2 Chronicles 29:14

KJV

And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei: and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the sons {H1121} of Heman {H1968}; Jehiel {H3171}, and Shimei {H8096}: and of the sons {H1121} of Jeduthun {H3038}; Shemaiah {H8098}, and Uzziel {H5816}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of the descendants of Heman, Yechi'el and Shim'i; and of the descendants of Y'dutun, Sh'ma'yah and 'Uzi'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Jehiel and Shimei from the Hemanites; and Shemaiah and Uzziel from the Jeduthunites.

American Standard Version

and of the sons of Heman, Jehuel and Shimei; and of the sons of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Hezekiah's immediate and radical reform of Judah's worship included the crucial task of cleansing and reconsecrating the defiled Temple. This verse meticulously lists specific Levites—Jehiel and Shimei from the lineage of Heman, and Shemaiah and Uzziel from the lineage of Jeduthun—who were designated to participate actively in this monumental work of purification. Their inclusion highlights the organized and dedicated effort required for spiritual restoration, emphasizing the importance of individual contributions within the broader community's obedience to God's commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the detailed account of King Hezekiah's radical religious reforms, which began immediately upon his ascension to the throne in Judah. Following the idolatrous and apostate reign of his father, Ahaz, Hezekiah embarked on a zealous mission to restore the pure worship of Yahweh. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 29:3-11) describe Hezekiah's initial actions: reopening and repairing the Temple doors, which Ahaz had shut, and then gathering the Levites, challenging them to sanctify themselves and cleanse the defiled sanctuary. Verses 2 Chronicles 29:12-14 specifically list the Levites who responded to this call, organizing them by their ancestral houses. This particular verse, 2 Chronicles 29:14, continues that list, naming individuals from the prominent Levitical families of Heman and Jeduthun, who were historically associated with Temple music and service. The verses immediately following (2 Chronicles 29:15-19) detail the arduous process of cleansing the Temple, culminating in the removal of all defiled articles. Thus, 2 Chronicles 29:14 serves as a crucial part of the "who" in Hezekiah's restoration narrative, underscoring the organized and specific nature of the Levites' involvement in the Temple's purification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for 2 Chronicles 29 is the kingdom of Judah in the late 8th century BCE. King Ahaz, Hezekiah's father, had led Judah into deep idolatry, even sacrificing his children to pagan deities and shutting the doors of the Lord's Temple, effectively halting legitimate worship (2 Kings 16:1-20; 2 Chronicles 28:1-27). This period was marked by significant Assyrian influence and pressure, often leading smaller nations like Judah to adopt foreign religious practices to curry favor or express vassalage. Hezekiah's reign, therefore, represents a dramatic break from this apostasy. His immediate action to cleanse and reconsecrate the Temple was not merely a religious act but a profound political statement, asserting Judah's allegiance to Yahweh alone and rejecting the syncretism of the surrounding cultures. The Levites, as the designated guardians and ministers of the Temple, held a critical role in maintaining ritual purity and facilitating proper worship. Their participation, as listed in this verse, was essential for the legitimacy and efficacy of the Temple's restoration, demonstrating a return to the Mosaic covenant's stipulations for Temple service and purity, as outlined in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/ "Leviticus - Laws and Sacrifices").
* **Key Themes:** This seemingly simple list of names in 2 Chronicles 29:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Restoration and Renewal**. Hezekiah's reign is presented as a period of spiritual revival, a direct reversal of Ahaz's idolatry. The meticulous listing of Levites involved in the Temple cleansing underscores that true spiritual renewal is not merely a top-down decree but requires active, diligent participation from dedicated individuals. Secondly, the verse highlights **Order and Specificity in Divine Service**. The Chronicler often emphasizes the organized nature of Israel's worship, particularly the precise roles of the Levites, as seen in David's arrangements for Temple service in [1 Chronicles 23-26](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - Divisions of the Levites"). The naming of specific individuals from specific families (Heman, Jeduthun) reinforces the idea that God values every individual's contribution and that service in His house is not haphazard but structured and intentional. This echoes the principle of order in worship found in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship"). Finally, the verse speaks to **Obedience and Corporate Responsibility**. The Levites' willing response to Hezekiah's call demonstrates their obedience to both king and God. Their collective effort in purifying the Temple symbolizes the corporate responsibility of God's people to maintain holiness and facilitate proper worship, a theme central to the Chronicler's theology of a united, faithful Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heman (Hebrew, _Hêmān'_):** Heman was one of the three chief Levitical musicians and choirmasters appointed by King David for service in the tabernacle, and later the Temple (1 Chronicles 6:33; 25:1). He was a Kohathite Levite, a grandson of the prophet Samuel. His descendants, the "sons of Heman," continued to serve in these prominent musical and prophetic roles, indicating a lineage dedicated to worship and ministry. Their inclusion here signifies the continuity of faithful Levitical service across generations, even after periods of apostasy. It also highlights that those traditionally associated with public worship and praise were also involved in the more laborious, behind-the-scenes work of purification.
* **Jeduthun (Hebrew, _Yəḏûṯûn'_):** Like Heman, Jeduthun was another principal Levitical choirmaster appointed by David (1 Chronicles 16:41-42; 25:1). His family line was also deeply involved in Temple music and prophecy. The mention of his "sons" alongside Heman's underscores the comprehensive nature of Hezekiah's call to service, drawing upon all established and recognized Levitical families. Their presence in the cleansing operation demonstrates that the entire Levitical order, not just a select few, was mobilized for the restoration of pure worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei:"** This clause identifies two specific individuals, Jehiel and Shimei, as direct descendants or members of the family line of Heman. Heman's lineage was renowned for its musical and prophetic contributions to Temple worship. Their inclusion here signifies that even those from prominent, established families with specific roles (like music) were called upon for the fundamental, dirty work of cleansing. It emphasizes that no task in God's service is beneath those dedicated to Him, and that the entire Levitical structure was engaged in Hezekiah's reform.
* **"and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel."** This second clause similarly names Shemaiah and Uzziel as members of the family of Jeduthun, another key Levitical choirmaster. The parallel structure reinforces the comprehensive nature of the Levitical involvement. The Chronicler's meticulous listing of names, though seemingly mundane, serves to validate the purity and legitimacy of the Temple cleansing. It shows that the work was carried out by authorized, consecrated individuals from recognized Levitical families, ensuring proper ritual procedure and divine acceptance. This attention to detail underscores the importance of order and accountability in God's service.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 29:14 is **Listing** or **Enumeration**. The Chronicler frequently employs detailed lists of names, genealogies, and organizational structures throughout his work, particularly in the books of Chronicles. This device serves several purposes: it lends historical authenticity and credibility to the narrative, demonstrating that the events described were real and involved specific individuals; it emphasizes the importance of each person's contribution within the corporate body of Israel; and it highlights the continuity of divine purpose and covenant faithfulness through generations, especially within the Levitical lines. Furthermore, the mention of "sons of Heman" and "sons of Jeduthun" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the named individuals (Jehiel, Shimei, Shemaiah, Uzziel) represent a larger group—the entire Levitical contingent from those prominent families who participated in the Temple cleansing. This highlights the collective effort and the mobilization of the entire priestly and Levitical infrastructure for the task of spiritual renewal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, by meticulously listing specific Levites involved in the Temple cleansing, underscores a profound theological truth: God values every individual's contribution to His work, no matter how seemingly small or laborious. The purification of the Temple was a monumental undertaking, symbolizing the spiritual cleansing required for a people to return to God. Just as the physical structure needed dedicated hands to remove defilement, so too does the spiritual "house" of God's people require diligent effort and faithful service from each member. The continuity of the Heman and Jeduthun lineages in this service, generations after David, speaks to the enduring nature of God's call and the importance of generational faithfulness in ministry. It reminds us that spiritual restoration is a corporate endeavor, requiring the coordinated efforts of many, each fulfilling their divinely appointed role with diligence and obedience.

* [Numbers 3:6-7](/numbers/3-6 "Levites Assigned to Aaron")
* [Nehemiah 12:44-47](/nehemiah/12-44 "Support for Levites and Priests")
* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous listing of these Levites, even for what might seem like a mundane task of cleaning, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God sees and values every act of faithful service, whether it is a prominent public role or a quiet, behind-the-scenes effort. Just as the Temple required extensive purification after years of neglect, our own lives and our church communities may accumulate spiritual "defilement" through sin, apathy, or compromise. True spiritual revival, therefore, often begins with a diligent, sometimes arduous, process of cleansing—confession, repentance, and intentional pursuit of holiness. This verse calls us to consider our own roles in the ongoing work of God's kingdom. Are we willing to engage in the less glamorous but equally vital tasks of spiritual maintenance and restoration? Do we recognize that our individual acts of obedience, diligence, and purity contribute to the health and vitality of the whole body of Christ? Our faithfulness in seemingly small things is not overlooked by God, but rather integrated into His grand narrative of redemption and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "defilement" might need cleansing in my own spiritual life or in my community of faith?**
* **Am I willing to engage in the less visible, more laborious tasks that contribute to spiritual purity and health?**
* **How does my individual service contribute to the overall restoration and flourishing of God's people?**
* **In what ways can I emulate the diligence and obedience of these Levites in my daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Why are specific names listed in this verse, even for what seems like a simple task?**

Answer: The listing of specific names like Jehiel, Shimei, Shemaiah, and Uzziel, along with their ancestral lines (sons of Heman and Jeduthun), serves several important purposes. Firstly, it lends historical authenticity and credibility to the narrative, demonstrating that the Temple cleansing was a real event carried out by specific, authorized individuals. Secondly, it underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on order and accountability within God's service; every role, no matter how seemingly minor, was important and divinely ordained. These Levites were not just anonymous laborers but consecrated ministers from prominent families known for their dedication to Temple service (see [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - David Organizes the Musicians")). Their inclusion highlights that the entire Levitical structure was mobilized for Hezekiah's reform, demonstrating a comprehensive return to proper worship and a rejection of the previous reign's neglect. It also emphasizes that God sees and values every individual's contribution to His work.

**What was the significance of Heman and Jeduthun's families in Israelite worship?**

Answer: Heman and Jeduthun were two of the three principal Levitical choirmasters and musicians appointed by King David to lead worship in the tabernacle and later the Temple (the third was Asaph). Their families were designated to serve as musicians, singers, and gatekeepers, playing a crucial role in the liturgical life of Israel. [1 Chronicles 25](/1_chronicles/25 "1 Chronicles 25 - The Musicians Appointed") details David's organization of these musical divisions, indicating the high regard for their service. The fact that their descendants are listed here as participants in the Temple cleansing demonstrates the continuity of their families' dedication to God's service across generations, even extending beyond their primary musical roles to include the more physical and ritualistic aspects of purification. Their involvement ensured that the cleansing was carried out by those deeply rooted in the traditions of faithful Temple ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous cleansing of the Temple under Hezekiah, in which these Levites played a vital role, serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate work of purification and restoration. Just as the physical Temple had become defiled and required diligent effort to make it fit for God's presence, so too was humanity's spiritual condition utterly defiled by sin, rendering it unfit for fellowship with a holy God. Jesus, the true and greater Temple (as He Himself declared in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), perfectly fulfilled the need for cleansing. He did not merely cleanse a physical structure, but through His sacrificial death on the cross, He purified His people from the defilement of sin, making them a holy dwelling place for God's Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit")). The Levites' dedicated service in preparing the earthly sanctuary points to Christ's perfect and willing obedience, who "purified Himself" for our sake ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")) and now continually intercedes for His people as the great High Priest ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). Moreover, the corporate effort of the Levites in restoring the Temple prefigures the Church, the body of Christ, which is called to be a spiritual temple built on Him, continually being purified and growing in holiness through the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Thus, the dedicated service of these Levites in 2 Chronicles 29:14 ultimately finds its perfect and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who cleanses us and builds His true spiritual house.

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 6:33

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,

1 Chronicles 25:3

Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.

1 Chronicles 25:1

¶ Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:

1 Chronicles 25:6

All these [were] under the hands of their father for song [in] the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.

1 Chronicles 15:19

So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, [were appointed] to sound with cymbals of brass;