1 Chronicles 6:31

¶ And these [are they] whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.

And these are they whom David {H1732} set {H5975} over the service {H3027} of song {H7892} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, after that the ark {H727} had rest {H4494}.

David appointed them to be in charge of the service of song in the house of ADONAI after the ark had found a permanent resting place.

These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there.

And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of Jehovah, after that the ark had rest.

Commentary

Historical and Cultural Context

First Chronicles 6:31 introduces a significant development in Israelite worship: King David's organized establishment of musical service in the tabernacle. This verse situates this organization "after that the ark had rest," referring to the pivotal moment when David successfully brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and placed it in a tent he had prepared for it. Before this, the Ark, representing God's presence, had been itinerant and even captured, leading to disarray in national worship. Its secure placement in Jerusalem marked a new era of stability and centralized worship, allowing David to focus on bringing order and beauty to the divine service. The Levites, traditionally responsible for the care of the tabernacle and its sacred objects, were now specifically designated for musical roles, reflecting David's deep personal devotion to worship and his vision for Israel's spiritual life.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Organized Worship: The verse highlights David's meticulous attention to detail in establishing a structured and orderly system for worship. It wasn't left to chance but was a deliberate, kingly initiative.
  • The Importance of Music: By setting specific individuals "over the service of song," David elevated music to a central and official component of worship in the house of the LORD. This underscores music's role in expressing devotion, praise, and adoration.
  • Divine Presence and Stability: The phrase "after that the ark had rest" signifies that proper, joyful worship flourishes when God's presence is established and honored in a stable environment. The Ark's secure location in Jerusalem provided the foundation for this organized service.
  • Levitical Ministry: This verse foreshadows the extensive role of the Levites as musicians and gatekeepers in the temple, a theme elaborated throughout Chronicles. They were not merely performers but ministers dedicated to God's service through song.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "service of song" in Hebrew is sherut hashir (שֵׁרוּת הַשִּׁיר). The word sherut implies a dedicated, official ministry or service, emphasizing that music was not just spontaneous expression but a structured, spiritual function. This highlights the professional and consecrated nature of the Levitical musicians' role. The term "had rest" (nuach) for the Ark signifies a state of settling, stability, and permanence, which was crucial for the subsequent development of formalized worship.

Practical Application

First Chronicles 6:31 reminds believers today of the enduring value of intentional and Spirit-led worship. Just as David organized the musical service, congregations and individuals are called to approach worship with reverence, preparation, and dedication. This verse encourages us to:

  • Value Organized Worship: Recognize the benefit of structure and intentionality in congregational worship, allowing for deeper participation and reverence.
  • Embrace Music in Worship: Appreciate the powerful role of music in expressing praise, facilitating spiritual connection, and teaching truth within the church and in personal devotion.
  • Seek God's Presence: Understand that true worship flows from a heart that acknowledges and seeks God's presence, just as the Ark's rest brought stability to Israel's worship.
  • Commit to Service: See all forms of service within the church, including musical ministries, as a dedicated "service of the LORD," requiring commitment and spiritual preparation, much like the Levites' duties (compare 1 Chronicles 9:33).

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 6:17 (6 votes)

    And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:4 (3 votes)

    And he appointed [certain] of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:

  • 1 Chronicles 16:6 (3 votes)

    Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:16 (3 votes)

    And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren [to be] the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:22 (3 votes)

    And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, [was] for song: he instructed about the song, because he [was] skilful.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:25 (3 votes)

    ¶ So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.