1 Chronicles 6:39

KJV

And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, [even] Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,

KJV (with Strong's)

And his brother {H251} Asaph {H623}, who stood {H5975} on his right hand {H3225}, even Asaph {H623} the son {H1121} of Berachiah {H1296}, the son {H1121} of Shimea {H8092},

Complete Jewish Bible

His brother Asaf, who stood on his right, was Asaf the son of Berekhyah, the son of Shim'a,

Berean Standard Bible

Heman’s kinsman was Asaph, who served at his right hand:

American Standard Version

And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:39 introduces Asaph, a prominent Levite and one of the three chief musicians appointed by King David to lead the organized worship in the tabernacle, a role that would continue in the Temple. This verse specifically highlights his close association and position of honor alongside Heman, another principal musician, and traces his lineage, thereby affirming his legitimate and divinely ordained place within Israel's sacred musical ministry. It underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on the structured and dedicated nature of worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a lengthy and detailed genealogy of the Levites in [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Levitical Genealogies and Priestly Lineage"). Specifically, it follows the enumeration of the Kohathite lineage, culminating in Heman, who is identified as a chief musician ([1 Chronicles 6:33](/1_chronicles/6-33 "1 Chronicles 6:33 - Heman, the Musician")). Verses [1 Chronicles 6:31-32](/1_chronicles/6-31 "1 Chronicles 6:31-32 - David Appoints Musicians") explicitly state David's appointment of these musicians for service before the tabernacle, leading up to the construction of the Temple. The Chronicler meticulously lists the genealogies of Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (also known as Jeduthun) to establish their rightful authority and hereditary role in the temple music, emphasizing the continuity and divine order of their service. This detailed account serves to legitimize the post-exilic temple worship practices by rooting them in the foundational acts of David.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this verse is the early monarchical period in Israel, during the reign of King David (c. 1000 BC). David was instrumental in consolidating the nation and centralizing its worship in Jerusalem. Prior to this, worship was often more decentralized. David's organization of the Levites into divisions for various temple services, including music, was a monumental undertaking, signifying a new era of structured and elaborate communal worship. The "right hand" in ancient Near Eastern cultures universally symbolized a position of honor, authority, strength, and close association. To stand at someone's right hand meant to be their trusted confidant, co-worker, or even successor. This cultural understanding illuminates Asaph's significant status relative to Heman, indicating he was not merely a subordinate but a co-equal in leadership within the musical guild.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes evinced in [1 Chronicles 6:39](/1_chronicles/6-39 "1 Chronicles 6:39 - Asaph, the Chief Musician") and its immediate context include the **divine appointment and organization of worship**. David's meticulous arrangements for the musical ministry reflect a belief that worship should be intentional, skilled, and orderly, not haphazard. Another key theme is the **importance of lineage and hereditary service** among the Levites, underscoring the Chronicler's concern for legitimate authority and continuity in sacred roles. The detailed genealogies, such as the one for Asaph, serve to validate the roles of those serving in the post-exilic temple by connecting them directly to the foundational period of David. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **legacy and enduring influence**, as Asaph would become the progenitor of a renowned guild of temple musicians and contribute significantly to Israel's hymnal, as seen in the psalms attributed to him (e.g., [Psalm 50](/psalms/50 "Psalm 50 - A Psalm of Asaph") and [Psalms 73-83](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - A Psalm of Asaph")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Asaph (Hebrew, _'Āsāph'_):** The name means "collector" or "gatherer." In the context of 1 Chronicles, Asaph is not merely a genealogical name but refers to a highly significant individual who, along with Heman and Jeduthun, was appointed by King David to lead the musical worship in the tabernacle, and later the Temple. He became the patriarch of a prominent guild of temple musicians, "the sons of Asaph," who continued to serve for generations, even after the exile. His legacy is further cemented by the attribution of twelve psalms to him, indicating his profound contribution to Israel's liturgical and spiritual life.
* **stood on his right hand (Hebrew, עַל יָמִינוֹ, _'al yāminō'_):** This idiomatic phrase is crucial for understanding Asaph's position. It literally means "on his right." In ancient cultures, the right hand was universally associated with honor, authority, strength, and favor. To stand "on the right hand" of another, especially a superior or co-leader, signified a position of immense trust, close partnership, and co-leadership, rather than mere subordination. It implies that Asaph was Heman's principal assistant and co-equal in the leadership of the musical ministry, sharing in the responsibility and prestige of this vital role in Israel's worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his brother Asaph,"**: This clause immediately connects Asaph to Heman, who was introduced in the preceding verses as a chief musician. The term "brother" here likely refers to a fellow Levite or a close associate within the musical guild, rather than a literal sibling, as they belonged to different Levitical families (Heman from Kohath, Asaph from Gershon). This connection emphasizes their shared calling and collaborative role in the worship leadership.
* **"who stood on his right hand,"**: This phrase is the most significant part of the verse, conveying Asaph's esteemed position. It signifies that Asaph held a place of honor, trust, and co-leadership alongside Heman. He was not merely a subordinate but a principal figure, sharing in the authority and responsibility of organizing and leading the complex musical ministries of the tabernacle and future temple. This positioning underscores his importance in David's meticulously planned worship structure.
* **"[even] Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,"**: This final clause provides Asaph's direct lineage, tracing his ancestry back through Berachiah and Shimea. This genealogical detail is characteristic of the Chronicler's writing, serving to establish Asaph's legitimate Levitical credentials and his hereditary right to serve in this sacred capacity. It reinforces the divine order and continuity of the musical ministry through established family lines.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 6:39](/1_chronicles/6-39 "1 Chronicles 6:39 - Asaph's Role in Worship") is **Genealogy**. The Chronicler meticulously lists lineages, not just for historical record, but to establish legitimacy, divine appointment, and the continuity of roles within the Levitical priesthood and temple service. This verse is a concise example of how genealogy anchors individuals within a divinely ordained structure. Furthermore, the phrase "stood on his right hand" employs **Symbolism**. The "right hand" is a powerful symbol throughout the Bible and ancient Near Eastern cultures, representing honor, authority, strength, and favor. Its use here elevates Asaph's status beyond a mere assistant to a co-leader of significant standing. Finally, the repetition of "Asaph" in the verse, first as "his brother Asaph" and then "Asaph the son of Berachiah," serves as a form of **Emphasis**, ensuring the reader fully grasps the identity and importance of this particular individual within the broader Levitical record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:39, though a brief genealogical entry, profoundly illustrates the biblical emphasis on ordered and intentional worship. It reveals that God values not only the heart of worship but also its structure, skill, and dedication. The appointment of Asaph and others by David underscores the principle that sacred service is a divine calling, often passed down through generations, requiring specific qualifications and commitment. This meticulous organization of musical ministry reflects a broader theological truth: God is a God of order, and His worship should reflect His character. The prominence given to musicians like Asaph highlights the integral role of music in expressing praise, lament, and instruction within the community of faith, setting a precedent for the rich tradition of Israel's hymnal and liturgical practices that continue to nourish believers today.

* [1 Chronicles 16:4-7](/1_chronicles/16-4 "1 Chronicles 16:4-7 - David Appoints Levites for Worship") - David appoints Levites, including Asaph, to minister before the ark with music.
* [Psalm 73:1](/psalms/73-1 "Psalm 73:1 - A Psalm of Asaph") - The superscription attributes this psalm to Asaph, showcasing his direct contribution to Israel's worship literature.
* [Nehemiah 11:22](/nehemiah/11-22 "Nehemiah 11:22 - The Sons of Asaph in Jerusalem") - Mentions the chief of the Levites in Jerusalem being from the sons of Asaph, demonstrating the enduring legacy of his guild post-exile.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of 1 Chronicles 6:39 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every role within the community of faith, no matter how specialized or seemingly "behind the scenes," is vital and divinely appointed. Asaph's position "on the right hand" of Heman signifies that true leadership often involves collaborative partnership and mutual honor, rather than strict hierarchy. We are called to recognize and value those who serve faithfully in their unique capacities, whether in music, teaching, administration, or hospitality, understanding that their dedicated service contributes to the beauty and order of corporate worship. This verse encourages us to approach our own service with intentionality, skill, and a deep understanding of its significance in God's grand design for His people. Just as Asaph's lineage ensured continuity, our faithfulness today builds a spiritual legacy for future generations, fostering a culture of worship that honors God in every detail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on Asaph's specific role and lineage challenge our modern tendency to undervalue specialized or "behind-the-scenes" ministries within the church?**
* **In what ways can we foster a spirit of collaborative leadership and mutual honor, as exemplified by Asaph standing "on the right hand" of Heman, in our own communities?**
* **What does Asaph's enduring legacy, through his psalms and the guild named after him, teach us about the long-term impact of faithful service and intentional worship?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Asaph standing "on his right hand" in ancient Israelite culture?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite and Near Eastern cultures, the "right hand" was a powerful symbol of honor, authority, strength, and favor. When someone was described as standing "on the right hand" of another, it indicated a position of immense trust, close partnership, and co-leadership, rather than mere subordination. For Asaph, standing on Heman's right hand meant he was a principal figure in the musical ministry, sharing in the responsibility and prestige of organizing and leading the complex worship of the tabernacle and, by extension, the future Temple. This idiom is also used in other biblical contexts to denote positions of ultimate authority, such as the [Messiah sitting at God's right hand](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah at God's Right Hand") in Psalm 110:1.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of worship under King David, exemplified by the appointment of chief musicians like Asaph, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect worship inaugurated by Jesus Christ. Asaph's position "on the right hand" of Heman, signifying honor and co-leadership in earthly worship, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is exalted to the very [right hand of God](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand") in heaven. This position signifies His supreme authority, completed work of redemption, and ongoing intercession as our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"). Just as Asaph led Israel in song and praise, Jesus is the true worship leader, enabling us to approach God with confidence through His sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")). The legacy of Asaph's psalms, which guided Israel's praise, points to Christ as the very "Amen" and faithful witness, the embodiment of all true worship and the one who perfectly declares God's praise ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")). Through Him, we offer a spiritual sacrifice of praise, making us a [kingdom of priests](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood") who declare the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

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

Ezra 2:41

The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.

Nehemiah 7:44

The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight.

Psalms 79:1

¶ A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

Psalms 73:1

¶ A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart.

Psalms 83:1

¶ A Song [or] Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.

Psalms 77:1

¶ To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. I cried unto God with my voice, [even] unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

Psalms 81:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.