1 Chronicles 25 Explained - 5 Minute Bible Study

1 Chronicles 25 Short Summary:

In 1 Chronicles 25, David selected 3 men to manage the musical worship at the Temple, their names were Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. These three men were to manage the 288 musicians who would work in shifts at the Temple in Jerusalem upon its completion.

What is 1 Chronicles 25 About?

WHEN:

• The Book of 1 Chronicles was written several hundred years after King David’s reign.  

• David became king of Judah in approximately 1055 B.C, the year Saul died. David’s reign spanned approximately 40 years (1055-1015 B.C.). He reigned over Judah for 7 years and 6 months, before becoming king over all Israel. His reign over all Judah and Israel lasted 33 years.

• The final chapters of 1 Chronicles document events that occurred at the end of David’s life.

CHARACTERS:

• David – The second king over all Israel and Judah.

• Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun – The men put in charge of the music at the Temple.  

WHERE:

• David and Solomon were planning to build a temple to the Lord in Jerusalem. The priests, Levites, and musicians would travel to Jerusalem to participate in the worship at the Temple.

OUTLINE:

• DAVID ORGANIZES THE TEMPLE MUSICIANS (25:1-31):

  • David put Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun in charge of the musical worship at the Temple.

  • Several individuals were assigned to work under them (25:2-4), including Heman’s 14 sons and 3 daughters.

  • Under the leadership of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah (4 total).

  • Under the leadership of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah (6 total).

  • Under the leadership of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth (14 total).

  • Additionally, 12 men were assigned to each of these 24 men, bringing the total number of skilled musicians to 288.

  • Thee 24 men cast lots to determine their duties. The order of the lots is recorded in verses 9-31.

EXPLANATION:

• Music has been a part of the worship of God for millennia.

• There were singers at the Temple and the modern Church is instructed to sing together.

• “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16

• Our singing should be more than an afterthought. The lyrics in our songs should express thanks to God and teach, admonish, and impart wisdom to one another.

• There is definitely a need in the Church right now for new songwriters, especially ones who will write deep, moving, and theologically rich lyrics.