to humanity, given for our salvation and reconciliation ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The order and dedication seen in David's preparations for the earthly Temple point to the perfect, spiritual worship that Christ enables and embodies. Through His finished work, believers are now part of a new, spiritual temple, the Church, where worship is offered "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), no longer confined to a physical structure or limited to a specific tribe. Christ, as the Head of the Church, orchestrates the diverse gifts of His people, empowering them to serve and worship Him in unity and order, just as the various divisions served in the Old Testament, but now with a perfect High Priest and a heavenly sanctuary ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")). The music and praise of the Old Covenant find their crescendo in the new song of redemption, sung by those who have been redeemed by the Lamb ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The New Song")).

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.