1 Chronicles 25:8

ยถ And they cast lots, ward against [ward], as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

And they cast {H5307} lots {H1486}, ward {H4931} against {H5980} ward, as well the small {H6996} as the great {H1419}, the teacher {H995} as the scholar {H8527}.

Whether great or small, teacher or talmid, they cast lots for their term of duty.

They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil.

And they cast lots for their offices, all alike, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 25:8 describes the method used by King David and his officials to organize the extensive body of Levitical musicians and singers for service in the tabernacle, a precursor to the future temple. This verse specifically highlights the impartial way duties were assigned among them.

Context

Chapter 25 of 1 Chronicles details King David's meticulous organization of the Levites into twenty-four divisions for musical service in the house of the Lord. This was part of a larger effort to establish orderly and continuous worship before the Ark of the Covenant, anticipating the construction of Solomon's Temple. The preceding verses introduce the families and their roles, and verse 8 explains how these numerous participants were assigned their specific "wards" or shifts through the casting of lots, ensuring an unbiased distribution of duties.

Key Themes

  • Impartiality and Equality in Service: The phrase "as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar" underscores that no one was exempt from the process of casting lots, nor did anyone receive preferential treatment based on age, status, or skill. This ensured fairness and humility among all those dedicated to God's service.
  • Divine Order and Guidance: "They cast lots" was a common biblical practice for making significant decisions, believed to reveal God's will. In this context, it ensured an unbiased and divinely-sanctioned distribution of duties among the Levitical divisions, bringing order to the vast musical ministry and the sanctuary service.
  • Dedicated and Organized Worship: The detailed organization of musicians, singers, and gatekeepers throughout 1 Chronicles reflects David's profound commitment to establishing a structured and continuous system of worship, emphasizing excellence and devotion in service to God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cast lots" comes from the Hebrew word goral (ื’ึผื•ึนืจึธืœ), which refers to a lot or portion, often used to determine destiny or division. This method was widely accepted in ancient Israel as a way to allow divine providence to guide decisions, as seen in the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes. The term "ward" (Hebrew: mishmeret) signifies a watch, charge, or duty, referring to the assigned shifts or divisions of service for the temple musicians.

Practical Application

This verse provides valuable insights for contemporary believers and church communities:

  • Humility in Service: Regardless of our spiritual gifts, experience, or perceived importance, we are all called to serve with humility. The "small" and the "great" are equally subject to God's call and the needs of the community.
  • Fairness and Order: The principle of impartial distribution of duties encourages churches and organizations to establish fair and transparent processes for assigning roles and responsibilities, promoting unity and preventing favoritism.
  • God's Sovereignty in Our Callings: Just as the casting of lots was seen as divinely guided in Old Testament times, we can trust that God sovereignly orchestrates our roles and opportunities to serve within His kingdom. Even when decisions seem random or beyond our control, we can believe in His overarching plan, much like the early church trusted God's guidance in selecting Matthias to replace Judas, as recorded in Acts 1:26.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 26:13

    And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.

  • Proverbs 16:33

    ยถ The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:16

    To Shuppim and Hosah [the lot came forth] westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.

  • Leviticus 16:8

    And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.

  • 1 Samuel 14:41

    Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect [lot]. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.

  • 1 Samuel 14:42

    And Saul said, Cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.

  • Nehemiah 12:24

    And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise [and] to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.
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