1 Chronicles 25:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

All these were under the hands {H3027} of their father {H1} for song {H7892} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, with cymbals {H4700}, psalteries {H5035}, and harps {H3658}, for the service {H5656} of the house {H1004} of God {H430}, according to the king's {H4428} order {H3027} to Asaph {H623}, Jeduthun {H3038}, and Heman {H1968}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were all with their fathers Asaf, Y'dutun and Heman to sing with cymbals, lutes and lyres in the house of ADONAI, serving in the house of God under the direction of the king.

Berean Standard Bible

All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king.

American Standard Version

All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of Jehovah, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God; Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 25:6 meticulously details the divinely ordained organization of musical worship within the Israelite temple, specifically highlighting the Levite musicians who served under the direct authority and training of their fathers. This verse underscores the hereditary nature of this sacred ministry, specifying the instruments—cymbals, psalteries, and harps—used for praise in the house of the LORD, all established according to King David's precise instructions to the prominent worship leaders Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. It portrays a highly structured and dedicated system of worship, emphasizing excellence, continuity, and obedience to both royal and divine command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-27) that meticulously outlines King David's comprehensive administrative preparations for the future temple in Jerusalem. Although David was not permitted to build the temple himself, he laid the groundwork for its operation, including the intricate system of Levitical service. Chapter 23 introduces the general organization of the Levites, while chapter 24 details the divisions of the priests. Chapter 25, where our verse resides, specifically focuses on the divisions of the musicians, emphasizing their prophetic and praising roles. The preceding verses [1 Chronicles 25:1-5](/1_chronicles/25-1-5 "1 Chronicles 25:1-5 - Divisions of the Musicians") introduce Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman as the principal leaders of these musical guilds, listing their sons who were also appointed for this sacred service. Thus, 1 Chronicles 25:6 serves as a summary statement, affirming the collective involvement and hereditary training of these musicians under their fathers' tutelage for the specific purpose of temple worship, thereby reinforcing the continuity and divine sanction of this ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) marked a pivotal era for Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the political and religious capital. While the tabernacle had served as the central place of worship for centuries, David envisioned a permanent temple, a grand structure worthy of God's dwelling. His meticulous organization of the Levites, including the musicians, reflects a broader cultural understanding of worship as a highly disciplined and professionalized endeavor, not merely spontaneous expression. Music played a fundamental role in ancient Near Eastern cultic practices, often involving trained personnel and specific instruments. The hereditary nature of the Levitical service was a long-standing tradition, ensuring theological continuity and the preservation of specialized skills across generations. David's "order" (מִצְוַת הַמֶּלֶךְ, `mitzvat hammélekh`) was not merely a royal decree but was understood to be divinely inspired, reflecting the king's role as God's chosen leader in establishing proper worship. This context highlights the profound theological significance attached to the temple service and the music within it, positioning it as an integral part of Israel's national and spiritual identity.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 25:6 contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Organized and Intentional Worship**. David's meticulous planning for the temple, including the detailed musical arrangements, underscores that worship is not haphazard but a structured, disciplined, and purposeful act, reflecting the order and majesty of God. This is evident throughout the Chronicler's emphasis on proper worship, as seen in David's preparations for the temple in [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Hereditary Nature of Sacred Service**. The phrase "under the hands of their father" emphasizes the generational passing down of spiritual and practical training, ensuring continuity and excellence in the Levitical ministry, a principle also seen in the priestly lines in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of the Priests"). Thirdly, the mention of specific instruments—cymbals, psalteries, and harps—points to the **Centrality and Richness of Music in Worship**, showcasing a vibrant and diverse soundscape designed to glorify God. Finally, the phrase "according to the king's order" reinforces the theme of **Obedience to Divinely Appointed Authority**. David's directives, particularly concerning temple service, were understood as carrying divine sanction, establishing a pattern for faithful adherence to God's will as mediated through His chosen leaders, a concept frequently seen in the Chronicler's portrayal of righteous kings, such as Hezekiah's reforms in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The term `יָד` (`yâd`) literally means "hand," but as seen in its broad Strong's definition, it carries a vast array of figurative meanings, including power, authority, direction, and means. In the phrase "under the hands of their father," it signifies the direct supervision, tutelage, and authority exercised by the fathers over their sons in their musical training and service. This implies not just physical presence but active instruction, discipline, and the transmission of skills and spiritual heritage, indicating a comprehensive mentorship.
* **song (Hebrew, _shîyr'_):** The Hebrew word `שִׁיר` (`shîyr`) refers specifically to a "song" or "singing," often in a context of praise or worship. Here, it denotes the primary function of these Levite musicians: to provide vocal and instrumental music as an act of worship. This highlights that music was not merely an accompaniment but a central and intentional form of expression in the temple service, a direct offering of praise to the LORD.
* **service (Hebrew, _ʿăbôdâh'_):** The term `עֲבֹדָה` (`ʿăbôdâh`) is rich in meaning, encompassing "work," "labor," "ministry," and specifically "service" in a cultic or religious context. It elevates the musicians' role beyond mere performance to a sacred duty, a form of active worship and ministry consecrated to God. This emphasizes that their musical endeavors were not for entertainment but were a dedicated, ritualistic activity performed as an integral part of the temple's operations and God-ordained worship, signifying a profound commitment and purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All these [were] under the hands of their father for song [in] the house of the LORD":** This clause establishes the foundational structure of the Levitical musical ministry, emphasizing its hereditary nature and intergenerational training. "All these" refers to the sons of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman, as listed in the preceding verses. Being "under the hands of their father" signifies direct tutelage, authority, and the passing down of both musical skills and spiritual heritage from one generation to the next. This implies a rigorous apprenticeship where proficiency, discipline, and theological understanding were instilled from a young age. Their primary purpose was "for song," indicating that vocal and instrumental music was central to their inherited ministry within the "house of the LORD," the sacred dwelling place of God.
* **"with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God":** This specifies the instruments employed in their musical worship, painting a vivid picture of the temple's soundscape. "Cymbals" (מְצִלְתַּיִם, `metziltayim`) provided rhythmic punctuation; "psalteries" (נְבָלִים, `nevalim`) were stringed instruments, likely lyres or harps of a particular type; and "harps" (כִּנֹּרוֹת, `kinnorot`) were also stringed, perhaps larger or distinct in form. The inclusion of these instruments points to a rich, diverse, and full orchestral sound. The reiteration "for the service of the house of God" reinforces that this musical activity was not for human entertainment but was a dedicated, sacred `ʿăbôdâh` (service) performed as an integral part of the temple's operations and God-ordained worship.
* **"according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.":** This final clause establishes the ultimate authority and divine sanction behind the organization of this elaborate musical ministry. King David, acting under divine inspiration and guidance, issued the specific "order" or command that governed these arrangements. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were the principal Levitical leaders, chosen by David to oversee and implement these musical divisions. This highlights the top-down, authoritative, and divinely sanctioned nature of the temple's worship structure, ensuring order, excellence, and adherence to God's prescribed ways, and underscoring David's role as a faithful steward of God's will for His people's worship.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's account in 1 Chronicles 25:6 employs several literary devices to convey its message with precision and emphasis. **Enumeration** is evident in the listing of specific musical instruments ("cymbals, psalteries, and harps"), which provides concrete detail and emphasizes the richness and variety of the temple's musical offerings, suggesting a complete and well-equipped ensemble. The phrase "under the hands of their father" serves as **Metonymy**, where "hands" represents the authority, training, and direct supervision of the fathers over their sons, signifying the hereditary transmission of the sacred musical craft and the continuity of the Levitical tradition. There is also a strong sense of **Emphasis** on order and authority, highlighted by the repeated references to the sacred space ("house of the LORD," "house of God") and the explicit mention of "the king's order," which attributes the entire elaborate system to David's divinely inspired leadership. This meticulous detailing and emphasis on structure reflect the Chronicler's overarching theological agenda: to demonstrate the importance of proper, ordered worship as central to Israel's faithfulness and God's blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 25:6 profoundly shapes our understanding of worship as a structured, intentional, and dedicated service to God, not a casual or spontaneous activity. It reveals that excellence, discipline, and generational commitment are integral to offering fitting praise. The hereditary nature of the musical ministry underscores the importance of training, discipleship, and passing on spiritual heritage. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes that true worship is conducted according to divine order, mediated through appointed leadership, ensuring that human efforts align with God's will. This commitment to ordered worship reflects God's character as a God of order, beauty, and holiness, who desires His people to approach Him with reverence and skill. The Chronicler's emphasis here serves as a powerful reminder that all aspects of our lives, especially our worship, should be offered with intentionality and dedication, reflecting the high value God places on our service.

* [Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30-35 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Bezalel and Oholiab, Gifted for Service")
* [Psalm 33:1-3](/psalm/33-1-3 "Psalm 33:1-3 - Praise the Lord with Music")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 25:6 provides a profound blueprint for our understanding and practice of worship today. It challenges the notion that worship is merely an emotional outburst or a casual gathering; rather, it is a sacred "service" (`ʿăbôdâh`), demanding intentionality, skill, and dedication. The commitment of these Levite musicians, trained from childhood and serving generationally under the leadership of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman, exemplifies a deep devotion to God and His house. For contemporary believers, this verse calls us to consider how we offer our gifts and talents in service to God. Whether in music, teaching, administration, or any other area, we are encouraged to pursue excellence, to be trained and disicipled, and to honor the established order within the church. Our worship, both corporate and individual, should reflect the understanding that we are participating in something holy and significant, a direct offering to the Almighty God, flowing from His gracious provision and command. It reminds us that every act of service, when done with a heart devoted to God and in accordance with His principles, becomes an act of worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "service" in 1 Chronicles 25:6 reshape your understanding of worship beyond mere singing or listening?**
* **In what ways can you, like the Levite musicians, commit to developing your gifts with excellence and dedication for the "service of the house of God" (the church)?**
* **What does the "king's order" teach us about the importance of order and leadership in corporate worship today?**
* **How can we foster a spirit of intergenerational training and mentorship in our churches, passing on spiritual and practical wisdom for serving God?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "king's order" in organizing temple worship?**

Answer: The "king's order" (מִצְוַת הַמֶּלֶךְ, `mitzvat hammélekh`) was profoundly significant because it represented David's divinely inspired authority in establishing the structure and personnel for temple worship. For the Chronicler, David was not merely a political ruler but God's chosen instrument to prepare for and organize the worship of the future temple. This order ensured that the intricate musical system, along with other Levitical duties, was not a human invention but part of a divinely sanctioned blueprint for proper worship. It established a precedent for ordered, intentional, and authoritative worship, emphasizing that even the most artistic expressions were to be conducted according to God's revealed will, as mediated through His anointed leader. This highlights the importance of submitting to proper spiritual authority in the administration of God's house, a theme seen in how later kings like Hezekiah restored worship "according to the commandment of David" ([2 Chronicles 29:25](/2_chronicles/29-25 "2 Chronicles 29:25 - Hezekiah Restores Worship")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 25:6 details the Old Covenant system of structured worship, its ultimate fulfillment and transformation are found in Christ. The elaborate musical service in the temple, with its dedicated Levites and specific instruments, pointed forward to the perfect worship offered by Jesus. He is the ultimate "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whose sacrifice fulfills all temple rituals, including the very concept of "service" (`ʿăbôdâh`). In the New Covenant, the physical temple and its specific musical guilds are superseded by the spiritual temple, which is the body of believers ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Every believer, through Christ, becomes a priest, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Holy Priesthood")). The "song in the house of the LORD" now finds its truest expression in the corporate worship of the church, where believers are exhorted to "sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God" ([Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word Dwell Richly")). The order established by King David, a foreshadowing of the perfect King, Jesus, gives way to the new order where Christ Himself is the Head of the Church, guiding all worship and service. Our worship, empowered by the Spirit, is no longer limited to a physical building or a hereditary caste but is a joyful, Spirit-filled offering from all who are "in Christ" ([Ephesians 5:19-20](/ephesians/5-19-20 "Ephesians 5:19-20 - Singing and Giving Thanks")).

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 25:1

¶ 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:

1 Chronicles 25:3

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.

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

1 Chronicles 15:22

And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, [was] for song: he instructed about the song, because he [was] skilful.

Psalms 68:25

The singers went before, the players on instruments [followed] after; among [them were] the damsels playing with timbrels.

1 Chronicles 23:5

Moreover four thousand [were] porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, [said David], to praise [therewith].

1 Chronicles 15:16

And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren [to be] the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.