1 Chronicles 24
DOYLYChap. XXV. ver. 1. — the captains of the host] We cannot understand by this expression the commanders in war, since it would be absurd to think that they interfered in arranging the service of the temple. We must therefore understand to be meant the companies of priests, who waited on the service of God at the temple; the captains or chief leaders of whom, together with David, divided the singers, as is hereafter related. Thorndike.
— who should prophesy &c.] That is, should sing the psalms which David and other Prophets composed. For these young men were not actually Prophets; but are on this account said to “prophesy,” because they
1 Chronicles 24:19
- These were the orderings &c.] Thus were they ranged into their weekly courses, under the high priest, the successor of Aaron for the time being, who had the inspection over them, and took care that there should be no confusion or interfering amongst them. Pyle.
1 Chronicles 24:20
- And the rest of the sons of Levi &c.] The author here speaks again of the Levites who were before named in chap. xxiii, to distinguish them from the priests, and to shew that they had all their places assigned to them by lot. Some names are here mentioned as descended from Merari, which are mentioned no where else; but we can have no reasonable doubt, that the author of this book derived them from authentick records. Bp. Patrick.
1 Chronicles 24:31
- — the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.] This is obscurely expressed; but the meaning is, that the elder and younger had their places by lot, not by seniority of houses: they that were of