1 Chronicles 16:42

Authorized King James Version

And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were porters.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעִמָּהֶם֩

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הֵימָ֨ן

H1968

And with them Heman

heman, the name of at least two israelites

יְדוּת֖וּן

H3038

and Jeduthun

jeduthun, an israelite

חֲצֹֽצְר֤וֹת

H2689

with trumpets

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

וּמְצִלְתַּ֙יִם֙

H4700

and cymbals

(only dual) double tinklers, i.e., cymbals

לְמַשְׁמִיעִ֔ים

H8085

for those that should make a sound

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וּכְלֵ֖י

H3627

instruments

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

שִׁ֣יר

H7892

and with musical

a song; abstractly, singing

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#10

וּבְנֵ֥י

H1121

And 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

יְדוּת֖וּן

H3038

and Jeduthun

jeduthun, an israelite

#12

לַשָּֽׁעַר׃

H8179

were porters

an opening, i.e., door or gate

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 sovereignty 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?