1 Chronicles 6:32

And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and [then] they waited on their office according to their order.

And they ministered {H8334} before {H6440} the dwelling {H4908} place of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150} with singing {H7892}, until Solomon {H8010} had built {H1129} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} in Jerusalem {H3389}: and then they waited {H5975} on their office {H5656} according to their order {H4941}.

They served as singers before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, until Shlomo had built the house of ADONAI in Yerushalayim; and they carried out their tasks in a prescribed order.

They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them.

And they ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of Jehovah in Jerusalem: and they waited on their office according to their order.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:32 highlights the dedicated service of the Levitical musicians, specifically the families of Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (also known as Jeduthun), who were appointed by King David for the ministry of music in worship.

Context

This verse is found within a lengthy genealogy of the Levites, tracing their lineage and roles. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 6:31-47) specifically detail the appointment and duties of these prominent worship leaders. Before the construction of the permanent Temple in Jerusalem, Israel's central place of worship was the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary. King David had a profound impact on the organization of worship, including the establishment of elaborate musical ministries. This verse marks a significant transition point in Israel's worship history: the period of service at the Tabernacle giving way to the era of the magnificent Temple built by Solomon in Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Devoted Worship Through Music: The primary role of these Levites was to "minister... with singing," underscoring the vital and continuous role of music and praise in ancient Israelite worship. Their service was not merely ceremonial but an active, joyful expression of devotion.
  • Continuity of Service: The phrase "until Solomon had built the house of the LORD" emphasizes the unwavering commitment of these musicians. Their ministry was constant, enduring through the transition from a temporary dwelling place to a permanent structure. Even after the Temple was built, their service continued, adapting to the new setting.
  • Divine Order and Organization: The concluding phrase, "they waited on their office according to their order," signifies that their ministry was not haphazard but structured and systematic. King David had meticulously organized the Levitical musicians into specific courses and duties, ensuring proper and continuous worship.
  • Transition in Sacred Space: The verse highlights a pivotal moment in Israelite history, moving from the mobile Tabernacle, which symbolized God's presence among His wandering people, to the stationary Temple, which would become the central place of worship for centuries.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "ministered" (ืฉึธืืจึทืช, sharath) implies a devoted and humble service, often in a sacred context. "Singing" (ืฉึดืื™ืจ, shir) denotes the act of praise and musical expression. The term "order" (ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึธึผื˜, mishpat) suggests an established custom, regulation, or prescribed manner of performing their duties, emphasizing the disciplined nature of their worship.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Value of Consistent Worship: Just as the Levites ministered continuously, our worship and service to God should be a consistent and dedicated part of our lives, not just an occasional activity.
  • Music's Role in Praise: The emphasis on "singing" reminds us of the power and importance of music as a means of expressing praise, thanksgiving, and spiritual devotion to God. It can lift spirits and deepen our connection with the divine, as seen throughout the Book of Psalms.
  • Adaptability in Ministry: The Levites adapted their service from the Tabernacle to the Temple. Similarly, ministries and individuals should be open to adapting their methods and contexts while maintaining their core purpose of serving God.
  • Order and Excellence: Serving "according to their order" speaks to the importance of organization, preparation, and excellence in ministry. God is a God of order, and our service should reflect that.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 135:1

    ยถ Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise [him], O ye servants of the LORD.

  • Psalms 135:3

    Praise the LORD; for the LORD [is] good: sing praises unto his name; for [it is] pleasant.

  • Ezra 3:10

    And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.

  • Ezra 3:11

    And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because [he is] good, for his mercy [endureth] for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

  • 1 Chronicles 6:10

    And Johanan begat Azariah, (he [it is] that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)

  • Nehemiah 11:17

    And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, [was] the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

  • Nehemiah 11:23

    For [it was] the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.
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