1 Chronicles 25:3

KJV

Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of Jeduthun {H3038}: the sons {H1121} of Jeduthun {H3038}; Gedaliah {H1436}, and Zeri {H6874}, and Jeshaiah {H3470}, Hashabiah {H2811}, and Mattithiah {H4993}, six {H8337}, under the hands {H3027} of their father {H1} Jeduthun {H3038}, who prophesied {H5012} with a harp {H3658}, to give thanks {H3034} and to praise {H1984} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of Y'dutun, the descendants of Y'dutun: G'dalyahu, Tzeri, Yesha'yahu, Hashavyahu, Mattityahu - six, with their father Y'dutun, who, accompanied by the lyre, prophesied thanks and praise to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD.

American Standard Version

Of Jeduthun; the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun with the harp, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 25:3 meticulously details the role of Jeduthun and his sons within King David's organized system of temple worship. This verse specifically names five of Jeduthun's sons—Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—noting that "six" served under their father's direct guidance. The focal point of the verse is Jeduthun's distinctive ministry: he "prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD," highlighting a unique blend of divine inspiration, musical artistry, and purposeful adoration at the heart of Israel's worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of [1 Chronicles 25](/1_chronicles/25 "1 Chronicles 25 - Organization of Temple Musicians"), a chapter dedicated to King David's meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians for service in the tabernacle, anticipating the future temple. Chapters 23-26 of 1 Chronicles systematically outline David's administrative and organizational efforts concerning the Levites, their duties, and their divisions. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - David's Organization of Musicians") introduces the three chief musicians—Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun—who were set apart to prophesy with instruments. Verse 3, therefore, zeroes in on Jeduthun's specific family line and their unique contribution to this structured worship, emphasizing their role as divinely inspired musicians. The detailed enumeration of names underscores the precision and intentionality behind David's arrangements, ensuring that every aspect of future temple service was well-ordered and consecrated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign marked a pivotal period in Israel's history, characterized by the consolidation of the kingdom and the establishment of Jerusalem as its spiritual and political capital. While the permanent Temple had not yet been built, David was deeply committed to preparing for its construction and organizing its future services. Music played a profoundly significant role in ancient Israelite worship, not merely as entertainment but as a spiritual discipline and a means of connecting with the divine. The Levites, traditionally responsible for temple service, were now being organized into specialized roles, including a dedicated corps of musicians. The concept of "prophesying" in this context extends beyond mere foretelling the future; it encompasses speaking or acting under divine inspiration, often in praise, exhortation, or declaration of God's truth. This form of musical prophecy was not unique, as seen in [1 Samuel 10:5](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5 - Prophets with Musical Instruments"), where prophets are depicted playing instruments before prophesying. The harp (_kinnor_) was a common and revered instrument, often associated with joyous praise and spiritual expression.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 25:3](/1_chronicles/25-3 "1 Chronicles 25:3 - Jeduthun's Prophetic Music") contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Organized Worship**, showcasing David's visionary leadership in establishing a systematic and intentional approach to God's service, where every individual and family had a designated, vital role. This orderliness reflects God's character and the importance of reverent worship. Another crucial theme is **Musical Prophecy**, highlighting a unique spiritual gift where divine inspiration was conveyed through musical performance. This wasn't merely a performance but an act of speaking or singing under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, often in praise or declaration of God's attributes, as also seen in [1 Samuel 19:20-24](/1_samuel/19-20 "1 Samuel 19:20-24 - Saul's Prophecy"). The verse also strongly emphasizes **Praise and Thanksgiving** as the ultimate purpose of their musical ministry, underscoring the centrality of gratitude and adoration in Israelite worship, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms, such as [Psalm 150:3-5](/psalms/150-3 "Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise God with Instruments"). Finally, the mention of Jeduthun's sons continuing his service points to **Generational Ministry** and the passing down of a legacy of faith, skill, and dedication within the Levitical lineage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophesied (Hebrew, _nava'_):** The Hebrew verb נָבָא (_nava'_) primarily means "to prophesy," "to speak under divine influence," or "to behave as a prophet." While often associated with foretelling the future, its broader meaning encompasses inspired utterance or action. In the context of musical worship, as seen here and in [1 Samuel 10:5](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5 - Prophets with Musical Instruments"), it suggests that the music itself, or the words sung with it, was divinely inspired, conveying God's truth, presence, or message. This was not merely human artistic expression but a Spirit-anointed ministry, making the musicians conduits of divine revelation and spiritual power.
* **Harp (Hebrew, _kinnor'_):** The Hebrew word כִּנּוֹר (_kinnor_) refers to a lyre or harp, a stringed instrument commonly used in ancient Israelite worship and celebrations. It was often associated with joy, praise, and prophetic activity (e.g., David playing for Saul in [1 Samuel 16:23](/1_samuel/16-23 "1 Samuel 16:23 - David Playing for Saul")). Its presence here signifies that the prophetic utterance was not purely verbal but integrated with and expressed through instrumental music, elevating the act of worship and making it a richer, multi-sensory experience. The combination of "prophesied" and "harp" points to a unique form of spiritual expression where the instrument became a vehicle for divine inspiration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun;"**: This opening phrase immediately identifies the family line being detailed. Jeduthun was one of the three principal Levitical musicians appointed by David, alongside Asaph and Heman, indicating his prominent and foundational role in the organized musical worship. The repetition of his name emphasizes his central position and the lineage that follows.
* **"Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six,"**: This lists five specific sons of Jeduthun. The mention of "six" when only five names are provided has led to various interpretations among scholars. Some suggest that Jeduthun himself is counted among the "six" as the head of the division, while others propose that one son's name might have been omitted in transcription or that a sixth son was known but not named here. Regardless, the intent is to show a complete and organized family unit dedicated to this specialized service.
* **"under the hands of their father Jeduthun,"**: This phrase signifies that the sons served under the direct authority, guidance, and training of Jeduthun. It highlights a system of apprenticeship and mentorship, ensuring the continuity and quality of the musical ministry. It also reinforces Jeduthun's leadership and the generational aspect of this sacred calling within the Levitical family.
* **"who prophesied with a harp,"**: This is the most distinctive and significant clause. It defines Jeduthun's unique function and, by extension, that of his sons. As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, "prophesied" here implies speaking or acting under divine inspiration, not necessarily foretelling the future. The "harp" indicates that this divine inspiration was channeled through musical performance. This was a Spirit-anointed musical ministry, where the melodies and perhaps accompanying lyrics were vehicles for God's message, presence, or truth, making the act of worship deeply spiritual and divinely empowered.
* **"to give thanks and to praise the LORD."**: This final clause explicitly states the ultimate purpose and goal of their entire ministry. Their prophetic music, whether instrumental or vocal, was fundamentally directed towards expressing gratitude and adoration to Yahweh. It underscores that all their skill, organization, and divine anointing were consecrated for the singular purpose of exalting God, demonstrating that true worship is primarily about acknowledging God's character and works with a heart of thanksgiving and praise.

#### Literary Devices
The text of [1 Chronicles 25:3](/1_chronicles/25-3 "1 Chronicles 25:3 - Jeduthun's Prophetic Music") employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Enumeration** is prominently used in the listing of Jeduthun's sons (Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah). This detailed cataloging emphasizes the meticulous organization and individual roles within David's worship structure, highlighting the importance of each family member's contribution. The phrase "under the hands of their father Jeduthun" serves as a form of **Metonymy**, where "hands" symbolize the authority, guidance, and training provided by Jeduthun, indicating a direct mentorship and lineage of skill. Furthermore, the combination of "prophesied" and "harp" can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, where the harp becomes a symbol of divinely inspired musical expression, representing the conduit through which spiritual truth and praise were channeled. The entire verse, in its precise detail, also contributes to the overarching **Didactic** purpose of Chronicles, which aims to instruct and encourage the post-exilic community by reminding them of Israel's rich heritage of ordered and Spirit-led worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 25:3 offers profound theological insights into the nature of worship, the role of spiritual gifts, and the intentionality of serving God. It reveals that worship is not merely an emotional outpouring but can be a structured, skilled, and divinely inspired act. The concept of "prophesying with a harp" expands our understanding of prophecy beyond verbal pronouncements to include artistic expression that is Spirit-anointed and purposeful. This demonstrates God's delight in creativity and excellence in worship, where human talent is consecrated and empowered by divine inspiration to bring glory to Him. The verse underscores that all gifts, whether musical or otherwise, are ultimately for the purpose of giving thanks and praise to the LORD, fostering a community of devoted worshippers.
* [Psalm 150:3-5](/psalms/150-3 "Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise God with Instruments")
* [1 Samuel 10:5](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5 - Prophets with Musical Instruments")
* [1 Corinthians 14:26](/1_corinthians/14-26 "1 Corinthians 14:26 - Order in Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Jeduthun and his sons in 1 Chronicles 25:3 serves as a powerful reminder for contemporary believers about the nature and purpose of worship. It challenges us to consider the intentionality and excellence we bring to our service to God. Just as Jeduthun's family had a specific, divinely appointed role, every believer is uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the body of Christ and for the glory of God. This verse encourages us to identify and cultivate our spiritual gifts, recognizing that even artistic talents like music can be profound vehicles for divine expression and Spirit-led ministry. Our worship, whether corporate or individual, should be marked by a deep sense of gratitude and a sincere desire to exalt the Lord, transforming our praise into a prophetic declaration of His goodness and majesty. It calls us to move beyond mere routine, seeking genuine inspiration and anointing in all our acts of devotion, ensuring that our ultimate aim is always "to give thanks and to praise the LORD."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "prophesying with a harp" challenge or expand your understanding of worship and spiritual gifts today?**
* **In what ways can you intentionally cultivate a spirit of gratitude and praise in your daily life, mirroring Jeduthun's purpose "to give thanks and to praise the LORD"?**
* **Considering the precise organization of Jeduthun's family, how might you apply principles of order and dedication to your own service within your faith community?**

### FAQ
**What exactly does "prophesied with a harp" mean in this context?**

Answer: In 1 Chronicles 25:3, "prophesied with a harp" does not primarily mean foretelling the future. Instead, it refers to a form of inspired utterance or expression that is channeled through musical performance. The Hebrew word for "prophesied" (_nava'_) encompasses speaking or acting under divine influence. When combined with "with a harp," it signifies that the musicians, like Jeduthun and his sons, were not merely playing instruments but were serving as conduits for God's Spirit. Their music, and likely the accompanying lyrics, were divinely inspired, conveying God's truth, presence, or message to the worshippers. This was a Spirit-anointed musical ministry, designed to facilitate genuine praise and thanksgiving to the LORD, as also seen in [1 Samuel 10:5](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5 - Prophets with Musical Instruments") where prophets play instruments before prophesying.

**Why does the verse list five sons but then state "six" were under Jeduthun's hands?**

Answer: The apparent discrepancy where five sons are named (Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah) but the text states "six" were under Jeduthun's hands is a common point of discussion. The most widely accepted explanation among biblical scholars is that Jeduthun himself is counted as the sixth individual, serving as the head of this division and overseeing his sons. This interpretation aligns with the structure of other Levitical lists where the father or head of the household is included in the count of those serving under him. Alternatively, some suggest the possibility of a textual variant where a sixth name might have been omitted over time, or that a sixth son was known to the original audience but not explicitly named in this particular list. However, the inclusion of Jeduthun himself in the count is the most probable and contextually consistent explanation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 25:3 describes Old Testament temple worship, its principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The meticulous organization of worship, the emphasis on Spirit-inspired praise, and the dedication of gifts all point to the ultimate worshipper and the new covenant reality in Christ. Jesus Christ is the true and perfect worshipper, whose life was a continuous act of "giving thanks and praising the LORD," culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which perfected all worship (Hebrews 10:14). He is the one who fulfills the prophetic role, not merely with a harp, but as the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom all divine truth is revealed. Under the New Covenant, the need for a specific Levitical order of musicians is superseded by the priesthood of all believers ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). Now, every believer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is called to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The "prophesying with a harp" finds its spiritual parallel in the diverse spiritual gifts bestowed by Christ through the Spirit, enabling believers to minister to one another and to God. Whether through song, teaching, or acts of service, all gifts are to be exercised for the purpose of exalting Christ and building up His body, the Church, as outlined in [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church"). The ultimate goal of Jeduthun's ministry—"to give thanks and to praise the LORD"—is fully realized in the Church's worship of the resurrected Christ, who is worthy of all praise and thanksgiving for His redemptive work ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb is Worthy")). Thus, Jeduthun's prophetic music foreshadows the Spirit-filled worship of the New Testament, centered on the Lamb of God.

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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 16:41

And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy [endureth] for ever;

1 Chronicles 16:42

And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun [were] porters.

Psalms 92:1

¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sabbath day. [It is a] good [thing] to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

2 Chronicles 29:14

And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei: and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel.

Jeremiah 33:11

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD [is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: [and] of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

1 Chronicles 15:21

And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.

1 Chronicles 15:18

And with them their brethren of the second [degree], Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.