2 Chronicles 35:15

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Context

This verse is found within the detailed account of King Josiah's great Passover celebration in 2 Chronicles chapter 35. Following centuries of spiritual decline and neglect, Josiah initiated a widespread revival, restoring true worship and centralizing the Passover observance in Jerusalem. Verse 15 specifically focuses on the meticulous organization and dedicated service of the temple staff, particularly the singers and porters, ensuring every aspect of the sacred service was performed according to long-established, divinely inspired patterns.

Key Themes

  • Order and Organization in Worship: The verse emphasizes the precise arrangement of the singers and porters "in their place," highlighting the importance of structure and preparation for sacred service. This reflects a broader biblical principle of doing all things decently and in order in worship.
  • Obedience to Established Authority: The singers' positioning was "according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun," underscoring the reverence for the traditions and divine instructions passed down from earlier, godly leaders regarding temple ministry. This shows a commitment to historical and spiritual continuity.
  • Dedicated and Unwavering Service: The porters "might not depart from their service," demonstrating a profound commitment to their duties. Their inability to leave their posts signifies a selfless devotion to their assigned roles in God's house.
  • Mutual Support and Teamwork: The phrase "for their brethren the Levites prepared for them" reveals a beautiful example of inter-departmental support within the temple ministry. The Levites handling the sacrificial preparations ensured that the singers and porters could remain focused on their specific, vital tasks without interruption, illustrating the body of Christ working together.

Linguistic Insights

The mention of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun points to prominent Levite musicians and seers appointed by King David (1 Chronicles 25:1) to lead the temple choir and prophetic musical worship. Jeduthun is also called "the king's seer" (Hebrew: chozeh ha-melech), indicating his prophetic insight and role in guiding the king. The "porters" (Hebrew: sho'arim) were the gatekeepers, responsible for security, maintaining order, and controlling access to the temple courts (1 Chronicles 26:1). Their roles were crucial for the smooth functioning of the temple.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God values order, dedication, and teamwork in service. Whether in a church setting or in our daily lives, performing our responsibilities diligently and supporting one another allows for greater effectiveness in God's work. Our commitment to our assigned duties, even when unseen, contributes to the overall success and glory of the worship and ministry. It also encourages us to respect and learn from the godly patterns and traditions established by those who have gone before us.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 9:17 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 9:19 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 25:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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