TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
the son of Yitz'har, the son of K'hat, the son of Levi, the son of Isra'el.
American Standard Version
the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.
World English Bible Messianic
the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The sonne of Izhar, the sonne of Kohath, the sonne of Leui, the sonne of Israel.
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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 6 verses 31–53
31 ¶ And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.
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.
33 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,
34 The son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,
35 The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai,
36 The son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,
37 The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,
38 The son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.
39 And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,
40 The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah,
41 The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah,
42 The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,
43 The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.
44 And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,
45 The son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah,
46 The son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shamer,
47 The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.
48 Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.
49 But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, and were appointed for all the work of the place most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.
50 And these are the sons of Aaron; Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,
51 Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son,
52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son,
53 Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son.
When the Levites were first ordained in the wilderness much of the work then appointed them lay in carrying and taking care of the tabernacle and the utensils of it, while they were in their march through the wilderness. In David's time their number was increased; and, though the greater part of them was dispersed all the nation over, to teach the people the good knowledge of the Lord, yet those that attended the house of God were so numerous that there was not constant work for them all; and therefore David, by special commission and direction from God, new-modelled the Levites, as we shall find in the latter part of this book. Here we are told what the work was which he assigned them.
I. Singing-work, Ch1 6:31. David was raised up on high to be the sweet psalmist of Israel (Sa2 23:1), not only to pen psalms, but to appoint the singing of them in the house of the Lord (not so much because he was musical as because he was devout), and this he did after that the ark had rest. While that was in captivity, obscure, and unsettled, the harps were hung upon the willow-trees: singing was then thought unseasonable (when the bridegroom is taken away they shall fast); but the harps being resumed, and the songs revived, at the bringing up of the ark, they were continued afterwards. For we should rejoice as much in the prolonging of our spiritual privileges as in the restoring of them. When the service of the ark was much superseded by its rest they had other work cut out for them (for Levites should never be idle) and were employed in the service of song. Thus when the people of God come to the rest which remains for them above they shall take leave of all their burdens and be employed in everlasting songs. These singers kept up that service in the tabernacle till the temple was built, and then they waited on their office there, Ch1 6:32. When they came to that stately magnificent house they kept as close both to their office and to their order as they had done in the tabernacle. It is a pity that the preferment of the Levites should ever make them remiss in their business. We have here an account of the three great masters who were employed in the service of the sacred song, with their respective families; for they waited with their children, that is, such as descended from them or were allied to them, Ch1 6:33. Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were the three that were appointed to this service, one of each of the three houses of the Levites, that there might be an equality in the distribution of this work and honour, and that every one might know his post, such an admirable order was there in this choir service. 1. Of the house of Kohath was Heman with his family (Ch1 6:33), a man of a sorrowful spirit, if it be the same Heman that penned the 88th psalm, and yet a singer. He was the grandson of Samuel the prophet, the son of Joel, of whom it is said that he walked not in the ways of Samuel (Sa1 8:2, Sa1 8:3); but it seems, though the son did not, the grandson did. Thus does the blessing entailed on the seed of the upright sometimes pass over one generation and fasten upon the next. And this Heman, though the grandson of that mighty prince, did not think it below him to be a precentor in the house of God. David himself was willing to be a door-keeper. Rather we may look upon this preferment of the grandson in the church as a recompense for the humble modest resignation which the grandfather made of his authority in the state. Many such ways God has of making up his people's losses and balancing their disgraces. Perhaps David, in making Heman the chief, had some respect to his old friend Samuel. 2. Of the house of Gershom was Asaph, called his brother, because in the same office and of the same tribe, though of another family. He was posted on Heman's right hand in the choir, Ch1 6:39. Several of the psalms bear his name, being either penned by him or tuned by him as the chief musician. It is plain that he was the penman of some psalms; for we read of those that praised the Lord in the words of David and of Asaph. He was a seer as well as a singer, Ch2 29:30. His pedigree is traced up here, through names utterly unknown, as high as Levi, Ch1 6:39-43. 3. Of the house of Merari was Ethan (Ch1 6:44), who was appointed to Heman's left hand. His pedigree is also traced up to Levi, Ch1 6:47. If these were the Heman and Ethan that penned the 88th and 89th psalms, there appears no reason here why they should be called Ezrahites (see the titles of those psalms), as there does why those should be called so who are mentioned Ch1 2:6, and who were the sons of Zerah.
II. There was serving-work, abundance of service to be done in the tabernacle of the house of God (Ch1 6:48), to provide water and fuel, - to wash and sweep, and carry out ashes, - to kill, and flay, and boil the sacrifices; and to all such services there were Levites appointed, those of other families, or perhaps those that were not fit to be singers, that had either no good voice or no good ear. As every one has received the gift, so let him minister. Those that could not sing must not therefore be laid aside as good for nothing; though they were not fit for that service, there was other service they might be useful in.
III. There was sacrificing-work, and that was to be done by the priests only, Ch1 6:49. They only were to sprinkle the blood and burn the incense; as for the work of the most holy place, that was to be done by the high priest only. Each had his work, and they both needed one another and both helped one another in it. Concerning the work of the priests we are here told, 1. What was the end they were to have in their eye. They were to make an atonement for Israel, to mediate between the people and God; not to magnify and enrich themselves, but to serve the public. They were ordained for men. 2. What was the rule they were to have in their eye. They presided in God's house, yet must do as they were bidden, according to all that God commanded. That law the highest are subject to.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 31–53. Public domain.
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Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON FIRST CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:38 provides a concise yet profoundly significant segment of the extensive genealogical record of the Levites, specifically tracing a portion of the lineage of Heman, one of King David's chief temple musicians. This verse meticulously connects Heman's ancestry through Izhar and Kohath back to Levi, the progenitor of the priestly and service tribe, and ultimately to Israel, the patriarch Jacob. It underscores the foundational importance of heritage and divine order in ancient Israelite society, establishing identity, tribal affiliation, and the qualifications for sacred service within God's covenant community.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 6:38 is Genealogy itself, which functions as a purposeful literary form. Genealogies in biblical texts are not mere lists; they are purposeful narratives that establish legitimacy, demonstrate continuity, underscore divine faithfulness, and highlight key individuals within a historical and theological framework. The repetitive structure, using Anaphora with the phrase "the son of," creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent and the meticulous record-keeping. This repetition serves to reinforce the authority and authenticity of the lineage, assuring the reader of the individual's rightful place within the community and their qualification for sacred service. The concise nature of the verse, a form of Conciseness, allows it to function as a building block within a much larger, intricate structure of family trees, contributing to the Chronicler's overarching goal of demonstrating God's faithfulness through history and providing a stable foundation for the post-exilic community.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple genealogical entry carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's meticulous attention to detail in His covenant dealings with Israel. It speaks to the divine order established for worship and service, where lineage was not merely a matter of human record but a reflection of God's sovereign design for His people. The preservation of these lines, especially for the Levites, demonstrates God's faithfulness in maintaining the structures necessary for His presence among His people and for the continuation of proper worship. This verse reminds us that God works through generations, fulfilling His promises through specific individuals and families chosen for particular purposes within His grand redemptive narrative, ensuring continuity and purpose even through periods of upheaval and exile.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 6:38 is a historical record of lineage, its underlying principles offer timeless insights for contemporary believers. It invites us to consider the significance of our own spiritual heritage, recognizing that through faith in Christ, we are grafted into a divine family, becoming children of God and co-heirs with Christ. Just as Heman's lineage qualified him for sacred service, our identity in Christ empowers us for spiritual service within His body, the Church. This verse encourages us to appreciate God's meticulous care, acknowledging that every detail of our lives—our heritage, our gifts, and our calling—is known and purposed by Him. It challenges us to live in a manner worthy of our spiritual inheritance, faithfully fulfilling the unique roles God has prepared for us, contributing to the larger narrative of His kingdom with diligence, devotion, and a profound sense of belonging.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are genealogies so prevalent and important in biblical texts like 1 Chronicles?
Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple crucial purposes beyond simply listing family trees. They establish legitimacy and authority, particularly for kings, priests, and prophets, ensuring their right to hold specific offices or roles. They demonstrate the continuity of God's covenant promises, showing how His plans unfold through generations, such as the lineage leading to the Messiah. Genealogies also preserve tribal and family identity, which was vital for land inheritance, social structure, and maintaining the distinctiveness of the Israelite people. For the post-exilic community, as was the case for the Chronicler's audience, these records provided a sense of continuity with their past and a basis for rebuilding their national and religious life, reinforcing that God's covenant with Israel remained intact despite the exile, as seen in the careful records of those returning to Jerusalem in Ezra 2:59-63.
What is the significance of Heman's lineage being traced back to Levi and Israel in this verse?
Answer: Tracing Heman's lineage back to Levi is paramount because it establishes his qualification and legitimacy for his role as a chief temple musician. Only descendants of Levi were permitted to serve in the Tabernacle and Temple, performing the sacred duties of worship. This lineage confirms that Heman, a Kohathite, was part of the divinely appointed tribe for service. Connecting him further back to "Israel" (Jacob) roots his identity and service within the very foundation of God's chosen nation. It signifies that Heman's ministry was not merely a human appointment but part of God's larger, historical plan for His covenant people, emphasizing the sacred and national importance of his work in temple worship, as highlighted by David's careful organization of these roles in 1 Chronicles 6:31-32.
How does this verse, part of a seemingly "dry" list, offer spiritual nourishment?
Answer: While a genealogical list may appear dry, 1 Chronicles 6:38 offers profound spiritual nourishment by revealing God's character and His meticulous engagement with humanity. It demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving lineages and fulfilling His promises across generations. It highlights the divine order in His kingdom, where every individual has a place and purpose, just as Heman's specific lineage qualified him for his vital role in worship. This verse reminds us that God cares about details and that our own lives, our heritage, and our calling are part of His grand, unfolding narrative. It encourages us to find our identity and purpose not in human achievements alone, but in our connection to God's eternal plan, much like the Israelites found theirs in their divinely ordained heritage. This resonates with the New Testament truth that we are "God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 6:38 meticulously details a Levitical lineage for temple service, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning are found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of genealogies in the Old Testament, including those of the Levites, ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in preparing the way for the Messiah. Although Jesus did not descend from Levi but from the tribe of Judah (Hebrews 7:14), He fulfills and transcends the Levitical priesthood. As our Great High Priest, Jesus offers a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical system (Hebrews 9:11-14). He is the true Temple (John 2:19-21), the ultimate place where God dwells and where humanity can meet Him, making physical lineage for access to God obsolete. Furthermore, through Christ, believers are grafted into a new, spiritual lineage, becoming children of God by faith (Galatians 3:26-29) and a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), fulfilling the purpose of the Old Testament priesthood in a new and greater way by enabling all believers to draw near to God. Thus, the emphasis on lineage and qualification for service in 1 Chronicles 6:38 finds its perfect and eternal culmination in the person and work of Jesus, who makes all believers part of His holy nation, called to proclaim His excellencies.