Sunday, August 25 – 1 Chronicles 25, Psalms 131
1. Who among the Levites were set apart for the ministry of music? 1 Chronicles 25:1
2. How did Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun prophesy? 1 Chronicles 25:1
3. What title is given to Heman, and for what purpose? 1 Chronicles 25:5
Commentary and Reflection:
1 Chronicles 25 is one of four chapters (23-26) dedicated to the organization of religious services. These services began in the Tabernacle of David, a tent David erected in Jerusalem to house the Ark of the Covenant. This tabernacle was the precursor to the temple that God did not permit David to build. Before he died, David gave precise instructions to Solomon and the priests for its construction.
David made Jerusalem the capital and the religious center of the nation. He couldn’t build the temple, but he prepared everything: he brought the Ark, set up a temporary tabernacle, gathered materials for the building, organized the Levites in their functions, and reestablished worship services.
1 Chronicles 25 is dedicated to the organization of music. The importance of music as part of worship is evident. There were 12 groups of Levite musicians, totaling 288, “who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, all who were skillful” (25:7), who took turns in groups of 24 to sing, lead songs, and play instruments.
These were ordained ministers with essential functions. They were “skilled men for the work of their ministry” to prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. It says they were set apart “for the ministry” (25:1).
Regarding the use of the verb “to prophesy,” the Adventist Bible Commentary states, “The musicians in the performance of their sacred duties in public worship are described as being under the inspiration of the Spirit of God and thus said to “prophesy” (SDABC, 1 Chronicles 25:1). The same word is used referring to the musicians in 1 Chronicles 25:3, “who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the Lord.” The musicians were inspired by the Holy Spirit to minister to the congregation, bringing a message from the Lord.
Verse 5 says that Heman, one of the musicians, was a “seer,” “in the words of God, to exalt His power.” The word “seer” is closely related to the word “prophet.” Both refer to someone who receives revelations from God. Thus, Heman was a music minister inspired and guided by God in leading the music in services.
This helps us understand the important role of music in worship. Those who lead music are ministers inspired to minister to the people and to exalt God’s power. The level of order established gives an idea of the preparation, importance, and care that should be given to music in worship.
Ellen White says in the book Education, “As a part of religious service, singing is as much an act of worship as is prayer. Indeed, many a song is prayer” (Education, p. 168).
Psalm 131 is a “Song of Ascents,” or a “Song of Degrees,” which were psalms that pilgrims sang as they ascended to the festivals in Jerusalem. This designation applies to Psalms 120-134.
This is a poetic prayer by David in which he expresses his sense of smallness before the greatness of God, “Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother” (Psalm 131:2). He has not sought honors, greatness, or lofty things for himself, only waiting upon the Lord.
May this be our attitude and disposition today and throughout life.
Have a supremely blessed day.