1 Chronicles 25:1

Authorized King James Version

Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּבְדֵּ֣ל

H914

separated

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

דָּוִיד֩

H1732

Moreover David

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְשָׂרֵ֨י

H8269

and the captains

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַצָּבָ֜א

H6635

of the host

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

לַעֲבֹֽדָתָֽם׃

H5656

according to their service

work of any kind

לִבְנֵ֤י

H1121

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

אָסָף֙

H623

of Asaph

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

וְהֵימָ֣ן

H1968

and of Heman

heman, the name of at least two israelites

וִֽידוּת֔וּן

H3038

and of Jeduthun

jeduthun, an israelite

#10

הַֽנִּבְּיאִ֛ים

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#11

בְּכִנֹּר֥וֹת

H3658

with harps

a harp

#12

בִּנְבָלִ֖ים

H5035

with psalteries

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

#13

וּבִמְצִלְתָּ֑יִם

H4700

and with cymbals

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

#14

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#15

מִסְפָּרָ֔ם

H4557

and the number

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

#16

אַנְשֵׁ֥י

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#17

מְלָאכָ֖ה

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

#18

לַעֲבֹֽדָתָֽם׃

H5656

according to their service

work of any kind

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Chronicles chapter 25 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?