1 Chronicles 6:33

KJV

And these [are] they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are they that waited {H5975} with their children {H1121}. Of the sons {H1121} of the Kohathites {H6956}: Heman {H1968} a singer {H7891}, the son {H1121} of Joel {H3100}, the son {H1121} of Shemuel {H8050},

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who carried out these tasks and their descendants were - starting with descendants of the K'hati - Heman the singer, the son of Yo'el the son of Sh'mu'el,

Berean Standard Bible

These are the men who served, together with their sons. From the Kohathites:

American Standard Version

And these are they that waited, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:33 introduces Heman, a pivotal figure in Israel's sacred music tradition, as a descendant of the Kohathites within the Levitical lineage. This verse is part of an extensive genealogical record that meticulously details the Levites' roles, particularly those consecrated for musical service in the tabernacle and later the Temple. It highlights Heman's specific calling as "a singer" and traces his distinguished ancestry back to Samuel, emphasizing the continuity of divine appointment and the hereditary nature of sacred service within God's covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles chapter 6, a chapter almost entirely dedicated to the genealogies of the tribe of Levi. Following the broader genealogies of Israel in chapters 1-9, the Chronicler devotes significant attention to the Levites, underscoring their crucial role in the tabernacle and Temple worship. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 6:33 falls within a section (vv. 31-48) that lists the chief musicians appointed by King David: Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (or Jeduthun). The meticulous detail of these genealogies serves to establish legitimacy, continuity, and divine order for the post-exilic community, reminding them of their heritage and the proper structure of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed in the post-exilic period (late 5th or early 4th century BC), addressing a community striving to re-establish its identity and religious practices after returning from Babylon. Genealogies were vital in ancient Israel for establishing land rights, tribal affiliation, and, crucially, the legitimacy of priestly and Levitical service. The Levites, as a tribe set apart for temple duties, had specific hereditary responsibilities. Music played an integral role in Israelite worship, not merely as entertainment but as an act of praise and intercession, often led by highly skilled and dedicated individuals like Heman, who inherited their roles.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Hereditary Service and Continuity:** The phrase "waited with their children" powerfully conveys the generational dedication of the Levites to their sacred duties. This service was not a temporary assignment but a lifelong, inherited commitment, ensuring the perpetual performance of worship and duties in the Lord's house. It speaks to the importance of passing on faith and service through families.
* **The Centrality of Worship Music:** Heman's explicit identification as "a singer" underscores the profound significance of music in ancient Israelite worship. He, along with Asaph and Jeduthun, were the principal musicians appointed by King David, responsible for orchestrating and leading the musical praise before the Lord, as further detailed in [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - David Organizes the Temple Musicians"). Their ministry was essential to the vibrancy and order of temple liturgy.
* **Legitimacy and Divine Appointment:** Heman's lineage from the Kohathites, one of the three main Levitical clans, reinforces his hereditary right to serve in the most sacred capacities, as the Kohathites were specifically tasked with carrying the ark and other holy vessels (see [Numbers 4:4](/numbers/4-4 "Numbers 4:4 - Duties of the Kohathites")). Furthermore, his ancestry being traced back to Samuel (Shemuel), the renowned prophet and judge, adds immense prestige and spiritual authority to his position, highlighting the divine appointment and spiritual heritage associated with those consecrated for temple service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **waited (Hebrew, _'amad'_):** This verb carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to stand," "to stand ready," "to attend," or "to serve." In the context of Levitical service, it signifies a posture of constant readiness, active participation, and enduring presence in their assigned roles. It implies a dedicated, unwavering commitment to performing their duties before the Lord in the tabernacle and later the Temple, ensuring that worship and sacred tasks were consistently and properly executed.
* **singer (Hebrew, _mashorer'_):** This term denotes a professional musician, specifically one appointed for sacred service in the Temple. It's not merely someone who sings, but a skilled individual holding a designated, often hereditary, office within the Levitical structure. Heman, as a chief singer, would have been responsible for composing, directing, and leading the musical aspects of Israel's corporate worship, a role of significant spiritual and practical importance.
* **Shemuel (Hebrew, _Shmu'el'_):** This is the Hebrew name for Samuel, the prophet and judge who played a pivotal role in Israel's transition from judges to monarchy. Heman's direct lineage from Samuel, as indicated by "the son of Shemuel," bestows considerable honor and spiritual gravitas upon him. It connects the ministry of temple music directly to the esteemed prophetic tradition, suggesting a continuity of divine anointing and service from the era of prophecy to the organized worship of the Temple.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are] they that waited with their children.":** This opening clause emphasizes the generational nature of the Levitical ministry. "Waited" (from _'amad'_) denotes a posture of dedicated, continuous service and attendance before the Lord. The inclusion of "with their children" highlights that this was not an individual, temporary assignment but a family legacy, passed down through generations, ensuring the perpetuation and continuity of sacred duties within the covenant community.
* **"Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer,":** This identifies Heman's specific clan within the tribe of Levi—the Kohathites. This clan held particular responsibilities, including the care and transport of the most sacred tabernacle articles. Heman's primary role is then specified: "a singer." This designation underscores the vital importance of music in Israelite worship and Heman's specific, professional calling within that ministry, placing him among the chief musicians.
* **"the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,":** This provides Heman's immediate and notable ancestry. His father was Joel, and his grandfather was Shemuel (Samuel). This lineage not only firmly places Heman within the established Levitical genealogies but also connects him directly to one of Israel's most revered figures, Samuel, lending significant prestige and spiritual authority to his position and the ministry of temple music he led.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:33, and indeed throughout much of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. The meticulous listing of lineages serves several crucial functions for the Chronicler's audience. It establishes **Legitimacy**, confirming the right of individuals like Heman to serve in their designated roles based on their ancestral heritage. It emphasizes **Continuity**, demonstrating an unbroken line of service and covenant relationship from the past into the present, particularly vital for a post-exilic community seeking to reconnect with its roots. Furthermore, the detailed genealogical record underscores **Divine Order**, showing that God's plan for His people, including the organization of worship and service, is precise and purposeful. The specific mention of Heman as "a singer" also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where his specific role stands in for the broader, organized ministry of Temple music, highlighting its importance within the Levitical structure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:33, though a seemingly dry genealogical entry, is rich with theological significance. It underscores God's meticulous ordering of His people and His worship. The emphasis on hereditary service and the passing down of spiritual duties from generation to generation speaks to the importance of continuity in faith and the legacy of devotion. It reveals that God values not only the grand acts of kings and prophets but also the faithful, consistent service of those dedicated to the daily routines of worship, like the temple musicians. This verse reminds us that every role, whether prominent or "behind the scenes," contributes to the overall tapestry of God's redemptive plan and the flourishing of His covenant community. It highlights that worship is a central, organized, and essential aspect of God's relationship with His people, requiring dedicated individuals and families.

* [Numbers 3:27-31](/numbers/3-27 "Numbers 3:27-31 - Duties of the Kohathite Clans")
* [1 Chronicles 25:1-8](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1-8 - David Organizes the Musicians")
* [Psalm 88:1](/psalms/88-1 "Psalm 88:1 - A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Heman's story, encapsulated in this brief genealogical note, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His role as a dedicated "singer" from a lineage committed to service reminds us that God calls individuals to diverse ministries within His church, each vital and valued. The concept of "waiting with their children" challenges us to consider our own legacy of faith—are we actively cultivating a spiritual heritage to pass on to the next generation? This verse encourages us to embrace our unique gifts and callings, understanding that consistent, faithful service, even in roles that may seem less prominent, is deeply significant in God's eyes. It underscores the importance of corporate worship, particularly through music, as a powerful means of encountering God and expressing our devotion. We are invited to reflect on our own posture of "waiting" or dedicated readiness to serve the Lord in whatever capacity He has placed us, contributing to the harmonious functioning and spiritual vibrancy of the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the generational commitment of Heman's family challenge or inspire my own commitment to faith and service?**
* **What "behind-the-scenes" roles in my community or church might be just as vital as more visible ministries, and how can I support them?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of "waiting" or dedicated service in my daily life, modeling Heman's posture of readiness before the Lord?**

### FAQ
**Who was Heman, and why is his lineage important?**

Answer: Heman was a prominent Levitical chief musician appointed by King David, responsible for leading the musical aspects of worship in the tabernacle and later the Temple. His lineage is important because it traces him back to the Kohathites, one of the three main Levitical clans with specific sacred duties (e.g., carrying the Ark of the Covenant), and notably, to Samuel, the renowned prophet and judge. This ancestry lends significant prestige, legitimacy, and spiritual authority to Heman's role, emphasizing the divine order and hereditary nature of Temple service.

**What is the significance of the phrase "waited with their children"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the hereditary and generational nature of Levitical service. The Hebrew word for "waited" (_'amad'_) implies standing ready, attending, or serving consistently. Thus, "waited with their children" signifies a continuous, dedicated presence and active participation in their assigned duties, particularly in the tabernacle and later the Temple. It underscores that the sacred service was a family legacy, passed down through generations, ensuring the perpetuation of worship practices and a continuous commitment to the Lord.

**Why does 1 Chronicles emphasize genealogies so much?**

Answer: The Chronicler wrote for a post-exilic community that had returned to Judah and was seeking to re-establish its identity, land claims, and religious practices. Genealogies were crucial for demonstrating continuity with God's covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, and for validating the legitimate roles of priests and Levites in the re-established Temple worship. They provided a sense of rootedness and divine order, assuring the community of God's faithfulness despite their past exile (see [Nehemiah 7:64](/nehemiah/7-64 "Nehemiah 7:64 - Challenges in Re-establishing Lineage") for an example of genealogical importance post-exile).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dedicated, generational service of Heman and the Levitical musicians, meticulously recorded in 1 Chronicles 6:33, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Heman's lineage and role pointed to the necessity of ordered worship and faithful service in the earthly Temple, Christ is the true Temple (see [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), the perfect High Priest who offered the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice (as detailed in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The Levitical system, with its hereditary priests and musicians, served as a shadow of the perfect worship inaugurated by Christ. Through His atoning work, all believers are now made part of a "royal priesthood" (as declared in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. Our worship is no longer confined to a physical temple or dependent on a specific lineage, but is offered "in spirit and truth" (as taught in [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")) through our access to God by our great High Priest, Jesus Christ (see [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). He fulfills the longing for perfect service and worship, inviting us into His eternal ministry of praise and intercession.

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 6:28

And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah.

1 Chronicles 15:17

So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;

1 Samuel 1:28

Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

1 Samuel 1:20

Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, [saying], Because I have asked him of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 5:12

Also the Levites [which were] the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, [being] arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)

Psalms 88:1

¶ A Song [or] Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day [and] night before thee:

1 Chronicles 16:41

And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy [endureth] for ever;