251 Moreover, David and the commanders of the army set apart for the service some of the sons of Asaph and of Heman and of Jeduthun , who were to prophesy with lyres , harps and cymbals ; and the number of those who performed their service was: 2 Of the sons of Asaph : Zaccur , Joseph , Nethaniah and Asharelah ; the sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph , who prophesied under the direction of the king . 3 Of Jeduthun , the sons of Jeduthun : Gedaliah , Zeri , Jeshaiah , Shimei, Hashabiah and Mattithiah , six , under the direction of their father Jeduthun with the harp , who prophesied in giving thanks and praising the Lord . 4 Of Heman , the sons of Heman : Bukkiah , Mattaniah , Uzziel , Shebuel and Jerimoth , Hananiah , Hanani , Eliathah , Giddalti and Romamti-ezer , Joshbekashah , Mallothi , Hothir , Mahazioth . 5 All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer to exalt him according to the words of God , for God gave fourteen e sons and three daughters to Heman . 6 All these were under the direction of their father to sing in the house of the Lord , with cymbals , harps and lyres , for the service of the house of God . Asaph , Jeduthun and Heman were under the direction of the king . 7 Their number who were trained in singing to the Lord , with their relatives , all who were skillful , was 288 e e .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25:1-7
Chapter Contents
The singers and musicians.
David put those in order who were appointed to be singers and musicians in the temple. To prophesy, in this place, means praising God with great earnestness and devout affections, under the influences of the Holy Spirit. In raising these affections, poetry and music were employed. If the Spirit of God do not put life and fervour into our devotions, they will, however ordered, be a lifeless, worthless form.