1 Chronicles 25:28

KJV

The one and twentieth to Hothir, [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve:

KJV (with Strong's)

The one {H259} and twentieth {H6242} to Hothir {H1956}, he, his sons {H1121}, and his brethren {H251}, were twelve {H8147}{H6240}:

Complete Jewish Bible

the twenty-first to Hotir, his sons and brothers, twelve;

Berean Standard Bible

the twenty-first to Hothir, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

American Standard Version

for the one and twentieth to Hothir, his sons and his brethren, twelve:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 25:28 meticulously records the twenty-first division of temple musicians and singers, led by Hothir, comprising twelve individuals from his family line. This verse is part of a larger administrative section detailing King David's divinely inspired organization of the Levites into twenty-four courses for continuous worship and service in the tabernacle, anticipating the future temple. It underscores the profound importance of order, dedication, and generational faithfulness in the sacred task of ministering to God through music.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 25, a chapter dedicated to King David's meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians and singers for service in the tabernacle, and later, the temple. The chapter begins by establishing the purpose of these divisions: 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")). David, alongside the commanders of the army, set apart these individuals for sacred musical service. The preceding verses (25:9-27) systematically list the first twenty divisions, each led by a designated individual and consisting of twelve members. Verse 28 continues this precise enumeration, identifying the twenty-first division, maintaining the consistent pattern of leadership and numerical strength, thereby emphasizing the comprehensive and orderly nature of David's reforms for temple worship. The subsequent verses complete the listing of all twenty-four divisions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) marked a significant period of consolidation and organization for the Israelite kingdom. Beyond military and political achievements, David demonstrated a profound commitment to establishing proper worship. The Levites, traditionally responsible for tabernacle service, were now being organized for a more permanent and elaborate structure—the future temple that Solomon would build. This organization reflects a cultural emphasis on communal worship and the integral role of music within it. Unlike many ancient Near Eastern cultures where music often accompanied pagan rituals, in Israel, it was a central component of Yahweh worship, used for praise, lament, and even prophecy. The division into "courses" (mishmarot) ensured that temple service, including musical ministry, could operate continuously and efficiently throughout the year, a practice that continued through the Second Temple period.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 25:28, as part of this detailed record, contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Order and Structure in Worship**. David's meticulous planning, down to the specific number of individuals in each division, reflects a divine appreciation for intentionality and organization in serving God. This is not arbitrary but divinely inspired, as stated in [1 Chronicles 28:12-13](/1_chronicles/28-12 "1 Chronicles 28:12-13 - David's Divine Blueprint for the Temple"). Secondly, the verse underscores **Generational Service and Legacy**. The mention of "Hothir, his sons, and his brethren" emphasizes that temple service was often a family affair, passed down through generations, ensuring continuity and a deep-rooted commitment to sacred duties. This resonates with the broader theme of covenant faithfulness across generations, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching the Law to Future Generations"). Lastly, the entire chapter, including this verse, powerfully affirms **The Value of Music in Worship**. These divisions were not merely functional but were set apart 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")), indicating a spiritual and prophetic dimension to their musical service, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms, such as [Psalm 150:3-5](/psalms/150-3 "Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise God with Instruments").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hothir (Hebrew, _Hôthîr'_):** This is a proper name, meaning "he has caused to remain" or "he has left over." In the context of a leader of a division, the name might subtly reflect God's providence in preserving or setting apart this specific family line for sacred service. While the primary significance here is identification, the etymology of biblical names often carries a deeper, albeit sometimes subtle, layer of meaning, hinting at divine purpose or character.
* **Twelve (Hebrew, _shĕnêm ‘āśār'_):** The consistent number "twelve" for each division is highly significant. In biblical numerology, twelve often symbolizes completeness, governmental perfection, or divine order. It is the number of the tribes of Israel, the apostles of Christ, and the gates of the New Jerusalem. Here, it signifies a full, complete, and divinely appointed complement for each course of service, emphasizing the thoroughness and divine design behind David's organization.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The one and twentieth to Hothir,"**: This phrase precisely identifies the specific division being listed. "The one and twentieth" (or "the twenty-first") indicates its sequential place within the twenty-four courses established by David. "To Hothir" designates the head or leader of this particular division, indicating his prominent role in overseeing the musical service for his assigned period. This highlights the structured leadership within the Levitical system.
* **"[he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve:"**: This clause specifies the composition and total number of individuals within Hothir's division. The bracketed "he" and "were" in the KJV indicate words supplied by the translators for clarity, as is common in Hebrew sentence structure. The phrase "his sons, and his brethren" underscores the familial nature of these divisions. Service was often a hereditary privilege and duty, passed down through the family line. The number "twelve" confirms that Hothir, along with his direct descendants and other close relatives, formed a complete unit of twelve individuals dedicated to temple ministry, maintaining the consistent organizational pattern established for all the courses.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 25, and specifically in verse 28, is **Enumeration** and **Systematic Listing**. The chapter meticulously lists each of the twenty-four divisions, their leaders, and their numerical strength. This repetitive, structured presentation emphasizes the comprehensive and orderly nature of David's reforms. It conveys a sense of divine precision and thoroughness in the organization of worship. Additionally, there is an element of **Genealogy** implied through the consistent mention of "his sons, and his brethren," highlighting the hereditary nature of the Levitical service and the importance of family lines in maintaining sacred duties. The consistent number "twelve" across all divisions also functions as a form of **Symbolism**, representing completeness and divine order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 25:28, though a seemingly simple administrative detail, offers profound theological insights. It reveals God's character as a God of order, who delights in structured and intentional worship. The meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians underscores that worship is not chaotic but a sacred, well-planned endeavor. This divine preference for order extends beyond the temple, influencing how believers are called to live and serve today. Furthermore, the dedication of specific families to this task speaks to the principle of consecrated service and the passing of faith through generations. The very act of "prophesying with harps" elevates music beyond mere entertainment to a spiritual conduit for divine communication and praise, demonstrating the profound value God places on heartfelt, skilled worship.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "God is a God of Order")
* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6 "Spiritual Gifts for Service")
* [Psalm 33:3](/psalms/33-3 "Sing a New Song Skillfully")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific Levitical system is no longer in place, 1 Chronicles 25:28 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. The emphasis on order and intentionality in worship challenges us to consider how we approach our own spiritual disciplines and corporate gatherings. Are we thoughtful and purposeful in our service to God, or do we approach it haphazardly? Just as Hothir's family was set apart for a specific musical ministry, every believer is gifted by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the body of Christ. This verse encourages us to identify our unique gifts and dedicate them wholeheartedly to God's glory, recognizing that even seemingly small or administrative roles contribute to the larger tapestry of God's work. Moreover, the generational aspect reminds us of our responsibility to cultivate faith and service within our families, passing on a legacy of devotion to the next generation, ensuring that the song of praise continues through the ages.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians challenge my own approach to worship and service, both personally and corporately?**
* **What specific gifts or talents has God given me, and how can I more intentionally dedicate them to His service in an ordered and purposeful way?**
* **In what ways can I contribute to fostering a legacy of faith and devotion within my family or spiritual community for future generations?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for David to organize the musicians into such specific divisions?**

Answer: David's meticulous organization of the musicians, as seen in 1 Chronicles 25, was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensured **continuous and orderly worship** in the tabernacle, and later the temple. By dividing the musicians into twenty-four courses, each serving for a specific period, worship could be maintained year-round without interruption. Secondly, it reflected **God's character as a God of order and excellence**. David understood that sacred service should be performed with precision and dedication, not haphazardly. This organization elevated the role of music from mere entertainment to a highly respected and integral part of spiritual ministry, often associated with prophecy ([1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - Organization of Temple Musicians")). Finally, it established a **sustainable and hereditary system** for temple service, ensuring that skilled musicians would always be available, passing their knowledge and dedication down through generations, as highlighted by the mention of "his sons, and his brethren" in verses like [1 Chronicles 25:28](/1_chronicles/25-28 "1 Chronicles 25:28 - Hothir's Division")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 25:28 details the specific organization of Old Testament temple worship, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The meticulous order and dedicated service of the Levitical musicians foreshadow the perfect and complete worship offered by Jesus, the true High Priest, who established a new and living way to God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). The "twelve" in each division, symbolizing completeness and divine order, subtly points to the new spiritual Israel, the church, founded upon the twelve apostles, where all believers are now a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). No longer are specific families or divisions set apart for temple service; instead, every believer is called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship, making their lives a continual offering ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")). Christ Himself is the ultimate song of redemption, and through Him, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), fulfilling the heart of the Levitical dedication to God's glory.

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.