1 Chronicles 25:1-31 (June 25, 2025)

David Organizes the Musicians

25:1 David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. The list of those who did the work and of their duties was: 2 Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah, sons of Asaph, under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. 3 Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei,[a] Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the lyre in thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. 4 Of Heman, the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, Mahazioth. 5 All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer, according to the promise of God to exalt him, for God had given Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. 6 They were all under the direction of their father in the music in the house of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the order of the king. 7 The number of them along with their brothers, who were trained in singing to the Lord, all who were skillful, was 288. 8 And they cast lots for their duties, small and great, teacher and pupil alike.

9 The first lot fell for Asaph to Joseph; the second to Gedaliah, to him and his brothers and his sons, twelve; 10 the third to Zaccur, his sons and his brothers, twelve; 11 the fourth to Izri, his sons and his brothers, twelve; 12 the fifth to Nethaniah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; 13 the sixth to Bukkiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; 14 the seventh to Jesharelah, his sons and his brothers, twelve; 15 the eighth to Jeshaiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

16 the ninth to Mattaniah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

17 the tenth to Shimei, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

18 the eleventh to Azarel, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

19 the twelfth to Hashabiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

20 to the thirteenth, Shubael, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

21 to the fourteenth, Mattithiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

22 to the fifteenth, to Jeremoth, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

23 to the sixteenth, to Hananiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

24 to the seventeenth, to Joshbekashah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

25 to the eighteenth, to Hanani, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

26 to the nineteenth, to Mallothi, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

27 to the twentieth, to Eliathah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

28 to the twenty-first, to Hothir, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

29 to the twenty-second, to Giddalti, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

30 to the twenty-third, to Mahazioth, his sons and his brothers, twelve;

31 to the twenty-fourth, to Romamti-ezer, his sons and his brothers, twelve.

Footnotes

1 Chronicles 25:3 One Hebrew manuscript, Septuagint; most Hebrew manuscripts lack Shimei

Summary

1 Chronicles 25 presents how David, together with the commanders of the army, organized the Levitical musicians into twenty-four divisions for temple service. These musicians were not merely performers—they were "prophets" with lyres, harps, and cymbals. They were set apart to prophesy through music, offering praise and thanksgiving to God.

The chapter names leaders from the three primary musical families: Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. Each family had sons and relatives trained and skilled in music for the Lord. Remarkably, the divisions were determined by casting lots, without favoritism toward the experienced or the young. This reflects not only God’s love for order but also the inclusiveness of worship leadership.

This chapter reminds us that music in worship is not an afterthought—it is a divinely appointed ministry that requires both skill and consecration. It also reminds us that God delights in praise offered with excellence and reverence.

Reflections

God appoints music as a means of prophecy and praise

These musicians were not entertainers; they were serving to enhance the "prophetic" nature of corporate worship. Their music carried theological weight. Music was one way to declare God’s word, stirring hearts, and leading the people into truth. Worship through music is not filler; it is a form of proclamation and spiritual formation.

God equips and calls both the young and experienced to serve in worship

Both the teacher and the pupil had roles to play. In God’s house, skill is valued, but seniority is not a prerequisite for service. Those who are trained and set apart, regardless of age, have a place in God’s worship. This honors both the act of giving and the spirit of humility in service.

God’s order in worship reflects His glory and unity

The chapter ends with all twenty-four divisions assigned their service by sacred lot. This orderly assignment shows the beauty of shared responsibility and divine sovereignty. In a church, worship is not centered on a few personalities but is shared across the body for the glory of one God.

Application

Let us honor the ministry of music in our worship gatherings as a sacred calling. Whether we sing, play, or listen, we participate in something deeply spiritual, declaring the truths of God with joy and reverence. Let us also raise up the next generation of worshipers and musicians with care, training them not merely to perform, but to lead others into the presence of God.

Prayer

Lord of beauty and order,

Thank you for giving your people the gift of music, not merely for enjoyment but as a holy means of praise and prophecy. Teach us to sing and play with reverence, to worship with truth and skill, and to listen with hearts open to your Spirit. Raise up faithful worshipers in every generation who lead your people to delight in your glory.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.