2 Chronicles 35:15

KJV

And the singers the sons of Asaph [were] in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the porters [waited] at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the singers {H7891} the sons {H1121} of Asaph {H623} were in their place {H4612}, according to the commandment {H4687} of David {H1732}, and Asaph {H623}, and Heman {H1968}, and Jeduthun {H3038} the king's {H4428} seer {H2374}; and the porters {H7778} waited at every gate {H8179}; they might not depart {H5493} from their service {H5656}; for their brethren {H251} the Levites {H3881} prepared {H3559} for them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The singers the sons of Asaf were at their posts, as ordered by David - Asaf, Heman and Y'dutun the king's seer. The gatekeepers were at every gate, and they did not need to leave their posts, because their brothers the L'vi'im prepared [food] for them.

Berean Standard Bible

The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their position, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them.

American Standard Version

And the singers the sons of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer; and the porters were at every gate: they needed not to depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 35:15 vividly portrays the meticulous organization and unwavering dedication of the temple personnel during King Josiah's grand Passover celebration. It highlights how the Levitical singers, specifically the descendants of Asaph, and the porters guarding the temple gates, maintained their precise, divinely appointed positions and duties. This steadfast commitment was made possible by the mutual support of their fellow Levites, who ensured their needs were met, thereby underscoring the profound importance of order, obedience to established spiritual authority, and corporate unity in the sacred worship of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the detailed narrative of King Josiah's unparalleled Passover celebration, found in [2 Chronicles 35](/2_chronicles/35 "2 Chronicles 35 - Josiah's Passover Celebration"). Following generations of spiritual decline and idolatry under previous monarchs like Manasseh and Amon, Josiah initiated a profound religious reformation, meticulously restoring true worship and centralizing the Passover observance in Jerusalem. The preceding verses ([2 Chronicles 35:1-14](/2_chronicles/35-1-14 "2 Chronicles 35:1-14 - Preparations for Josiah's Passover")) meticulously detail the extensive preparations, including the proper consecration of the Levites, the provision of abundant sacrifices, and the precise arrangement of priests and Levites according to their ancient divisions. Verse 15 specifically zeroes in on the dedicated roles of the singers and porters, emphasizing their steadfastness and the crucial logistical support that enabled their continuous service, thereby illustrating the comprehensive and orderly nature of this restored worship. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the Chronicler's overarching theme of the paramount importance of proper, obedient worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) marked a pivotal era of spiritual revival in Judah, occurring after decades of profound national apostasy. The discovery of the Book of the Law (most likely Deuteronomy) within the temple served as the catalyst for his sweeping reforms, leading to the systematic destruction of pagan altars and the fervent re-establishment of the Mosaic covenant. The Passover, a foundational festival commemorating Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, held immense theological significance, serving as a powerful national act of repentance and covenant renewal. Culturally, the Jerusalem temple was not merely a religious site but the spiritual, social, and economic epicenter of the nation. The roles of the Levites, encompassing singers, porters, and various other ministries, were meticulously defined in Mosaic law and further organized by King David, as extensively documented in [1 Chronicles 23-26](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23-26 - Organization of the Levites and Temple Service"). Their specific duties, ranging from leading musical praise to guarding the sacred precincts, were absolutely essential for maintaining the sanctity, order, and reverence of temple worship, reflecting a society deeply structured around religious observance.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 35:15 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the Chronicler's work and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Order and Obedience in Worship**, demonstrating Josiah's unwavering commitment to restoring the prescribed patterns of temple service, specifically "according to the commandment of David." This reflects the enduring biblical principle that God desires worship to be conducted with reverence, structure, and intentionality, a sentiment echoed in the New Testament's call for [all things to be done decently and in order](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - All Things Decently and in Order"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Dedicated and Unwavering Service**, particularly through the porters who "might not depart from their service." This commitment to one's assigned spiritual duty, regardless of personal convenience or external distractions, is a recurring motif of faithful ministry throughout Scripture. Thirdly, it beautifully illustrates **Corporate Unity and Mutual Support** within the community of faith. The fact that "their brethren the Levites prepared for them" showcases a vital interdependence, where different parts of the body work synergistically to enable the whole to function effectively. This principle deeply resonates with the New Testament understanding of the church as the unified body of Christ, where each member contributes to the flourishing of the whole, as articulated in passages like [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Asaph (Hebrew, _ʼĀçâph'_):** Asaph was one of the three principal Levite musicians appointed by King David to lead the temple choir, alongside Heman and Jeduthun (as seen in [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - David Organizes the Temple Musicians")). His descendants, "the sons of Asaph," continued this musical lineage, serving as prominent temple singers. The mention of Asaph here signifies adherence to the established, divinely inspired musical traditions and the continuity of the Levitical priestly functions from David's time, emphasizing the importance of historical precedent in worship.
* **Jeduthun (Hebrew, _Yᵉdûwthûwn'_):** Jeduthun, whose name likely means "laudatory," was another chief musician appointed by David. He was a prominent figure in organizing and leading the temple music, particularly associated with instruments and singing praises. His presence alongside Asaph and Heman underscores the continuity of Davidic ordinances for temple worship during Josiah's reform, highlighting the role of organized, skillful praise as an integral part of Israel's covenant relationship with God.
* **Porters (Hebrew, _shôwʻêr'_):** These were the gatekeepers, a specific division of the Levites responsible for guarding the temple gates, maintaining order, controlling access, and ensuring the security and sanctity of the sacred precincts (as detailed in [1 Chronicles 26:1-19](/1_chronicles/26-1 "1 Chronicles 26:1-19 - Divisions of the Gatekeepers")). Their role was crucial for the smooth and reverent functioning of the temple, preventing unauthorized entry and ensuring that all activities within the temple courts proceeded without disruption. Their unwavering presence was vital for the integrity and sanctity of the worship environment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the singers the sons of Asaph [were] in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer":** This clause emphatically highlights the precise and ordered nature of the temple service during Josiah's Passover. The "singers," specifically identified by their lineage as "the sons of Asaph," were not positioned arbitrarily but were "in their place"—a designated, fixed position within the temple structure, reflecting an established hierarchy and function. This arrangement was not a new innovation but was meticulously carried out "according to the commandment of David," indicating a faithful adherence to ancient, divinely inspired ordinances for temple worship, which David, along with the chief musicians Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, had established. The inclusion of Jeduthun as "the king's seer" further underscores the spiritual authority and prophetic dimension embedded within the musical leadership, emphasizing the importance of spiritual tradition and established order in corporate worship.
* **"and the porters [waited] at every gate; they might not depart from their service":** This part of the verse shifts focus to another vital group of Levites, the "porters" or gatekeepers. Their duty was to "wait at every gate," signifying constant vigilance and an unceasing presence at all entry points to the temple. The powerful phrase "they might not depart from their service" underscores the non-negotiable, continuous nature of their duty. It implies an absolute commitment and dedication to their assigned posts, emphasizing the critical importance of their role in maintaining security, order, and sanctity within the sacred space, without any interruption or dereliction of duty.
* **"for their brethren the Levites prepared for them":** This final clause reveals the beautiful and essential system of mutual support within the Levitical community that enabled such unwavering dedication. The reason the singers and porters could remain steadfastly "in their place" and "not depart from their service" was because "their brethren the Levites"—presumably those responsible for preparing the sacrificial animals, managing provisions, and handling other logistical tasks—took care of their needs, likely providing food, drink, and other necessities. This demonstrates a profound example of teamwork, interdependence, and self-sacrificial service, where each group's faithful execution of their specific duties was enabled and sustained by the supportive actions of others, allowing for the seamless and uninterrupted flow of temple worship.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's account in 2 Chronicles 35:15 employs several literary devices to underscore its central message of ordered and dedicated worship. The use of **Synecdoche** is evident in "the sons of Asaph," where the lineage represents the entire guild of temple musicians, highlighting the continuity and hereditary nature of their divinely appointed role. The detailed enumeration of specific roles—"singers" and "porters"—and their precise placement ("in their place," "at every gate") serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the meticulous order and structured nature of the temple service. The strong declaration "they might not depart from their service" functions as a powerful **Affirmation** of their absolute and unwavering commitment, bordering on a mild **Hyperbole** to stress the non-negotiable nature of their duty. Furthermore, the Chronicler's inclusion of such specific organizational and logistical details is a characteristic of his **Narrative Style**, which aims to present a model of proper, obedient worship, thereby instructing his post-exilic audience on the importance of restoring faithful practices. The underlying principle of **Interdependence** is subtly but powerfully conveyed through the clear cause-and-effect relationship: the porters' steadfastness was directly enabled by the support provided by "their brethren the Levites," showcasing the necessity of communal cooperation for sacred service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 35:15 offers profound theological insights into the nature of worship and service within God's covenant community. It underscores that true worship is not chaotic but divinely ordered, requiring meticulous preparation and dedicated adherence to established patterns. The "place" of the singers and porters, and their obedience to the "commandment of David" and the chief musicians, speaks to the enduring importance of recognizing and submitting to spiritual authority and tradition in facilitating sacred encounters with God. Furthermore, the verse beautifully illustrates the principle of corporate unity and the interdependence of various ministries within the body of believers. Just as the Levites supported each other to ensure uninterrupted service, so too are believers called to use their diverse gifts in mutual support, enabling the whole community to function effectively in worship and mission. This Old Testament example prefigures the New Testament emphasis on the church as a unified body with many members, each contributing to the common good and the glory of God.

* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - All Things Done Decently and in Order")
* [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - David Organizes the Temple Musicians")
* [Numbers 3:6-7](/numbers/3-6-7 "Numbers 3:6-7 - The Levites' Service and Responsibility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This detailed account of the singers and porters in 2 Chronicles 35:15 provides timeless lessons for believers today, prompting us to consider our own roles within the body of Christ and in our daily lives. The emphasis on being "in their place" and "not depart from their service" challenges us to embrace our assigned responsibilities with unwavering dedication, recognizing that every task, no matter how seemingly small or unseen, contributes significantly to the larger purpose of God's work. Whether we are serving in a formal ministry capacity, contributing to our local church, or simply living out our faith in our vocations, God values order, faithfulness, and steadfast commitment. Moreover, the mutual support among the Levites serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity of teamwork and interdependence in Christian community. We are called to bear one another's burdens, to encourage and enable each other to fulfill our callings, ensuring that no one is hindered from serving God effectively. This fosters a healthy, thriving spiritual environment where collective worship and ministry can flourish, bringing greater glory to God and demonstrating the unity of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "place" and "commandment" in this verse inform our understanding of order and authority in worship today?**
* **In what ways can we, like the porters, demonstrate unwavering commitment to our spiritual duties, even when they seem mundane or unseen?**
* **How can we better practice mutual support and teamwork within our communities, ensuring that all members can fulfill their unique callings without hindrance?**

### FAQ

**Who were Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, and why are they mentioned here?**

Answer: Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun were the three principal Levite musicians appointed by King David to lead the temple choir and oversee musical worship, as extensively detailed in [1 Chronicles 25](/1_chronicles/25 "1 Chronicles 25 - Organization of Temple Musicians"). They were not only master musicians but also held significant spiritual authority, with Jeduthun specifically noted as "the king's seer," indicating a prophetic dimension to their musical ministry. Their mention in 2 Chronicles 35:15 during Josiah's Passover signifies the king's commitment to restoring temple worship precisely "according to the commandment of David" and the ancient, divinely established patterns. It emphasizes the continuity and reverence for the sacred traditions passed down through generations, ensuring that the worship was conducted with proper authority and spiritual integrity, not merely human innovation.

**What was the significance of the porters "not departing from their service"?**

Answer: The phrase "they might not depart from their service" highlights the absolute dedication and critical importance of the porters' role. As gatekeepers, they were responsible for the security, order, and sanctity of the temple precincts, as elaborated in [1 Chronicles 26](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - Divisions of the Gatekeepers"). Their continuous presence at every gate was non-negotiable, ensuring that unauthorized individuals did not enter and that the sacred space remained undisturbed during the Passover festivities. This unwavering commitment was made possible because "their brethren the Levites prepared for them," meaning other Levites provided for their physical needs (like food and provisions), allowing the porters to remain at their posts without interruption. This demonstrates a beautiful example of interdependence and selfless devotion to duty within the temple ministry, where the collective effort enabled individual faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous order, dedicated service, and profound mutual support evident in 2 Chronicles 35:15 find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament temple, with its complex system of priests, Levites, sacrifices, and structured worship, served as a shadow pointing to the perfect reality found in Christ. He is the true and ultimate Temple, as He declared in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple's Destruction and Rebuilding"), through whom all access to God is now granted. The unwavering dedication of the singers and porters foreshadows Christ's perfect obedience and steadfast commitment to His Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, the mutual support among the Levites beautifully prefigures the unity of the body of Christ, where believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are called to serve one another with their diverse gifts, ensuring that the whole body functions effectively for God's glory ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ, Many Members, One Spirit")). Through Christ's finished work, all believers are now a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service, not confined to a physical temple or specific lineage, but in spirit and truth, empowered by the ultimate Seer and Prophet, Jesus Christ.

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 9:17

And the porters [were], Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum [was] the chief;

1 Chronicles 9:19

And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, [were] over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, [being] over the host of the LORD, [were] keepers of the entry.

1 Chronicles 26:12

Among these [were] the divisions of the porters, [even] among the chief men, [having] wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 26:19

These [are] the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari.

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 25:7

So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, [even] all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.

Psalms 78:1

¶ Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, [to] my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.