1 Chronicles 6:31

KJV

¶ And these [are they] whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are they whom David {H1732} set {H5975} over the service {H3027} of song {H7892} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, after that the ark {H727} had rest {H4494}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David appointed them to be in charge of the service of song in the house of ADONAI after the ark had found a permanent resting place.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there.

American Standard Version

And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of Jehovah, after that the ark had rest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 6:31 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's worship history, detailing King David's establishment and formalization of a dedicated musical ministry within the tabernacle. This significant organizational step, explicitly undertaken "after that the ark had rest" in Jerusalem, underscores a new era of stability and centralized worship, providing the essential foundation for structured, beautiful, and reverent expressions of praise to the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First Chronicles 6 serves primarily as a comprehensive genealogy of the Levitical tribe, meticulously tracing their lineage from Aaron to the prominent families responsible for priestly and temple duties. However, the chapter transcends a mere list of names, culminating in a detailed exposition of the specific roles and responsibilities assigned to the Levites, particularly those pertaining to the sacred service of the tabernacle and, prospectively, the Temple. Verse 31 functions as a crucial narrative pivot, transitioning from the ancestral lines—specifically those leading to the chief musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan/Jeduthun—to the practical implementation of their divinely appointed functions. It meticulously sets the stage for the subsequent enumeration of the musical guilds and their precise responsibilities in the verses that follow ([1 Chronicles 6:33-47](/1_chronicles/6-33-47 "1 Chronicles 6:33-47 - The Levitical Musicians")), thereby emphasizing David's direct and intentional involvement in orchestrating this vital sacred ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "after that the ark had rest" serves as a critical historical and theological marker, directly referencing the momentous event described in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David brings the Ark to Jerusalem") where King David successfully brought the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-Jearim to Jerusalem and reverently placed it within a tent he had prepared. Prior to this, the Ark, the tangible symbol of God's manifest presence and covenant with Israel, had endured a period of significant itinerancy and even capture by the Philistines, contributing to a sense of spiritual disarray within the nation. Its secure and permanent placement in Jerusalem heralded a new era of spiritual stability and the centralization of worship, empowering David to meticulously bring order, beauty, and profound reverence to the nation's religious life. Unlike many surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures where music might be associated with pagan cultic rituals or mere entertainment, David's establishment of a dedicated, formal musical service for the LORD elevated it to an integral, sacred, and indispensable component of Israelite worship, profoundly reflecting his own deep personal devotion as a psalmist and worshiper.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the books of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully highlights the theme of **Organized Worship**, showcasing David's meticulous attention to detail in structuring the divine service, ensuring it was not left to chance but was a deliberate, kingly initiative to honor God with the utmost reverence. Secondly, it profoundly underscores **The Importance of Music in Worship**, elevating it to a central and official component of the "house of the LORD," thereby demonstrating its profound role in expressing devotion, praise, and adoration. This aligns with the broader emphasis on joyful praise found in passages like [Psalm 95:1-2](/psalms/95-1-2 "Psalm 95:1-2 - Come, Let Us Sing to the LORD"). Thirdly, the explicit connection to the Ark's "rest" signifies the theme of **Divine Presence and Stability**, illustrating that proper, joyful, and ordered worship flourishes most effectively when God's presence is securely established and honored in a stable environment. Finally, it reinforces the **Levitical Ministry**, foreshadowing their extensive and specialized role as consecrated musicians and gatekeepers in the future Temple, portraying them not merely as performers but as dedicated ministers consecrated to God's service through song, as further detailed in [1 Chronicles 9:33](/1_chronicles/9-33 "1 Chronicles 9:33 - The Levitical Singers' Duties").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **set (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** This word (H5975) is a primitive root meaning "to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry." In this context, it signifies David's authoritative act of formal appointment and establishment. It implies a deliberate, intentional, and structured organization rather than a spontaneous or informal arrangement. This was a royal decree, indicating the importance and official nature of the musical service.
* **service (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This word (H3027) is a primitive word meaning "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),; ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves." While literally "hand," it is used here idiomatically to denote "ministry" or "service," emphasizing that music was not merely an aesthetic addition or entertainment, but a structured, spiritual function, a form of worshipful labor performed by dedicated individuals.
* **rest (Hebrew, _mânôwach'_):** This word (H4494) means "quiet, i.e. (concretely) a settled spot, or (figuratively) a home; (place of) rest." In this context, it signifies the Ark's cessation of wandering and its secure, stable placement in Jerusalem. This stability was crucial; it provided the foundational peace and order necessary for the subsequent development and formalization of organized, public worship. It implies a state of permanence and settledness, allowing for deeper focus on divine service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are they] whom David set over":** This opening clause immediately establishes King David's central, authoritative, and proactive role in organizing the worship life of the nation of Israel. It emphasizes that the subsequent arrangements were not spontaneous or grassroots developments but a deliberate, top-down initiative by the monarch, reflecting his profound personal commitment to the proper and reverent worship of the LORD.
* **"the service of song":** This phrase precisely specifies the particular ministry that David meticulously established: a formalized, dedicated, and consecrated musical service. It underscores that music was considered a vital and integral part of worship, not an optional embellishment or mere entertainment, and was to be performed by designated, skilled individuals as a sacred duty.
* **"in the house of the LORD":** This phrase defines the sacred and centralized location where this newly organized musical service was to take place. While the magnificent permanent Temple had not yet been built by Solomon, "the house of the LORD" here refers to the tent or tabernacle that David had specifically prepared in Jerusalem to reverently house the Ark of the Covenant, marking it as the primary and central sanctuary for Israelite worship at that time.
* **"after that the ark had rest":** This crucial temporal marker directly links the establishment of organized musical worship to the prior, momentous event of the Ark of the Covenant's secure and stable placement in Jerusalem. It profoundly signifies that the stability and centralization of God's manifest presence among His people were essential prerequisites for the flourishing and formalization of public, communal worship, providing the necessary foundational peace and order for such an elaborate and dedicated service.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message effectively. A key device is **Chronological Marker**, specifically the phrase "after that the ark had rest," which firmly situates David's organization of musical worship within a precise historical sequence, highlighting that the stability and secure establishment of God's presence necessarily preceded the formalization of public worship. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** placed on David's personal initiative and kingly authority, underscored by the phrase "whom David set over," which highlights his pivotal and deliberate role in shaping Israel's spiritual life and worship practices. The phrase "service of song" utilizes **Figurative Language** to elevate music beyond mere entertainment or aesthetic addition, transforming it into a sacred, ministerial function, a dedicated form of worshipful labor. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Transition** within the broader narrative of 1 Chronicles 6, moving seamlessly from the genealogical lists of the Levites to their active and specialized roles in worship, thereby providing essential context for the detailed descriptions of the musical guilds that follow. Finally, the **Symbolism** of the Ark, representing God's tangible presence among His people, and the profound stability its "rest" brought, is central to the verse's theological and historical meaning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Chronicles 6:31 powerfully articulates the profound theological principle that orderly, intentional, and beautiful worship is a fitting and necessary response to God's established presence among His people. David's meticulous organization of a dedicated musical service demonstrates that worship is not to be haphazard or spontaneous but a thoughtful, consecrated, and highly valued endeavor. The explicit connection to the Ark's "rest" highlights that genuine and flourishing worship flows from a secure and settled understanding of God's dwelling among His people, fostering an environment where praise can truly abound. This verse lays crucial groundwork for understanding the Levites' indispensable role in facilitating communal worship, emphasizing that various gifts and specialized ministries are essential for the holistic and comprehensive expression of devotion to the LORD. It underscores that music, when consecrated to God, becomes a uniquely powerful vehicle for expressing adoration, teaching divine truth, and fostering profound spiritual connection within the community of faith.

* [2 Samuel 6:17](/2_samuel/6-17 "2 Samuel 6:17 - David brings the Ark to Jerusalem")
* [1 Chronicles 16:4-7](/1_chronicles/16-4-7 "1 Chronicles 16:4-7 - David appoints Levites for musical service and praise")
* [Psalm 150:3-6](/psalms/150-3-6 "Psalm 150:3-6 - A Call to Praise the LORD with Music and Dance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Chronicles 6:31 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers concerning the very nature and practice of worship, both corporate and individual. Just as King David meticulously organized the "service of song" in his day, we are called to approach our worship with intentionality, deep reverence, and unwavering dedication. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that worship is not merely an emotional outlet or a casual gathering, but a structured, consecrated act of profound service to the LORD, demanding our best. It encourages us to deeply value the transformative role of music in expressing heartfelt praise, facilitating spiritual connection, and effectively teaching biblical truth within the community of faith. Furthermore, the emphasis on the Ark having "rest" reminds us that genuine, impactful worship flows from a secure acknowledgment of God's stable and abiding presence in our lives. When we prioritize God's presence, seeking His dwelling among us and within us, our worship becomes more authentic, more vibrant, and more profoundly transformative, shaping us into more dedicated and joyful servants of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's intentional organization of worship challenge my own approach to both personal devotion and corporate worship gatherings?**
* **What specific role does music play in my spiritual life, and how can I more intentionally use it as a powerful vehicle to express praise and deep devotion to God?**
* **In what practical ways do I seek to acknowledge and center God's abiding presence in my daily life, and how does that conscious awareness impact the authenticity and depth of my worship?**
* **How can I view my service within the church, regardless of its specific form or visibility, as a consecrated "service of the LORD" requiring dedication, spiritual preparation, and a heart of worship?**

### FAQ
**Why was David so focused on music in worship?**

Answer: David's profound focus on music in worship stemmed from a combination of his personal gifting and his theological understanding. He was himself a gifted musician and psalmist, intimately familiar with the power of song to express deep emotion, praise, and theological truth, as evidenced by the many psalms attributed to him (e.g., [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The LORD is My Shepherd")). He understood that music could both reflect and shape the spiritual state of the nation, fostering unity and devotion. By formally establishing the "service of song," David elevated music from mere entertainment to a sacred, ministerial function, integral to honoring God's presence and fostering a spirit of fervent devotion among the people. His vision was to bring order, beauty, and reverence to the national worship, reflecting God's own character of order, majesty, and holiness.

**What does "house of the LORD" refer to here, since the Temple wasn't built yet?**

Answer: At the time of 1 Chronicles 6:31, the magnificent permanent Temple built by Solomon had not yet been constructed. Therefore, the "house of the LORD" in this specific context refers to the tent or tabernacle that King David had meticulously prepared in Jerusalem to house the Ark of the Covenant after he successfully brought it to the city. This tent served as the central sanctuary and focal point for Israelite worship before the permanent Temple was erected. It was considered the temporary, yet consecrated, dwelling place of God's presence among His people, making it the appropriate and sacred location for the newly organized "service of song."

**What was the significance of the Ark having "rest"?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant having "rest" was profoundly significant, marking a crucial turning point in Israel's spiritual history. For a long period, the Ark had been itinerant, moving from place to place, and had even suffered the indignity of capture by the Philistines ([1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - The Ark captured by the Philistines")). Its secure and permanent placement in Jerusalem, within the tent David prepared, symbolized the establishment of God's stable and abiding presence among His people in a centralized, chosen location. This stability brought an end to a period of spiritual disarray and wandering, providing the necessary foundational peace and order for the formalization and flourishing of organized, communal worship. It signified a new era of peace, security, and divine favor, allowing David to focus on enhancing the spiritual life and worship practices of the entire nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The establishment of the "service of song" in the "house of the LORD" after the Ark "had rest" in 1 Chronicles 6:31 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Ark, serving as the tangible symbol of God's presence among His people, powerfully foreshadows Christ, who is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God with humanity, the very Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh")). The "house of the LORD," initially the tabernacle and later the Temple, points to Christ as the true Temple, whose body was destroyed and miraculously raised in three days, making way for a new, spiritual temple composed of believers united in Him ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus predicts the destruction and rebuilding of the temple"); [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ the Cornerstone and the New Temple")). The "rest" of the Ark, signifying stability and peace as a prerequisite for worship, is fully realized in Christ, who offers true spiritual rest and peace to all who are weary and burdened and come to Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, all who are weary")). Through His perfect atoning work on the cross, believers are now enabled to worship God not merely in a physical location but "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")), becoming a "royal priesthood" offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Spiritual House and Holy Priesthood"); [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering Sacrifices of Praise")). The "service of song" under David anticipates the new and eternal song of redemption sung by the redeemed to the Lamb, celebrating His worthiness and triumphant victory ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The New Song to the Lamb")), where all of life, empowered by the indwelling Spirit, becomes an unending act of worship and praise to our glorious 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

2 Samuel 6:17

And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

1 Chronicles 16:4

And he appointed [certain] of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:

1 Chronicles 16:6

Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.

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.

1 Chronicles 15:22

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

1 Chronicles 15:25

¶ So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.

1 Chronicles 16:1

¶ So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.