The Levites Appointed for the Ark

37 And he leaveth there before the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, for Asaph and for his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, according to the matter of a day in its day, 38 both Obed-Edom and their brethren, sixty and eight, and Obed-Edom son of Jeduthun, and Hosah for gatekeepers, 39 and Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of Jehovah, in a high place that 'is' in Gibeon, 40 to cause to ascend burnt-offerings to Jehovah, on the altar of burnt-offering continually, morning and evening, and for all that is written in the law of Jehovah, that He charged on Israel. 41 And with them 'are' Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest of those chosen, who were defined by name, to give thanks to Jehovah, for to the age 'is' His kindness, 42 and with them—Heman and Jeduthun—'are' trumpets and cymbals for those sounding, and instruments of the song of God, and the sons of Jeduthun 'are' at the gate. 43 And all the people go, each to his house, and David turneth round to bless his house.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 16:37-43

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 16:37-43

(Read 1 Chronicles 16:37-43)

The worship of God ought to be the work of every day. David put it into order. At Jerusalem, where the ark was, Asaph and his brethren were to minister before the ark continually, with songs of praise. No sacrifices were offered there, nor incense burnt, because the altars were not there; but David's prayers were directed as incense, and the lifting up of his hands as the evening sacrifice. So early did spiritual worship take place of ceremonial. Yet the ceremonial worship, being of Divine institution, must by no means be omitted; therefore at Gibeon, at the altars, the priests attended; for their work was to sacrifice and burn incense; and that they did continually, morning and evening, according to the law of Moses. As the ceremonies were types of the mediation of Christ, the observance of them was of great consequence. The attendance of his appointed ministers is right in itself, and encourages the people.