1 Chronicles 25:5

KJV

All these [were] the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.

KJV (with Strong's)

All these were the sons {H1121} of Heman {H1968} the king's {H4428} seer {H2374} in the words {H1697} of God {H430}, to lift up {H7311} the horn {H7161}. And God {H430} gave {H5414} to Heman {H1968} fourteen {H702}{H6240} sons {H1121} and three {H7969} daughters {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

all these sons of Heman, the king's seer in matters pertaining to God, were there to exalt [God]. God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

All these sons of Heman the king’s seer were given him through the promises of God to exalt him, for God had given Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.

American Standard Version

All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 25:5 provides a focused glimpse into the divinely appointed and highly esteemed role of Heman, a chief Levitical musician during King David's reign. The verse underscores his unique status as "the king's seer in the words of God," indicating a prophetic dimension to his musical ministry, which was dedicated to leading worship "to lift up the horn." Furthermore, it highlights God's tangible blessing upon Heman through the gift of a large family—fourteen sons and three daughters—all of whom were evidently integrated into the sacred musical service of the tabernacle, signifying God's favor on dedicated and inspired worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-27) that meticulously details King David's extensive organization of the Levites for their future service in the temple, even before its construction. Chapter 23 provides an overview of the Levitical duties, including those of priests, gatekeepers, and musicians, as David prepared for the transfer of the ark and the establishment of formal worship. Chapter 25 specifically delineates the divisions of the temple musicians, led by three prominent figures: Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun. This detailed roster, including the number of their sons and their specific roles, emphasizes the systematic and highly organized nature of worship in David's vision, demonstrating the profound importance placed on music and praise within the spiritual life of Israel. The preceding verses in chapter 25 introduce Heman as one of the three principal leaders of the musical service, and verse 5 then elaborates on his unique spiritual authority and the blessing on his family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, music was an integral component of worship, celebration, and even warfare. The Levites, as a tribe set apart for sacred service, played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual life of the nation. King David himself was a skilled musician and psalmist, deeply understanding the power of music in connecting with God. The concept of a "seer" (`chozeh`) was significant, denoting an individual who received divine revelation, often through visions, and functioned as a prophet. For Heman to be designated "the king's seer in the words of God" elevates his status beyond a mere musical director; he was an inspired leader whose musical ministry was directly guided by divine communication. Culturally, a large family, especially one with many sons, was considered a profound blessing from God, signifying prosperity, strength, and continuity, as seen in passages like [Psalm 127:3-5](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3-5 - Children as a Heritage"). The fact that Heman's numerous children were also involved in the sacred service further underscores the depth of God's blessing and the family's dedication.
* **Key Themes:** Several key themes emerge from 1 Chronicles 25:5. Firstly, **Divine Appointment and Vocation** is central, as Heman's role is not merely a job but a calling from God, evidenced by his designation as a "seer in the words of God." This highlights that even artistic and organizational roles in worship are divinely inspired and ordained. Secondly, the **Centrality of Worship and Music** is powerfully demonstrated. The meticulous organization of the musicians, including Heman's large family, signifies the vital importance of music and praise in the worship life of Israel. The phrase "to lift up the horn" refers to the use of musical instruments, likely trumpets or horns, in the temple service, symbolizing praise, proclamation, and spiritual warfare. This echoes the importance of musical worship seen throughout the Psalms, such as [Psalm 150](/psalms/150 "Psalm 150 - Praise the Lord!"). Thirdly, **God's Blessing on Faithfulness** is evident in the mention of Heman's large progeny. This large family, all involved in sacred service, is presented as a direct result of God's favor on Heman's devoted and inspired ministry, reflecting the ancient understanding that God rewards those who serve Him diligently. This theme reinforces the idea that God's favor extends not only to the individual but also to their descendants, establishing a multi-generational legacy of faith and service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seer (Hebrew, _chozeh'_):** This term denotes one who "sees" visions or receives divine communication, often functioning as a prophet. Unlike a general prophet (`navi'`), a `chozeh` emphasizes the visual aspect of revelation. Heman's designation as "the king's seer in the words of God" signifies that his musical leadership was not merely technical but spiritually inspired, carrying prophetic authority. His compositions and performances were understood to be directly guided by divine revelation, making his contribution to worship profound and authoritative.
* **Lift up the horn (Hebrew, _rum qeren'_):** This phrase has a dual meaning. Primarily, it refers to the act of playing musical instruments, specifically trumpets or horns, which were used extensively in temple worship for praise, signaling, and proclamation (e.g., during sacrifices or festivals). Secondarily, "lifting up the horn" can metaphorically represent exaltation, strength, or victory (as the horn is a symbol of power in ancient Near Eastern cultures). In the context of worship, it implies a powerful, exalting, and perhaps even prophetic, proclamation through music.
* **God gave (Hebrew, _natan Elohim'_):** The explicit mention that "God gave" Heman his children emphasizes divine agency. This is not merely a biological fact but a theological statement affirming that Heman's large family, particularly one dedicated to sacred service, was a direct and intentional blessing from God. It highlights God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful servants and His provision for the continuity of sacred ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All these [were] the sons of Heman":** This clause serves as a direct continuation from the preceding verses (1 Chronicles 25:4), which list the specific sons of Heman. It establishes the collective identity and purpose of Heman's numerous male descendants, indicating their unified participation in the musical ministry. The emphasis is on the family unit serving together under their father's leadership.
* **"the king's seer in the words of God":** This is a crucial descriptor of Heman's unique role. He was not just a musician but also a prophetic figure, a "seer" (`chozeh`) who received divine revelation ("in the words of God"). This implies that his musical compositions and leadership were divinely inspired, carrying spiritual authority and insight for the king and the nation. It elevates his ministry beyond mere entertainment to a sacred, revelatory function.
* **"to lift up the horn":** This phrase describes the primary function of Heman and his sons' musical ministry. It refers to the playing of musical instruments, particularly trumpets or horns, in the context of temple worship. This act symbolized praise, proclamation, and perhaps even spiritual warfare or the announcement of God's presence and power. It signifies a vibrant and active form of worship.
* **"And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters":** This concluding statement highlights God's direct blessing upon Heman. The large number of children (seventeen in total) was a sign of divine favor and fruitfulness in ancient Israel. The fact that all these children were involved in the sacred musical service underscores the depth of God's blessing on Heman's dedicated life and ministry, ensuring a multi-generational legacy of worship and service.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Enumeration** is evident in the implicit reference to the detailed listing of Heman's sons in the preceding verses, reinforcing the meticulous organization of the Levitical musicians. The phrase "All these" points back to this specific and comprehensive tally. **Divine Agency** is clearly highlighted by the explicit statement "And God gave," which attributes the blessing of Heman's large family directly to God's benevolent hand. This emphasizes God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful servants. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is present in the phrase "to lift up the horn." While literally referring to musical instruments, the "horn" also symbolically represents strength, power, and exaltation in biblical literature, suggesting that their musical ministry was a powerful act of exalting God and proclaiming His might.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 25:5 beautifully illustrates several profound theological truths. It underscores God's meticulous care in ordaining and organizing worship, demonstrating that true worship is not chaotic but divinely ordered and purposeful. Heman's dual role as a "seer" and musician highlights the integration of divine revelation and artistic expression in service to God, suggesting that all gifts, including creative ones, are to be employed under divine inspiration. The verse also powerfully conveys the concept of God's blessing on faithfulness; Heman's large family, dedicated to sacred service, is presented as a direct result of God's favor on his devoted ministry. This teaches us that God not only calls individuals to service but also provides for and multiplies their efforts, often in unexpected ways, extending His favor to their descendants and establishing a multi-generational legacy of devotion.

* [Psalm 150:3-6](/psalms/150-3 "Psalm 150:3-6 - Praise with Instruments and Dance")
* [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3 - Children as a Heritage from the Lord")
* [Exodus 31:1-5](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-5 - Bezalel and Oholiab, Gifted by God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The life and ministry of Heman, as depicted in 1 Chronicles 25:5, offer profound insights for contemporary believers. We are reminded that every gift and talent, whether in leadership, creative arts, or any other sphere of life, is ultimately given by God for His glory and purposes. Heman's example challenges us to consider how we are stewarding our own abilities, not merely for personal gain, but for the advancement of God's kingdom and the flourishing of His worship. His role as a "seer in the words of God" encourages us to seek divine inspiration and guidance in all our endeavors, ensuring that our service is not just skillful but spiritually potent and aligned with God's will. Furthermore, the blessing of his large family dedicated to service highlights the importance of fostering a legacy of faith and devotion within our own families and communities. It calls us to intentionally disciple the next generation, equipping them to use their gifts for God's glory, recognizing that God delights in multiplying the fruit of faithful service across generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I recognize and utilize the unique gifts God has given me for His service, particularly in areas like creative expression or leadership?**
* **In what ways can my personal and corporate worship reflect a deeper intentionality and a reliance on divine inspiration, as seen in Heman's ministry?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a legacy of faith and service within my family or spiritual community, encouraging the next generation to embrace their calling in God?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Heman was "the king's seer in the words of God"?**

Answer: This unique designation indicates that Heman was not merely a chief musician or a conductor, but also held a prophetic office. A "seer" (`chozeh` in Hebrew) was someone who received divine revelations, often through visions, and communicated God's will. By being "in the words of God," Heman's musical ministry was directly inspired by divine revelation, making his compositions and performances authoritative and spiritually significant. He served as a spiritual advisor and conduit of God's message, integrating prophecy with worship, much like King David himself, who was also a prophet and psalmist (see [Acts 2:30](/acts/2-30 "Acts 2:30 - David a Prophet")). This highlights that Heman's art was a form of divine communication.

**Why is the large number of Heman's children emphasized in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of Heman having fourteen sons and three daughters is significant for several reasons. Firstly, in ancient Israelite culture, a large family was considered a profound blessing and a sign of God's favor and prosperity, as articulated in [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3 - Children as a Heritage from the Lord"). Secondly, and crucially for this context, all of Heman's children were involved in the sacred musical service of the tabernacle, as detailed in the preceding verses of 1 Chronicles 25. This emphasizes that God's blessing on Heman's faithful and inspired ministry extended to his entire family, ensuring a multi-generational commitment to worship and service. It demonstrates God's provision for the continuity and expansion of sacred ministry through the fruitfulness of His faithful servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament account of Heman, the king's seer and chief musician, and his family's dedication to worship, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in Jesus Christ. Heman, as a "seer in the words of God," foreshadows Christ as the ultimate Prophet, the very Word of God incarnate, through whom God speaks His final and complete revelation to humanity ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word was God") and [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). The elaborate and divinely organized musical worship under Heman's leadership points to the perfect worship offered by Christ, who is both the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy this Temple")) and the ultimate High Priest, leading humanity in true spiritual worship ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Our Great High Priest")). The "lifting up the horn" in praise anticipates the New Covenant reality where believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship that are pleasing to God ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")). Furthermore, God's blessing of Heman's large family, all dedicated to service, prefigures the spiritual family of God—the Church—where every member is gifted by the Spirit for ministry ([1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Gifts of the Spirit")) and called to participate in the ongoing worship of God, culminating in the eternal chorus of praise to the Lamb in heaven ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - New Song to the Lamb")). Thus, Heman's ministry serves as a beautiful shadow of the greater reality found in Christ and His redeemed people.

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 21:9

And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,

2 Samuel 24:11

For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,

Isaiah 8:18

Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me [are] for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

1 Chronicles 28:5

And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

1 Samuel 9:9

(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for [he that is] now [called] a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

Psalms 127:3

Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

Genesis 33:5

¶ And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who [are] those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.