TRV
Translation
King James 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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.
Geneva Bible (1599)
All these were the sonnes of Heman, the Kings Seer in the wordes of God to lift vp the horne: and God gaue to Heman fourtene sonnes and three daughters.
Young's Literal Translation
all these are sons of Heman--seer of the king in the things of God--to lift up a horn; and God giveth to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.
See also
In the KJVVerse 11,052 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25 verses 1–7
1 ¶ Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
2 Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.
3 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.
4 Of Heman: the sons of Heman; Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamtiezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth:
5 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.
6 All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.
7 So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.
Observe, I. Singing the praises of God is here called prophesying (Ch1 25:1-3), not that all those who were employed in this service were honoured with the visions of God, or could foretel things to come. Heman indeed is said to be the king's seer in the words of God (Ch1 25:5); but the psalms they sang were composed by the prophets, and many of them were prophetical; and the edification of the church was intended in it, as well as the glory of God. In Samuel's time singing the praises of God went by the name of prophesying (Sa1 10:5; Sa1 19:20), and perhaps that is intended in what St. Paul calls prophesying, Co1 11:4; Co1 14:24.
II. This is here called a service, and the persons employed in it workmen, Ch1 25:1. Not but that it is the greatest liberty and pleasure to be employed in praising God: what is heaven but that? But it intimates that it is our duty to make a business of it, and stir up all that is within us to it; and that, in our present state of corruption and infirmity, it will not be done as it should be done without labour and struggle. We must take pains with our hearts to bring them, and keep them, to this work, and to engage all that is within us.
III. Here were, in compliance with the temper of that dispensation, a great variety of musical instruments used, harps, psalteries, cymbals (Ch1 25:1, Ch1 25:6), and here was one that lifted up the horn (Ch1 25:5), that is, used wind-music. The bringing of such concerts of music into the worship of God now is what none pretend to. But those who use such concerts for their own entertainment should feel themselves obliged to preserve them always free from any thing that savours of immorality or profaneness, by this consideration, that time was when they were sacred; and then those were justly condemned who brought them into common use, Amo 6:5. They invented to themselves instruments of music like David.
IV. The glory and honour of God were principally intended in all this temple-music, whether vocal or instrumental. It was to give thanks, and praise the Lord, that the singers were employed, Ch1 25:3. It was in the songs of the Lord that they were instructed (Ch1 25:7), that is, for songs in the house of the Lord, Ch1 25:6. This agrees with the intention of the perpetuating of psalmody in the gospel-church, which is to make melody with the heart, in conjunction with the voice, unto the Lord, Eph 5:19.
V. The order of the king is likewise taken notice of, Ch1 25:2 and again Ch1 25:6. In those matters indeed David acted as a prophet; but his taking care for the due and regular observance of divine institutions, both ancient and modern, is an example to all in authority to use their power for the promoting of religion, and the enforcing of the laws of Christ. Let them thus be ministers of God for good.
VI. The fathers presided in this service, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun (Ch1 25:1), and the children were under the hands of their father, Ch1 25:2, Ch1 25:3, Ch1 25:6. This gives a good example to parents to train up their children, and indeed to all seniors to instruct their juniors in the service of God, and particularly in praising him, than which there is no part of our work more necessary or more worthy to be transmitted to the succeeding generations. It gives also an example to the younger to submit themselves to the elder (whose experience and observation fit them for direction), and, as far as may be, to do what they do under their hand. It is probable that Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun, were bred up under Samuel, and had their education in the schools of the prophets which he was the founder and president of; then they were pupils, now they came to be masters. Those that would be eminent must begin early, and take time to prepare themselves. This good work of singing God's praises Samuel revived, and set on foot, but lived not to see it brought to the perfection it appears in here. Solomon perfects what David began, so David perfects what Samuel began. Let all, in their day, do what they can for God and his church, though they cannot carry it so far as they would; when they are gone God can out of stones raise up others who shall build upon their foundation and bring forth the top-stone.
VII. There were others also, besides the sons of these three great men, who are called their brethren (probably because they had been wont to join with them in their private concerts), who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, and were cunning or well skilled therein, Ch1 25:7. They were all Levites and were in number 288. Now, 1. These were a good number, and a competent number to keep up the service in the house of God; for they were all skilful in the work to which they were called. When David the king was so much addicted to divine poesy and music many others, all that had a genius for it, applied their studies and endeavours that way. Those do religion a great deal of good service that bring the exercises of devotion into reputation. 2. Yet these were but a small number in comparison with the 4000 whom David appointed thus to praise the Lord, Ch1 23:5. Where were all the rest when only 288, and those but by twelve in a course, were separated to this service? It is probable that all the rest were divided into as many courses, and were to follow as these led. Or, perhaps, these were for songs in the house of the Lord (Ch1 25:6), with whom any that worshipped in the courts of that house might join; and the rest were disposed of, all the kingdom over, to preside in the country congregations, in this good work: for, though the sacrifices instituted by the hand of Moses might be offered but at one place, the psalms penned by David might be sung every where, Ti1 2:8.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
First Chronicles 25:5 offers a profound insight into the divinely ordained and highly esteemed role of Heman, a principal Levitical musician during King David's reign. The verse highlights 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 underscores 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 and ensuring a multi-generational legacy of devotion.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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 and His provision for the continuity of sacred ministry. 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.
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
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 is also recognized as a prophet in Acts 2:30. This highlights that Heman's art was a profound 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 profoundly articulated in Psalm 127:3. 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, as declared in John 1:1 and Hebrews 1:1-2. 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, referring to His body as stated in John 2:19-21, and the ultimate High Priest, leading humanity in true spiritual worship, as described in Hebrews 4:14-16. 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, echoing the call to present our bodies as living sacrifices in Romans 12:1-2 and to continually offer a sacrifice of praise in Hebrews 13:15. 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, as taught in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, and called to participate in the ongoing worship of God, culminating in the eternal chorus of praise to the Lamb in heaven, beautifully depicted in Revelation 5:9-10. Thus, Heman's ministry serves as a beautiful shadow of the greater reality found in Christ and His redeemed people.