Bible Commentaries

captains of the host = the heads of the Temple service. This word "host" applied to Levites in Numbers 4:3. Rendered "service" (margin warfare) in Numbers 4:23, Numbers 4:30, Numbers 4:35, Numbers 4:39, Numbers 4:43; Numbers 8:24.

Jeduthun. Probably another name for Ethan. See note on 1 Chronicles 16:41.

prophesy with harps. Not "perform", or "render". The music therefore eminently spiritual. See note on 1 Chronicles 25:5.

six. Only five named. The sixth is Shimei (1 Chronicles 25:17).

Giddalti. The fact that the meanings of these six names form a complete sentence in Hebrew is no more proof that this is a mistaken "obscure and ancient prayer", than that the chronicler has strung together a list of six names in order to form a sentence. What it shows is that Heman, in naming his sons, did so with this set purpose, as parents have often done since his day. The supposed prayer would read: "I have magnified, and I have raised up help; Sitting in trouble, I have spoken many oracles. "

the words of God. Not the words of man. None but Divine words used in Divine worship.

God. Hebrew. Elohim.(with Art.) = the [true] God. App-4.

songs of the LORD. Not of man.

cunning = skilful. See note on 1 Chronicles 22:15.

two hundred fourscore and eight. (288 = 24 x 12.) Twelve (the number of Governmental perfection) is a factor in all that pertains to government. Compare 1 Chronicles 27:1. See App-10.

cast lots. See notes on the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30. Numbers 26:55).

ward = charge. A word belonging to usage of Pentateuch. Compare 1 Chronicles 23:32.

came forth: i.e. out of the ephod, the bag behind the high priest's breastplate; the lap, or bag of Proverbs 16:33. Compare Joshua 21:4, and see note on Exodus 28:30. Numbers 26:55.

to Joseph. Not the eldest son.

his brethren. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus), App-6, for relatives.

Zaccur, the son of Asaph (1 Chronicles 25:2).

Jesharelah = Asarelah of 1 Chronicles 25:2.

Azareel = Uzziel of 1 Chronicles 25:4.