Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Chronicles 23:27
For by the last words of David the Levites [were] numbered from twenty years old and above:
27. by the last words of David, the Levites were numbered, from twenty etc.] Render, in the Last Acts of Davit is contained the number of the sons of Levi from twenty years old and upward.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
By the last words of David some understand an historical work on the latter part of his reign, drawn up probably by Gad or Nathan (compare 1Ch 27:24; 1Ch 29:29). Others suppose that he left behind him a work containing directions for the service of the sanctuary.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
By the last words of David; by his last order and constitution, made by Gods direction and by the Spirit, as hath been once and again noted and proved before. This is here added, to signify that this great affair was thus settled by David, not in his younger years, when it might have been thought to be the effect of youthful heat, and confidence, and presumption, and rashness; but when he was come to the greatest maturity, when he was old and near his death, and going to give up his account to his Lord and Maker of all his actions, and particularly of the alterations which he made in the service of God; which he declared was done by the Spirit of God. These were in a manner his dying words, which usually make the deepest impressions.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
For by the last words of David,…. Or therefore by the last orders he gave before his death:
the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above; as able and sufficient to do the work of their office.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(27) For by the last words of David.That is, owing to his last commands. So Vulg. (juxta praecepta David novissima) and Syriac.
The Levites were numbered.Literally, these (are), i.e., according to the later idiom, this (is) the enumeration of the sons of Levi, from twenty years old and upward. The verse seems to mean that David towards the end of his reign instituted a census of Levites from twenty instead of thirty years old. Thus, the Authorised Version gives the sense. Others render, For in the Last words (i.e., records) of David is the number of the sons of Levi from twenty, &c., as if the chronicler were referring to some historical work in which this special census was recorded. (Comp. 1Ch. 29:29. ) The verse is a parenthetic remark of the chronicler, interrupting the speech of David, which, however, is resumed in 1Ch. 23:28, and continued to the end of the chapter.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
The last words of David, that is, the last words of David on this subject, lessened down the age ten years from the former appointment. Probably this means; that the introduction of younger men for the subordinate service, was now such, that under the eye and teaching of the elders, they might be in longer preparation for the sanctuary. I cannot help remarking that in a gospel church, though such as are intended for the ministry will find their account, when like Timothy, from a child they have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make them wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus; yet the clearest evidences should be seen in their life and conversation that they are truly awakened men, before they go forth to call others. Oh! for such ministers as Jeremiah, concerning whose ordination, the Lord himself gave such precious testimony. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jer 1:5 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the = these.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
by the last: 1Ch 23:3, 1Ch 23:24, 2Sa 23:1, Psa 72:20
numbered: Heb. numbers
Reciprocal: Num 4:35 – General Num 4:47 – From thirty 1Ch 16:4 – minister 2Ch 31:17 – twenty
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ch 23:27. By the last words of David By his last order and constitution, made by Gods direction, and by the Holy Spirit. This is here added to signify, that this great affair was thus settled by David, not in his younger years, when it might have been thought to have been the effect of youthful heat, presumption, and rashness, but when he was come to the greatest maturity, when he was old and near his death, and going to give up his account to his Lord and Maker of all his actions, and particularly of the alterations which he made in the service of God, which he declared was done by the Spirit of God. These were, in a manner, his dying words, which usually make the deepest impression.