Reading Plan · Day 117
Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.
1 Chronicles 22-25
Day 117
Previously · Day 116 · 1 Chronicles 19-21
The previous day's reading covered the same events that concluded 2 Samuel while skipping over many events that occurred after the Davidic Covenant: Amnon raping Tamar, Absalom's exile, Absalom's rebellion, Absalom's death, David's exile, Joab's maneuverings, etc.
Day 117 Read
Where You Stopped
1 Chronicles 22
1Then David said, This is the house of Jehovah God, and this is the altar of burnt-offering for Israel.
2And David commanded to gather together the sojourners that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God.
3And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the couplings; and brass in abundance without weight; 4and cedar-trees without number: for the Sidonians and they of Tyre brought cedar-trees in abundance to David.
5And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for Jehovah must be exceeding magnificent, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
1Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.
2And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God.
3And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;
4Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.
5And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
Commentary · verses 1-5
6Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build a house for Jehovah, the God of Israel.
7And David said to Solomon his son, As for me, it was in my heart to build a house unto the name of Jehovah my God.
8But the word of Jehovah came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build a house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
6Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.
7And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:
8But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
Commentary · verses 6-8
David told Solomon that he could not build the temple because God said he "shed much blood on the earth in God's sight." 2 Samuel 7:1-17 recorded Nathan speaking to David about Solomon building the temple. Nowhere in that passage did God say David could not build the temple because of blood shed. Remember, God's actual response was that David had initiated his will instead of asking God what He wanted and Nathan had initially supported David.
David may have been trying to hide the fact that he and Nathan had acted apart from God. We have seen David could not build the temple because he was the tenth generation of a bastard (Perez). This law was recorded in Deuteronomy 23:2. It was a fact that David told Solomon that God said David shed too much blood to build the temple. However, this did not mean that God actually said this to David. Was he unaware of this law and came to his own conclusion?
In addition, David was at a time of peace when he tried to build a house for God. Later, Solomon asked for supplies from other nations because (Solomon said) David was never at peace (1 Kings 5:3) and could not amass supplies. Now, we see David did amass supplies for the house of God. Why did Solomon ask for more supplies? Was it because he wanted to build his house?...a house for his queen?...other houses and buildings?
9Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
9Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
Commentary · verse 9
"Solomon" meant "peace."
10He shall build a house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.
10He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.
Commentary · verses 11-13
Verses 11-13: David encouraged Solomon to stay faithful to God and His Word. Would he?
11Now, my son, Jehovah be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of Jehovah thy God, as he hath spoken concerning thee.
12Only Jehovah give thee discretion and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel; that so thou mayest keep the law of Jehovah thy God.
13Then shalt thou prosper, if thou observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which Jehovah charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; fear not, neither be dismayed.
11Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.
12Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.
13Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
Commentary · verse 13
David stated for the Lord to give Solomon understanding and wisdom that he may keep the Law, then he would prosper.
14Now, behold, in my affliction I have prepared for the house of Jehovah a hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver, and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.
14Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.
Commentary · verse 14
Included in the supplies David prepared for Solomon was nearly 4,000 tons of gold, 40,000 tons of silver, and so much brass and iron that it could not be weighed. Did Solomon request gold, silver, brass, or iron from other nations?
15Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all men that are skilful in every manner of work: 16of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise and be doing, and Jehovah be with thee.
17David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, 18Is not Jehovah your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand; and the land is subdued before Jehovah, and before his people.
19Now set your heart and your soul to seek after Jehovah your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of Jehovah God, to bring the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of Jehovah.
15Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.
16Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.
17David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying,
18Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.
19Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.
Commentary · verses 15-19
David had workmen set aside for Solomon but he also commanded the princes of Israel to help Solomon as well.
Where You Stopped
1 Chronicles 23
1Now David was old and full of days; and he made Solomon his son king over Israel.
1So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.
Commentary · verse 1
David must have known he was not going to live much longer so he made Solomon king in his stead.
2And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.
3And the Levites were numbered from thirty years old and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.
2And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.
3Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.
Commentary · verses 2-3
David gathered the princes of Israel along with priests and 38,000 Levites from thirty years old and up.
4Of these, twenty and four thousand were to oversee the work of the house of Jehovah; and six thousand were officers and judges; 5and four thousand were doorkeepers; and four thousand praised Jehovah with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.
6And David divided them into courses according to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
4Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges:
5Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.
6And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
Commentary · verses 4-6
David divided the 38,000 Levites according to their clan of Levi:
- Gershon: they were responsible for the care of the skins that covered the tabernacle.
- Kohath: they were responsible for the care of the furniture of the tabernacle (Ark, tables, menorah, etc.).
- Merari: they were responsible for the care of the structural aspects of the tabernacle (pillars, boards, etc.).
7Of the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.
8The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief, and Zetham, and Joel, three.
9The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the heads of the fathers’ houses of Ladan.
10And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.
11And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they became a fathers’ house in one reckoning.
7Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei.
8The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three.
9The sons of Shimei; Shelomith, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the chief of the fathers of Laadan.
10And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.
11And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father’s house.
Commentary · verses 7-11
The Gershonite family units were defined.
12The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.
13The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons, for ever, to burn incense before Jehovah, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, for ever.
14But as for Moses the man of God, his sons were named among the tribe of Levi.
15The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer.
16The sons of Gershom: Shebuel the chief.
17And the sons of Eliezer were: Rehabiah the chief; and Eliezer had no other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.
18The sons of Izhar: Shelomith the chief.
19The sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.
20The sons of Uzziel: Micah the chief, and Isshiah the second.
12The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.
13The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.
14Now concerning Moses the man of God, his sons were named of the tribe of Levi.
15The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer.
16Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief.
17And the sons of Eliezer were, Rehabiah the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.
18Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief.
19Of the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.
20Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah the first, and Jesiah the second.
Commentary · verses 12-20
The Kohathite family units were defined. Notice, Moses was mentioned among these.
21The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish.
22And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters only: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them to wife.
23The sons of Mushi: Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.
21The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish.
22And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them.
23The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.
Commentary · verses 21-23
The Merarite family units were defined.
Commentary · verses 24-32
Verses 24-32: David changed the duties of the Levites.
24These were the sons of Levi after their fathers’ houses, even the heads of the fathers’ houses of those of them that were counted, in the number of names by their polls, who did the work for the service of the house of Jehovah, from twenty years old and upward.
25For David said, Jehovah, the God of Israel, hath given rest unto his people; and he dwelleth in Jerusalem for ever: 26and also the Levites shall no more have need to carry the tabernacle and all the vessels of it for the service thereof.
24These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.
25For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever:
26And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.
Commentary · verse 26
David made the Levites aware there no longer being a need for them to carry the tabernacle and the vessels. There would be a temple to hold these things.
27For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered, from twenty years old and upward.
28For their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of Jehovah, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, even the work of the service of the house of God; 29for the showbread also, and for the fine flour for a meal-offering, whether of unleavened wafers, or of that which is baked in the pan, or of that which is soaked, and for all manner of measure and size; 30and to stand every morning to thank and praise Jehovah, and likewise at even; 31and to offer all burnt-offerings unto Jehovah, on the sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the set feasts, in number according to the ordinance concerning them, continually before Jehovah; 32and that they should keep the charge of the tent of meeting, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, for the service of the house of Jehovah.
27For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above:
28Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;
29Both for the shewbread, and for the fine flour for meat offering, and for the unleavened cakes, and for that which is baked in the pan, and for that which is fried, and for all manner of measure and size;
30And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even;
31And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD:
32And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD.
Commentary · verse 32
The Levites had to transition. Their work would be different now that the tabernacle would not move.
Where You Stopped
1 Chronicles 24
Commentary · verses 1-19
Verses 1-19: covered the division of Aaron's sons.
1And the courses of the sons of Aaron were these. The sons of Aaron: Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
2But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest’s office.
1Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
2But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest’s office.
Commentary · verse 2
Nadab and Abihu died before their father. Nadab and Abihu were devoured by God because they put incense on the altar and offered strange fire before God: Leviticus 10:1-2. Therefore, this dividing of Aaron's sons only concerned two of his sons: Eleazar and Ithamar.
3And David with Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, divided them according to their ordering in their service.
4And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided: of the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen, heads of fathers’ houses; and of the sons of Ithamar, according to their fathers’ houses, eight.
3And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.
4And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers.
Commentary · verse 4
David divided the sons of Eleazar, while Ahimelech divided the sons of Ithamar. Since the sons of Eleazar had more chief men (leaders), Eleazar's descendants were divided into sixteen groups and Ithamar's descendants were divided into eight groups.
5Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.
6And Shemaiah the son of Nethanel the scribe, who was of the Levites, wrote them in the presence of the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the priests and of the Levites; one fathers’ house being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar.
5Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.
6And Shemaiah the son of Nethaneel the scribe, one of the Levites, wrote them before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and before the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites: one principal household being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar.
Commentary · verse 6
The descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar took turns casting lots.
7Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, 8the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, 9the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin, 10the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, 11the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, 12the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, 13the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab, 14the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer, 15the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez, 16the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel, 17the one and twentieth to Jachin, the two and twentieth to Gamul, 18the three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah.
19This was the ordering of them in their service, to come into the house of Jehovah according to the ordinance given unto them by Aaron their father, as Jehovah, the God of Israel, had commanded him.
7Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,
8The third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,
9The fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,
10The seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,
11The ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah,
12The eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,
13The thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,
14The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,
15The seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Aphses,
16The nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezekel,
17The one and twentieth to Jachin, the two and twentieth to Gamul,
18The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah.
19These 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.
Commentary · verse 19
There were twenty-four groups divided for the service of the temple.
Commentary · verses 20-31
Verses 20-31: recorded the chiefs of the rest of the families of the Levites.
20And of the rest of the sons of Levi: of the sons of Amram, Shubael; of the sons of Shubael, Jehdeiah.
21Of Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, Isshiah the chief.
22Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the sons of Shelomoth, Jahath.
23And the sons of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth.
24The sons of Uzziel, Micah; of the sons of Micah, Shamir.
25The brother of Micah, Isshiah; of the sons of Isshiah, Zechariah.
26The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi; the sons of Jaaziah: Beno.
27The sons of Merari: of Jaaziah, Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri.
28Of Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons.
29Of Kish; the sons of Kish: Jerahmeel.
30And the sons of Mushi: Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after their fathers’ houses.
31These likewise cast lots even as their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the priests and of the Levites; the fathers’ houses of the chief even as those of his younger brother.
20And the rest of the sons of Levi were these: Of the sons of Amram; Shubael: of the sons of Shubael; Jehdeiah.
21Concerning Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah, the first was Isshiah.
22Of the Izharites; Shelomoth: of the sons of Shelomoth; Jahath.
23And the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth.
24Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah: of the sons of Michah; Shamir.
25The brother of Michah was Isshiah: of the sons of Isshiah; Zechariah.
26The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno.
27The sons of Merari by Jaaziah; Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri.
28Of Mahli came Eleazar, who had no sons.
29Concerning Kish: the son of Kish was Jerahmeel.
30The sons also of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites after the house of their fathers.
31These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.
Where You Stopped
1 Chronicles 25
Commentary · verses 1-31
This chapter recorded the division and duties of the singers and musicians.
1Moreover David and the captains of the host set apart for the service certain 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 them that did the work according to their service was:
1Moreover 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:
Commentary · verse 1
Notice, these musicians would prophesy with their instruments.
Commentary · verses 2-6
Verses 2-6: the sons of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.
2of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asharelah, the sons of Asaph, under the hand of Asaph, who prophesied after the order of the king.
3Of Jeduthun; the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun with the harp, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Jehovah.
4Of Heman; the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, Mahazioth.
5All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.
6All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of Jehovah, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God; Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the king.
2Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.
3Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
4Of Heman: the sons of Heman; Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamti–ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth:
5All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.
6All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king’s order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.
Commentary · verse 6
Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman reported directly to the king.
7And the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in singing unto Jehovah, even all that were skilful, was two hundred fourscore and eight.
7So 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.
Commentary · verse 7
The number of these leaders including their families who sang and played to God was 288. These were all skillful singers and musicians.
8And they cast lots for their offices, all alike, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.
8And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.
Commentary · verse 8
All of the 288 had to cast lots regardless of their experience and understanding of their duties.
Commentary · verses 9-31
Verses 9-31: the division of the musicians.
9Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second to Gedaliah; he and his brethren and sons were twelve: 10the third to Zaccur, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 11the fourth to Izri, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 12the fifth to Nethaniah, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 13the sixth to Bukkiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 14the seventh to Jesharelah, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 15the eighth to Jeshaiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 16the ninth to Mattaniah, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 17the tenth to Shimei, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 18the eleventh to Azarel, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 19the twelfth to Hashabiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 20for the thirteenth, Shubael, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 21for the fourteenth, Mattithiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 22for the fifteenth to Jeremoth, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 23for the sixteenth to Hananiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 24for the seventeenth to Joshbekashah, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 25for the eighteenth to Hanani, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 26for the nineteenth to Mallothi, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 27for the twentieth to Eliathah, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 28for the one and twentieth to Hothir, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 29for the two and twentieth to Giddalti, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 30for the three and twentieth to Mahazioth, his sons and his brethren, twelve: 31for the four and twentieth to Romamtiezer, his sons and his brethren, twelve.
9Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons were twelve:
10The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
11The fourth to Izri, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
12The fifth to Nethaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
13The sixth to Bukkiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
14The seventh to Jesharelah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
15The eighth to Jeshaiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
16The ninth to Mattaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
17The tenth to Shimei, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
18The eleventh to Azareel, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
19The twelfth to Hashabiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
20The thirteenth to Shubael, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
21The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
22The fifteenth to Jeremoth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
23The sixteenth to Hananiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
24The seventeenth to Joshbekashah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
25The eighteenth to Hanani, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
26The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
27The twentieth to Eliathah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
28The one and twentieth to Hothir, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
29The two and twentieth to Giddalti, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
30The three and twentieth to Mahazioth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:
31The four and twentieth to Romamti–ezer, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve.
Commentary · verse 31
There were twenty-four groups of twelve men divided by the lots which equaled the total of them being 288.
This day's reading covered the beginning of Solomon's reign, the building of the temple, and the division of labor within the temple.
Even though David could not build the temple himself, he still gathered many supplies to prepare Solomon for building the temple. None of this was mentioned in 2 Samuel.