1 Chronicles 28:13

Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.

Also for the courses {H4256} of the priests {H3548} and the Levites {H3881}, and for all the work {H4399} of the service {H5656} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and for all the vessels {H3627} of service {H5656} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

and for the areas set aside for the cohanim and the L'vi'im; [arrangements] for the work involved in the service of the house of ADONAI and for all the articles needed for the service of the house of ADONAI;

for the divisions of the priests and Levites, for all the work of service in the house of the LORD, and for all the articles of service in the house of the LORD:

also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of Jehovah, and for all the vessels of service in the house of Jehovah;

Commentary

Context of 1 Chronicles 28:13

This verse is part of King David's final instructions to his son Solomon regarding the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. David, having been forbidden by God to build the Temple himself, diligently prepared all the materials and plans for it. In 1 Chronicles 28, he publicly charges Solomon and the leaders of Israel with the responsibility of constructing this sacred edifice. Verse 13 specifically details the comprehensive nature of the preparations, emphasizing the divine origin of the plans for the personnel and instruments involved in the Temple's daily operations.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Blueprint and Order: The meticulous detail given to David for the Temple's construction, including its services and vessels, signifies God's desire for order and precision in worship. David's comprehensive instructions for the future Temple, particularly detailing the organizational structure and materials, are rooted in a divinely revealed blueprint.
  • Dedicated Service of Priests and Levites: The "courses of the priests and the Levites" refer to the organized divisions and specific duties assigned to these tribal groups for their service in the Temple. This ensured that the vast and continuous work of the sanctuary—from sacrifices to music and maintenance—was carried out systematically and reverently. The emphasis on their roles highlights the importance of dedicated and structured ministry within God's house, as established earlier in Israel's history (e.g., Numbers 3:6).
  • Holiness of Worship and Vessels: The mention of "all the work of the service of the house of the LORD" and "all the vessels of service" underscores that every aspect of Temple worship, no matter how seemingly mundane, was considered holy and essential. These vessels—bowls, lamps, altars, etc.—were consecrated for specific sacred uses, reflecting the reverence due to God and His dwelling place. This principle echoes the sanctity of the holy vessels of the Tabernacle.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "service" (עֲבֹדָה - 'avodah) appears multiple times in this verse. It carries a broad meaning encompassing work, labor, and worship. In the context of the Temple, it denotes the sacred duties performed by the priests and Levites, transforming ordinary tasks into acts of devotion and obedience to God. The phrase "house of the LORD" (בֵּית יְהוָה - beit Yahweh) consistently refers to the sacred dwelling place of God among His people, whether the Tabernacle or the future Temple.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 28:13 offers profound insights into God's character and our approach to Him. It teaches us that God values order, preparation, and dedication in all forms of worship and service. Just as every priest, Levite, and vessel had a specific, consecrated purpose in the Temple, so too does every believer have a unique role within the body of Christ. Our spiritual gifts, talents, and resources are meant to be used for God's glory and the building up of His kingdom. This verse reminds us that our lives, gifts, and resources are to be offered as living sacrifices for God's service, with the same reverence and intentionality demonstrated in the Temple's construction and operation.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 24:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now [these are] the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:19 (2 votes)

    These [were] the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him.

  • 1 Chronicles 9:29 (2 votes)

    [Some] of them also [were] appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.

  • Ezra 8:25 (2 votes)

    And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, [even] the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel [there] present, had offered:

  • Ezra 8:30 (2 votes)

    So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring [them] to Jerusalem unto the house of our God.

  • Ezra 8:33 (2 votes)

    Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him [was] Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them [was] Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;

  • 1 Kings 7:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.