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:)

Also the Levites {H3881} which were the singers {H7891}, all of them of Asaph {H623}, of Heman {H1968}, of Jeduthun {H3038}, with their sons {H1121} and their brethren {H251}, being arrayed {H3847} in white linen {H948}, having cymbals {H4700} and psalteries {H5035} and harps {H3658}, stood {H5975} at the east end {H4217} of the altar {H4196}, and with them an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242} priests {H3548} sounding {H2690} with trumpets {H2689}:)

also the L'vi'im who were the singers, all of them - Asaf, Heman, Y'dutun and their sons and relatives - dressed in fine linen, with cymbals, lutes and lyres, stood on the east side of the altar; and with them 120 cohanim sounding trumpets),

all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets.

also the Levites who were the singers, all of them, even Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and their brethren, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them a hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets);

Commentary

Context

This verse offers a vivid snapshot of the momentous dedication of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. It follows the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into the Most Holy Place (2 Chronicles 5:7), setting the stage for a spectacular display of worship. The scene described here is a grand, orchestrated spiritual event, where the entire community of Israel was gathered to witness the Lord's presence filling His newly constructed dwelling place.

Key Themes

  • Organized and Unified Worship: The verse meticulously details the arrangement of the Levites and priests. The mention of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun highlights the established and highly skilled musical traditions within Israel, emphasizing the importance of well-organized and dedicated worship. All these groups—singers, instrumentalists, and trumpeters—worked in perfect harmony.
  • Purity and Holiness in Service: The Levites being "arrayed in white linen" signifies purity, righteousness, and readiness for sacred service. White linen was also the prescribed attire for priests, underscoring the sacredness of their role in leading worship and facilitating the divine encounter.
  • Anticipation of Divine Presence: The overwhelming sound of 120 trumpets, combined with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, created an atmosphere of immense expectation and reverence. This grand musical outpouring was part of the preparation for, and accompaniment of, the filling of the Temple with the glory of the Lord, symbolizing God's acceptance and dwelling among His people.

Linguistic Insights

The term "psalteries" (Hebrew: nevel) refers to a stringed instrument, often depicted as a lute or a type of harp, distinct from the common "harps" (Hebrew: kinnor). This indicates a variety of musical instruments used to create a rich, full sound. The "white linen" (Hebrew: bad) garments worn by the Levites were specific to priestly and sacred service, symbolizing ritual purity and holiness, similar to the garments described for Aaron and his sons in Exodus 28:42.

Significance and Application

This passage underscores the biblical principle that worship is a serious, intentional, and glorious act. It teaches us several key lessons:

  • Excellence in Worship: God deserves our best, as demonstrated by the highly skilled Levites and priests. Our worship should be offered with preparation, skill, and reverence.
  • Unity in Ministry: Diverse roles and gifts—singers, musicians, priests, leaders—all contribute to a unified purpose in worship. This mirrors the concept of the body of Christ, where many parts work together.
  • The Power of Sound and Presence: The immense sound of worship described here was not merely for human ears but was part of a spiritual act that invited and celebrated God's manifest presence. It reminds us that our collective worship can create an atmosphere for God to move powerfully.
  • Holiness in Approach: The white linen serves as a timeless reminder that approaching God requires purity and a humble, reverent heart.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 15:24

    And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah [were] doorkeepers for the ark.

  • 1 Chronicles 6:39

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

  • 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,

  • 2 Chronicles 29:25

    And he set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for [so was] the commandment of the LORD by his prophets.

  • Psalms 68:25

    The singers went before, the players on instruments [followed] after; among [them were] the damsels playing with timbrels.

  • 2 Chronicles 7:6

    And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy [endureth] for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.

  • Psalms 150:3

    Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
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