Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Chronicles 23:24
These [were] the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; [even] the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.
24. after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names ] R.V. after their fathers’ houses, even the heads of the fathers’ houses of those of them that were counted, in the number of names.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
24 27. Organization of the Levites (second account)
Cp. note at the beginning of the last paragraph.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
From the age of twenty years – The Levites had hitherto not entered upon their regular functions until the age of thirty 1Ch 23:3. Certain lighter duties were by the Law imposed on them at the age of twenty-five Num 8:24; but it was not until they were five years older that they became liable to the full service of the sanctuary. David appears now to have made a change. By his last words 1Ch 23:27 the time for the Levites to enter on the full duties of their office was advanced from thirty to twenty years. This change was based upon the lighter character of the labors imposed on them now that the ark had ceased to be carried from place to place and obtained a permanent habitation 1Ch 23:26. The limit of age continued in after times where David had fixed it (see Ezr 3:8).
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 24. Twenty years and upward.] It appears that this was a different ordinance from that mentioned 1Ch 23:3. At first he appointed the Levites to serve from thirty years and upward; now from twenty years. These were David’s last orders; see 1Ch 23:27. They should begin at an earlier age, and continue later.
This was not a very painful task; the ark being now fixed, and the Levites very numerous, there could be no drudgery.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
As the Levites were anciently numbered from two several times, from the twenty-fifth year of their age, and from the thirtieth, Num 4:3; 8:24; in like manner and for the same reasons they are here numbered both from their twentieth year, as here, when they were more solemnly prepared for and instructed, and by degrees exercised, in some parts of their work; and from their thirtieth year, above, 1Ch 23:3, when they were admitted to the full and complete exercise of all the parts and works of their office. And the reason why they were now sooner admitted to service than they had been formerly by the constitution of Moses, is given in the next verses, because now their work was made easy, they being wholly discharged from that burdensome work of carrying the tabernacle and its utensils, which was too heavy for young and tender shoulders. To which may be added, that the number of the Israelites was greatly increased, and consequently the services which were to be performed by the Levites on their behalf were multiplied, and the work of the temple was much greater than that of the tabernacle, and therefore more of the Levites were to be employed, and consequently they were to be sooner taken into service.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
24-27. These were the sons of Levi .. . that did the work . . . from the age of twenty years andupwardThe enumeration of the Levites was made by David (1Ch23:3) on the same rule as that followed by Moses (Nu4:3), namely, from thirty years. But he saw afterwards that thisrule might be beneficially relaxed, and that the enrolment of Levitesfor their proper duties might be made from twenty years of age. Theark and tabernacle being now stationary at Jerusalem, the labor ofthe Levites was greatly diminished, as they were no longer obliged totransport its heavy furniture from place to place. The number ofthirty-eight thousand Levites, exclusive of priests, was doubtlessmore than sufficient for the ordinary service of the tabernacle. Butthis pious king thought that it would contribute to the glory of theLord to employ as many officers in his divine service as possible.These first rules, however, which David instituted, were temporary,as very different arrangements were made after the ark had beendeposited in the tabernacle of Zion.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
These were the sons of Levi, after the house of their fathers,…. According to the three classes of them, as descending from the three sons of Levi:
[even] the chief of the fathers; or heads of families:
as they were counted by number of names by their polls; or according to their heads, one by one:
that did the work for the service of the house of the Lord; the particulars of which are in 1Ch 23:28
from the age of twenty years, and upwards; they were first numbered thirty and upwards, 1Ch 23:3, but David before his death ordered they should be numbered from twenty and upwards, 1Ch 23:27, because the Israelites being increased, there would be more work for the priests in the temple, which would require the assistance of more Levites. The reasons follow.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Concluding remarks. – 1Ch 23:24. “These (the just enumerated) are the sons of Levi according to their fathers’-houses, according to those who were counted (Num 1:21.; Exo 30:14) in the enumeration by name (Num 1:18; Num 3:43), by the head, performing the work for the service of the house of Jahve, from the men of twenty years and upwards.” is not singular, but plural, as in 2Ch 24:12; 2Ch 34:10, 2Ch 34:13; Exo 3:9; Neh 2:16, cf. 2Ch 11:1. It occurs along with , with a similar meaning and in a like position, 2Ch 24:13; 2Ch 34:17; Neh 11:12; Neh 13:10. It is only another way of writing , and the same form is found here and there in other words; cf. Ew. 16, b. The statement that the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and upwards is accounted for in 1Ch 23:25 thus: David said, The Lord has given His people rest, and He dwells in Jerusalem; and the Levites also have no longer to bear the dwelling (tabernacle) with all its vessels. From this, of course, it results that they had not any longer to do such heavy work as during the march through the wilderness, and so might enter upon their service even at the age of twenty. In 1Ch 23:27 a still further reason is given: “For by the last words of David was this, (viz.) the numbering of the sons of Levi from twenty years old and upwards.” There is a difference of opinion as to how are to be understood. Bertheau translates, with Kimchi, “in the later histories of David are the number = the numbered,” and adduces in support of his translation 1Ch 29:29, whence it is clear that by “the later histories of David” a part of a historical work is meant. But the passage quoted does not prove this. In the formula … (1Ch 29:29; 2Ch 9:29; 2Ch 12:15; 2Ch 16:11, etc.), which recurs at the end of each king’s reign, denotes not historiae , in the sense of a history, but res gestae , which are recorded in the writings named. In accordance with this, therefore, cannot denote writings of David, but only words or things (= deeds); but the Levites who were numbered could not be in the acts of David. We must rather translate according to 2Ch 29:30 and 2Sa 23:1. In the latter passage are the last words (utterances) of David, and in the former , “by the words of David,” i.e., according to the commands or directions of David. In this way, Cler. and Mich., with the Vulg. juxta praecepta , have already correctly translated the words: “according to the last commands of David.” is nowhere found in the signification sunt as the mere copula of the subject and verb, but is everywhere an independent predicate, and is here to be taken, according to later linguistic usage, as neutr. sing. (cf. Ew. 318, b): “According to the last commands of David, this,” i.e., this was done, viz., the numbering of the Levites from twenty years and upwards. From this statement, from twenty years and upwards, which is so often repeated, and for which the reasons are so given, it cannot be doubtful that the statement in 1Ch 23:3, “from thirty years and upwards,” is incorrect, and that, as has been already remarked on 1Ch 23:3, has crept into the text by an error of the copyist, who was thinking of the Mosaic census.
(Note: The explanation adopted from Kimchi by the older Christian commentators, e.g., by J. H. Mich., is an untenable makeshift. It is to this effect: that David first numbered the Levites from thirty years old and upwards, according to the law (Num 4:3; Num 23:30), but that afterwards, when he saw that those of twenty years of age were in a position to perform the duties, lightened as they were by its being no longer necessary for the Levites to bear the sanctuary from place to place, he included all from twenty years of age in a second census, taken towards the end of his life; cf. 1Ch 23:27. Against this Bertheau has already rightly remarked that the census of the Levites gave the number at 38,000 (1Ch 23:3), and these 38,000 and no others were installed; it is nowhere said that this number was not sufficient, or that the arrangements based upon this number (1Ch 23:4, 1Ch 23:5) had no continued existence. He is, however, incorrect in his further remark, that the historian clearly enough is desirous of calling attention to the fact that here a statement is made which is different from the former, for of this there is no trace; the contrary, indeed, is manifest. Since (1Ch 23:24) refers back to the just enumerated fathers ‘ -houses of the Levites, and 1Ch 23:24 consequently forms the subscription to the preceding register, the historian thereby informs us plainly enough that he does not communicate here a statement different from the former, but only concludes that which he has formerly communicated. We cannot very well see how, from the fact that he here for the first time adduces the motive which determined David to cause the Levites from twenty years old and upwards to be numbered and employed in the service, it follows that he derived this statement of David ‘ s motive from a source different from that account which he has hitherto made use of. Nor would it be more manifest if 1Ch 23:27 contained – as it does not contain – a reference to the source from which he derived this statement.)
In 1Ch 23:28-32 we have, in the enumeration of the duties which the Levites had to perform, another ground for the employment of those from twenty years old and upwards in actual service.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
| The Office of the Levites. | B. C. 1015. |
24 These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward. 25 For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever: 26 And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof. 27 For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above: 28 Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God; 29 Both for the showbread, and for the fine flour for meat offering, and for the unleavened cakes, and for that which is baked in the pan, and for that which is fried, and for all manner of measure and size; 30 And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even; 31 And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD: 32 And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD.
Here is, I. An alteration made in the computation of the effective men of the Levites–that whereas, in Moses’s time, they were not enlisted, or taken into service, till they were thirty-years old, nor admitted as probationers till twenty-five (Num. viii. 24), David ordered, by direction from God, that they should be numbered for the service of the house of the Lord, from the age of twenty years and upwards, v. 24. This order he confirmed by his last words, v. 27. When he put his last hand to the draught of this establishment he expressly appointed this to be done for ever after; yet not he; but the Lord. 1. Perhaps the young Levites, having no work appointed them till twenty-five years old, had many of them got a habit of idleness, or grew addicted to their pleasures, which proved both a blemish to their reputation and a hindrance to their usefulness afterwards, to prevent which inconvenience they are set to work, and brought under discipline, at twenty-years old. Those that will be eminent must learn to take care and take care betimes. 2. When the work of the Levites was to carry burdens, heavy burdens, the tabernacle and the furniture of it, God would not call any to it till they had come to their full strength; for he considers our frame, and, in service as well as sufferings, will lay no more upon us than we are able to bear. But now God had given rest to his people, and made Jerusalem his dwelling-place for ever, so that there was no more occasion to carry the tabernacle and the vessels thereof, the service was much easier, and what would not over-work them nor over-load them if they entered upon it at twenty-years old. 3. Now the people of Israel were multiplied, and there was a more general resort to Jerusalem, and would be when the temple was built, than had ever been at Shiloh, or Nob, or Gibeon; it was therefore requisite there should be more hands employed in the temple-service, that every Israelite who brought an offering might find a Levite ready to assist him. When more work is to be done it is a pity but there should be more workmen fetched in for the doing of it. When the harvest is plenteous why should the labourers be few?
II. A further account of the Levites’ work. What the work of the priests was we are told (v. 13): To sanctify the most holy things, to burn incense before the Lord, and to bless in his name; that work the Levites were not to meddle with, and yet they had work enough, and good work, according to that to which they were appointed, 1Ch 23:4; 1Ch 23:5. 1. Those of them that were to set forward the work of the house of God (v. 4) were therein to wait on the sons of Aaron (v. 28), were to do the drudgery-work (if any work for God is to be called drudgery) of the house of God, to keep the courts and chambers clean, set things in their places, and have them ready when there was occasion to use them. They were to prepare the show-bread which the priests were to set on the table, to provide the flour and cakes for the meat-offerings, that the priests might have every thing ready to their hands. 2. Those of them that were judges and officers had an eye particularly upon all measure and size, v. 29. The standards of all weights and measures were kept in the sanctuary; and the Levites had the care of them, to see that they were exact, and to try other weights and measures by them when they were appealed to. 3. The work of the singers was to thank and praise the Lord (v. 30), at the offering of the morning and evening sacrifices, and other oblations on the sabbaths, new moons, c., <i>v. 31. Moses appointed that they should blow with trumpets over their burnt offerings and other sacrifices, and on their solemn days, Num. x. 10. The sound of the trumpet was awful, and might be affecting to the worshippers, but was not articulate, nor such a reasonable service as this which David appointed, of singing psalms on those occasions. As the Jewish church grew up from its infancy, it grew more and more intelligent in its devotions, till it came at length, in the gospel, to put away childish things,1Co 13:11; Gal 4:3; Gal 4:9. 4. The work of the porters (v. 5) was to keep the charge of the tabernacle and of the holy place, that none might come nigh but such as were allowed, and those no nearer than was allowed them, v. 32. They were likewise to keep the charge of the sons of Aaron, to be at their beck and go on their errands, who are yet called their brethren, to be a memorandum to the priests that, though they were advanced to a high station, yet they were hewn out of the same rock with common Levites, and therefore must not lord it over them, but in all instances treat them as brethren.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
New Duties, Verses 24-32
A difficulty with the text appears from a comparison of verses 24-27, and verse 3. Whereas the thirty for the age of an active Levite is commensurate with the Numbers citation above, twenty is given as their age from which polled here. The age of twenty-five years is given at Num 8:24-25. Various explanations have been made, some suggesting a period of apprenticeship to age of thirty, which does not explain “twenty” in verses 24, 27. Therefore, there must obviously be a copyist’s error in one of the places where ages differ. The Septuagint rendered it ‘Twenty-five” in every place, indicating that to be the age observed when the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into Greek.
In his assembly David called to mind that the old task of the Levites in conveying the tabernacle and its articles of furniture from place to place would no longer be necessary. For that reason he appointed them their new tasks as noted above. It is again delineated in verses 28-32. These may be summarized as: to wait on the priests in the service of the house of the Lord, as they worked in the outside courts and the inner rooms to 1) keep the purity of the holy things; 2) to arrange for the shew bread and the fine flour for the meat (meal, or food) offering; 3) to oversee preparation of the pan-baked and fried unleavened cakes of every size and measure; 4) to stand every morning to praise the Lord and thank Him, and to repeat the exercise in the evening; 5) to assist in the offering of the burnt sacrifices on the sabbath, new moons, feast days continually; 6) to guard the sanctity of the tabernacle and the sanctuary of the temple according to the direction of the priest.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(24) These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers.Rather, These were the sons of Levi, according to their father-houses (clans), heads of the houses (fathers, i.e., father-houses), to those mustered of them, in an enumeration of names according to their polls. This is the subscription to the foregoing list of names of the Levitical houses, as entered in the muster-rolls of David.
As they were counted.Num. 1:21; Exo. 30:14. The word is that used in 1Ch. 21:6 (pqad).
By number of names.Num. 1:18; Num. 3:43.
That did the work for the service of the house of the Lord.This description identifies these Levites with the 24,000 mentioned in 1Ch. 23:4.
That did the work.Literally, doing. This participle has the form of the singular here and elsewhere in the Chronicles, though the sense demands a plural. It is probably meant as plural, being a variant spelling. (Comp. 2Ch. 24:12; 2Ch. 34:10; 2Ch. 34:13; Ezr. 3:9; Neh. 2:16.)
From the age of twenty years and upward.1Ch. 23:3 states that the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty and upward. Some would banish discrepancy by the assumption that thirty is an ancient error of transcription; others imagine that the chronicler has simply incorporated two divergent statements, as he found them in his authorities. According to Num. 4:3; Num. 4:23; Num. 4:30; Num. 4:35; Num. 4:43; Num. 4:47, the Levites were bound to serve from thirty years old and upward to fifty years of age; whereas Num. 8:24-25, fixes the age from twenty and five years old and upward to fifty; and this, according to Ewald, is the more exact account. It appears from 2Ch. 31:17, that the later practice, at all events, was for the Levites to enter on their sacred functions at the age of twenty. Accordingly, the older commentators have supposed that David twice numbered the Levites: first, as the Law required, from the age of thirty (1Ch. 23:3); and again, towards the close of his reign (1Ch. 23:27), from the age of twenty, because he perceived that the duties had become less onerous, and might therefore be borne by younger men. (Comp. however, Num. 1:3, from which it appears that the military age, i.e., the age of full virile strength, was reckoned from twenty years old and upward.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
24. Twenty years and upward this is not to be explained by supposing an error in the text of 1Ch 23:3, (Kiel,) nor by assuming that David first took a census of those thirty years of age and upward, and afterwards another census of those twenty years old and upwards. The writer introduces additional information, and explains in the verses following, that since Jehovah had given rest to his people, and the tabernacle was to be carried about no more, the Levites might begin to serve at an earlier age, and accordingly David ordained among his last instructions, (1Ch 23:27,) that the Levites might be numbered for service at the age of twenty a practice which afterwards prevailed. 2Ch 31:17; Ezr 3:8.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The Ministry of the Levites
v. 24. These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the Lord, from the age of twenty years and upward, v. 25. For David said, The Lord God of Israel hath given rest unto His people that they may dwell, v. 26. and also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the Tabernacle nor any vessels of it for the service thereof, v. 27. For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above,
v. 28. because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the Lord, v. 29. both for the showbread, v. 30. and to stand every morning, v. 31. and to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the Lord in the Sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, v. 32. and that they should keep the charge of the Tabernacle of the Congregation,
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
1Ch 23:24. Twenty years and upward In the 3rd verse it is thirty years and upward; but it appears that a different poll is there referred to: and from the 25th and 26th verses it seems to follow, that David made this second appointment of the Levites from twenty years of age, after he had made the former one mentioned in the 3rd verse.
REFLECTIONS.1st, David, having declared Solomon his successor, convokes a solemn assembly to recognize his appointment, and prevent all competition when he should sleep with his fathers, as he shortly expected, being now grown aged and infirm; and this aggravated the crime of Adonijah and his adherents. At this assembly, David perfected the settlement of the Levites.
1. He numbered them. Thirty-eight thousand men, a vast increase since the time of Moses, Num 4:48 even if we suppose that those above fifty were now reckoned, who were then omitted. It is a distinguished mercy to any people when God giveth the word, and great is the company of the preachers.
2. David appointed to them all their several employments. Twenty-four thousand were employed, by a thousand weekly, in rotation, to set forward the work of the temple, kill the sacrifices, wash, divide them, keep the temple and all the vessels clean and in order, and be assistants in all the service to the priests, &c. Six thousand were appointed judges and officers, as best skilled in the laws civil and ecclesiastical, and distributed through the cities of Israel, to maintain peace and execute justice. Four thousand were the porters, a kind of guards, to prevent any unfit person from entering into the temple, or going farther than their limits. Four thousand more were singers, divided into choirs, and constantly in succession praising God day and night. Note; (1.) The work will go on well, where every man knows his post and business. (2.) In whatever station a Levite is placed, diligence and zeal in the service of God is his bounden duty.
3. The whole were divided into three classes, according to the three sons of Levi, from whom they descended: thus the nearest relations were employed together. Those who are united in blood should be more united in love, and give assistance to each other. The family of Moses classes with common Levites, and has no mark of distinction; an evidence of the disinterested conduct of their great progenitor. Rehabiah, one of his descendants, is remarked for his numerous family. Aaron’s family appears with chief dignity, consecrated to God, to minister in the most holy things. God has a right to choose his own servants; and it were impious and perjured hypocrisy, for any man to take this honour to himself, who is not inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost, and called of God.
2nd, The ark and all the sacred furniture being no more to be removed, as they had been during their marches through the wilderness, David, by divine appointment, makes an alteration in the age at which the Levites were to begin their ministration, from twenty years old and upwards (see Num 8:24.); and this was the more necessary, as the temple-service would be much more frequented than the tabernacle had been at Shiloh or Gibeon. Note; (1.) God proportions our strength to our burdens. (2.) If the harvest be plenteous, the Lord in mercy will raise up labourers. The particular business of the attendant Levites, who assisted the priests, is here marked out to them. 1. They were to keep the courts and chambers clean, prepare the sacrifices and meat and drink-offerings, that the priests might have them ready to their hands; and this with exactness, according to the weights and measures prescribed. 2. Others, morning and evening, at the time of the daily sacrifice, offered up praises to God, with vocal and instrumental music. 3. The porters were to take care that nothing came into or was carried out of the temple, contrary to the law; and to execute the commands of their brethren the priests. Note; Let not those whom God has advanced to honour grow proud and imperious; but remember, that, though exalted above their brethren, they are still to treat them as brethren.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Ch 23:24 These [were] the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; [even] the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.
Ver. 24. From the age of twenty years and upward. ] The reason whereof followeth: 1Ch 23:25 the people were increased and in peace; and consequently God’s service much increased in the labour of it.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
1Ch 23:24-32
1Ch 23:24-32
THE LEVITICAL HEADS OF FATHERS’ HOUSES
“These were the sons of Levi after their fathers’ houses, even the heads of the fathers’ houses of those of them that were counted, in the number of names by their polls, who did the work of the house of Jehovah, from twenty years old and upward. For David said, Jehovah, the God of Israel, hath given rest unto his people; and he dwelleth in Jerusalem for ever: and also the Levites shall no more have need to carry the tabernacle and all the vessels of it for the service thereof. For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered, from twenty years old and upward. For their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of Jehovah, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, even the work of the service of the house of God; for the showbread also, and for the fine flour for the meal-offering, whether of unleavened wafers, or of that which is baked in the pan, or of that which is soaked, and for all manner of measure and size; and to stand every morning to thank and praise Jehovah, and likewise at even; and to offer all burnt-offerings unto Jehovah, on the sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the set feasts, in number according to the ordinances concerning them, continually before Jehovah; and that they should keep the charge of the tent of meeting, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, for the service of the house of Jehovah.”
The Gargantuan significance of this chapter lies in the proof that during the life of David king of Israel, all of the extensive instructions and details written in the Book of Moses (The Pentateuch) were well known in Israel. As any good reference Bible will demonstrate, there is hardly a line in this chapter that does not tie in specifically with instructions in the Pentateuch. Furthermore, all of these instructions (except David’s use of instruments of music) were ancient, dating back to the times of Moses. They were not invented by David but honored by him.
Here is the complete frustration of the efforts of radical critics to late-date the Pentateuch. And, as for the allegation that some late Chronicler falsely attributed all these words and activities to King David, such a theory is just as unreasonable and impossible of acceptance as would be the allegation of some alleged `scholar’ someone named Smith or Brown discovered America instead of Christopher Columbus.
E.M. Zerr:
1Ch 23:24. Chief of the fathers shows that not every individual person who was born after Levi was named. The list of polls or heads included only those that did the work. The age limit finally was reduced to twenty years and over. See the comments at verse 3 on this subject.
1Ch 23:25-27. This group of verses really should be considered in direct connection with the preceding one. By lowering the age limit of the Levites, (which was done by David near the end of his life), it increased the number of men who would be taken into the list. It would also reduce the average physical strength of the men by including those ten years younger than the ones at first numbered. But the Lord had given them rest from the enemy nations, relieving them of the hardships of the activities in the field. These men were to be in Jerusalem and be always ready to do the manual labor necessary for the duties of the priests. Another thing, the temple was about to be erected, and the headquarters of the nation would not be moved from place to place as was necessary while they depended on the tabernacle. Therefore, the service required for the assistance to the priests would be near home all the time, so that any man twenty years old or over could perform the service.
1Ch 23:28. There is always some work required in connection with the religious service that is not strictly religious in its nature. This includes such as washing the animals, and the care of the building with its doors and various apartments. This work was performed by these men that were numbered from twenty years and upward.
1Ch 23:29. This specifies some of the items of preparatory work in connection with the temple service. Somebody had to do the manual work of baking the loaves of unleavened bread that were placed on the table of shewbread each Sabbath. There were also many calls for cakes and bread to be offered on the altar of burnt sacrifies. (Leviticus 2.) This created a demand for such articles and these men were employed in it.
1Ch 23:30. Another service to be rendered in connection with the material sacrifices was the prayer and praise service. Some of these men referred to above performed the said services as members of the choir.
1Ch 23:31. Sabbath is in the plural because every special or holy day was a sabbath. The term is used generally, and the writer then specifies some of the days that were considered sabbath or holy days besides the 7th day of the week. New moons always had to be observed as holy days. (1Sa 20:5; 1Sa 20:18; 1Sa 20:24.) means the ones Set feasts with definite dates, such as the Passover which always came on the 14th day of the first month; Pentecost which always came 50 days after Passover; and Atonement which always came on the 10th day of the 7th month.
1Ch 23:32. The tabernacle was at that time at Gibeon, with all the articles of the service except the ark. The service was necessarily incomplete due to the distance from the capital city, also because the ark was in a tent to itself. What service could be had, however, was to be performed by these Levites. It was intended also that they should have the similar work later on. This is evident by the reference to the house of the Lord.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
the sons of Levi: Num 10:17, Num 10:21
after the house: Num 1:4, Num 2:32, Num 3:15, Num 3:20, Num 4:34-49
by their polls: Num 1:2, Num 1:18, Num 1:22, Num 3:47
from the age: At first David appointed the Levites to serve from thirty years old and upwards; but considering, probably, that the temple which was about to be built, with its courts, chambers, etc., would require a more numerous ministry, he fixed this period, by this subsequent regulation, at twenty years and upwards. In the time of Moses, the age was from thirty years to fifty: here this latter period is not mentioned, probably because the service was not so laborious now; for the ark being fixed, they had no longer any burdens to carry; and therefore even an old man might continue to serve. See note on Num 8:24.
twenty: 1Ch 23:3, 1Ch 23:27, Num 1:3, Num 4:3, Num 8:24, Ezr 3:8
Reciprocal: Num 4:35 – General 1Ch 24:4 – according 1Ch 24:6 – principal household 1Ch 26:32 – chief fathers 2Ch 31:17 – twenty
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ch 23:24. From the age of twenty years and upward As the Levites were anciently numbered from two several times, from the twenty-fifth year of their age, and from the thirtieth, (Num 4:3; Num 8:24,) in like manner they are here numbered, both from their twentieth year, when they were solemnly prepared for, and instructed, and by degrees exercised, in some parts of their work; and from their thirtieth year, when they were admitted to the full exercise of their office. And the reason why they were now sooner admitted to service than they had been formerly, is given in the next verses, because now their work was more easy, being wholly discharged from that burdensome work of carrying the tabernacle. Besides, the people of Israel were multiplied, therefore more hands were necessary; that every Israelite who brought an offering, might find a Levite ready to assist him.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
23:24 These [were] the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; [even] the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of {e} twenty years and upward.
(e) David chose the Levites twice, first at the age of thirty as in 1Ch 23:3 and again afterward at twenty as the office required: at the beginning they had no charge in the temple before they were twenty-five years old, and had none after fifty, Num 4:3.