1 Chronicles 15:17

Authorized King James Version

So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעֲמִ֣ידוּ

H5975

appointed

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

הַלְוִיִּ֗ם

H3881

So the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

אֵ֚ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הֵימָ֣ן

H1968

Heman

heman, the name of at least two israelites

בֶּן

H1121

and of the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יוֹאֵ֔ל

H3100

of Joel

joel, the name of twelve israelites

וּמִ֨ן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אֲחֵיהֶ֔ם

H251

and of his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אָסָ֖ף

H623

Asaph

asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first

#10

בֶּן

H1121

and of the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

בֶּֽרֶכְיָ֑הוּ

H1296

of Berechiah

berekjah, the name of six israelites

#12

וּמִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#13

בֶּן

H1121

and of the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#14

מְרָרִי֙

H4847

of Merari

merari, an israelite

#15

אֲחֵיהֶ֔ם

H251

and of his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#16

אֵיתָ֖ן

H387

Ethan

ethan, the name of four israelites

#17

בֶּן

H1121

and of the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#18

קֽוּשָׁיָֽהוּ׃

H6984

of Kushaiah

kushajah, an israelite

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?