1 Chronicles 25:22

KJV

The fifteenth to Jeremoth, [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve:

KJV (with Strong's)

The fifteenth {H2568}{H6240} to Jeremoth {H3406}, he, his sons {H1121}, and his brethren {H251}, were twelve {H8147}{H6240}:

Complete Jewish Bible

the fifteenth to Yeremot, his sons and brothers, twelve;

Berean Standard Bible

the fifteenth to Jeremoth, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

American Standard Version

for the fifteenth to Jeremoth, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 25:22 details the fifteenth division of Levitical musicians appointed by King David for service in the future Temple. This verse specifically names Jeremoth as the head of this course, indicating that he, along with his sons and brethren, comprised a unit of twelve individuals. This meticulous organization ensured a continuous and orderly system of worship, highlighting David's foresight and dedication to establishing a structured and familial approach to sacred musical ministry within the house of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 25, a chapter meticulously outlining King David's organization of the Levitical musicians into 24 courses for Temple service. Following the detailed division of priests in [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Divisions of Priests"), chapter 25 establishes a parallel structure for those dedicated to music and prophecy. Each course, including the one led by Jeremoth in verse 22, was designed to consist of twelve members, ensuring that there would always be a full complement of musicians available for continuous worship. The preceding verses, such as [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - Musical Prophecy"), set the stage by describing the purpose of this musical ministry—to "prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals"—and the method of their selection by lot, signifying divine appointment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David, though not permitted to build the Temple himself, devoted significant effort to preparing for its construction and operation. This included not only gathering materials but also establishing the administrative and liturgical structures for its ongoing service. In ancient Israel, music played a vital role in worship, often accompanying sacrifices, festivals, and prophetic utterances. The organization into courses, as seen here and in the priestly divisions, was a common administrative practice to ensure continuous service throughout the year, with each group serving for a designated period. The emphasis on "sons and brethren" reflects the deeply familial and tribal nature of Israelite society, where roles and responsibilities, especially sacred ones, were often passed down through generations within specific lineages, particularly the Levites, who were set apart for Temple service (as detailed in [Numbers 3:6-9](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6-9 - Levites for Service")).
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 25:22, like the entire chapter, underscores several significant themes. First, it highlights **Order and Organization in Worship**, emphasizing David's commitment to establishing a highly structured system for Temple worship, ensuring that every aspect of the sanctuary service was well-managed and continuous. Second, the listing of Jeremoth, "his sons, and his brethren," exemplifies **Dedicated and Familial Service**, underscoring the commitment of entire families to the sacred task of musical ministry. Their role was not merely performance but a form of spiritual service and "prophesying" (as mentioned in [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - Musical Prophecy")), reflecting a deep commitment to God. Third, the division of these courses by lot, as described in [1 Chronicles 25:8](/1_chronicles/25-8 "1 Chronicles 25:8 - Casting Lots for Divisions"), suggests **Divine Appointment and Guidance**, indicating a belief that God guided the assignments and affirmed divine approval for the roles given to individuals and families. Finally, the phrase "his sons, and his brethren" signifies **Generational Continuity**, illustrating that this was not just an individual's calling but a legacy passed down, ensuring the continuation of sacred music and worship for future generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jeremoth (Hebrew, _Yĕrēmôth'_):** This name means "heights" or "elevations." In this context, Jeremoth is identified as the head of the fifteenth course of Levitical musicians. His inclusion here is not about his personal prominence but rather his designated role within David's meticulously organized system for Temple worship. The specific naming of each family head underscores the personal and familial nature of the service, where each unit had a distinct and divinely appointed responsibility.
* **fifteenth (Hebrew, _ḥămishshâh 'āśār'_):** This numerical designation places Jeremoth's course within the ordered sequence of 24 divisions. The numbering signifies the systematic and comprehensive nature of David's preparations. It reflects a deliberate effort to ensure that all necessary functions of Temple worship, including musical ministry, were adequately covered by rotating groups, allowing for continuous and uninterrupted service throughout the year.
* **twelve (Hebrew, _shĕnêm 'āśār'_):** The number twelve is consistently used to denote the standard size of each musical course. This uniformity ensured that each division had a sufficient number of skilled individuals to perform their duties effectively. It speaks to the principle of completeness and adequacy in service, where each unit was fully equipped to fulfill its specific role in the grand scheme of Temple liturgy and worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fifteenth to Jeremoth,"**: This clause identifies the specific course number and its designated leader. The use of "to" (לְ, _lĕ_) indicates assignment or designation, meaning this course was allotted *to* Jeremoth, signifying his leadership responsibility over this particular division of musicians. It highlights the systematic allocation of duties by lot, as described earlier in the chapter.
* **"[he], his sons, and his brethren,"**: This phrase describes the composition of Jeremoth's course. It indicates that the group was a familial unit, comprising Jeremoth himself, his direct male descendants ("sons"), and other close male relatives ("brethren"). This emphasizes the corporate, family-based nature of the Levitical service, where entire households were dedicated to the ministry, ensuring continuity and shared responsibility.
* **"[were] twelve:"**: This final clause specifies the total number of individuals in Jeremoth's course. The consistent number of twelve for each division (as seen throughout [1 Chronicles 25](/1_chronicles/25 "1 Chronicles 25 - Divisions of Musicians")) underscores the meticulous planning and standardization employed by David. It ensured that each course was a complete and self-sufficient unit, capable of fulfilling its rotational duties in the Temple's musical worship.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 25:22, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Enumeration**. The text systematically lists each of the 24 courses, their leaders, and their familial composition, culminating in the standardized number of twelve members per course. This detailed listing serves to demonstrate the thoroughness and divine order established by David for the Temple's musical ministry. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Repetition** in the consistent phrase "he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve," which reinforces the uniform structure and familial nature of each division. This repetition creates a rhythmic cadence, underscoring the organized and predictable rotation of duties. The overall effect of these devices is to convey a sense of **Completeness** and **Order**, emphasizing that every aspect of the Temple's musical worship was meticulously planned and divinely sanctioned, leaving nothing to chance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 25:22, though seemingly a mere administrative detail, profoundly illustrates God's nature as a God of order and His desire for worship that is both passionate and structured. David's meticulous organization of the musicians reflects a deep understanding that sacred service, while Spirit-inspired, also benefits from careful planning and dedication. This passage reminds us that God values not only the heart of worship but also the intentionality and excellence with which it is offered. The familial involvement underscores the biblical principle of corporate responsibility and the passing of spiritual legacy through generations, where entire households are called to participate in God's work. It also highlights the diverse gifts within the body of believers, with each "course" or family unit contributing uniquely to the overall symphony of praise.
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-8 - Spiritual Gifts in the Body of Christ")
* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Singing with Gratitude")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Jeremoth's course in 1 Chronicles 25:22 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the intentionality and excellence with which we approach our service to God, whether individually or corporately. Just as David meticulously organized the Temple musicians, we are called to bring our best, our order, and our dedication to every area of our lives, especially in worship and ministry. This verse reminds us that every gift, no matter how seemingly small or administrative, plays a vital role in the larger body of Christ. It encourages us to embrace our unique contributions and to work together in harmony, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose within our spiritual communities. Furthermore, the emphasis on "sons and brethren" prompts us to consider how faith and service can be cultivated and passed down within families, creating a legacy of devotion to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of the Temple musicians challenge my own approach to order and excellence in my service to God?**
* **In what ways can I, or my family, more intentionally dedicate our gifts and talents to God's glory, echoing the familial service of Jeremoth's course?**
* **How can my church community better foster a sense of unity and shared purpose in worship and ministry, recognizing the diverse "courses" or gifts within its members?**

### FAQ
**Why was such a detailed organization of musicians necessary for the Temple?**

Answer: The detailed organization, exemplified by Jeremoth's course, was crucial for several reasons. First, it ensured **continuous and orderly worship**. With 24 courses, each serving in rotation, there would always be a dedicated group of musicians available to lead praise and prophecy in the Temple throughout the year. Second, it demonstrated **David's commitment to excellence and preparation** for the future Temple. He understood that worship was not to be haphazard but a well-planned and highly skilled endeavor. Third, it allowed for the **efficient stewardship of gifts and personnel**, ensuring that all Levites trained in music had a designated role and that their talents were utilized systematically for God's glory, as seen in [1 Chronicles 23:5](/1_chronicles/23-5 "1 Chronicles 23:5 - Levites for Music").

**What does the phrase "his sons, and his brethren" signify about the nature of this service?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the **familial and generational nature of the Levitical ministry**. It means that the courses were not just individual appointments but involved entire family units. This ensured continuity of service, as skills and traditions could be passed down from father to son. It also emphasized the corporate responsibility of the Levites, where the entire lineage was dedicated to the service of the Lord. This structure reinforced the idea that serving God was a deeply embedded aspect of their identity and heritage, a concept seen throughout the Old Testament concerning the Levites' role in the Tabernacle and Temple, as detailed in [Numbers 8:24-26](/numbers/8-24 "Numbers 8:24-26 - Age for Levitical Service").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 25:22 describes the meticulous organization of Old Testament worship, its principles find profound fulfillment in Christ. The Old Covenant system, with its physical Temple, specific lineages, and prescribed rituals, was a shadow pointing to the reality found in Jesus. Christ is the ultimate worshipper, who perfectly glorified the Father in His life and death, and He is also the ultimate object of our worship. Through His atoning sacrifice, He has inaugurated a new covenant where worship is no longer confined to a physical temple or a specific tribe, but is offered "in spirit and truth" by all believers, as Jesus Himself declared in [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"). Just as Jeremoth's course contributed to the continuous praise in the Temple, so too are all believers, through Christ, now part of a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" called to "proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). The order and dedication seen in David's preparations prefigure the divine order established by Christ, who perfectly orchestrates His church, empowering every member with spiritual gifts to build up the body and offer a "sacrifice of praise" that is pleasing to God ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")). Thus, the meticulous planning for earthly worship finds its ultimate meaning in the perfect and eternal worship made possible by our Lord Jesus Christ.

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.