1 So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

2 And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.

3 Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.

4 Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the Lord; and six thousand were officers and judges:

5 Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the Lord with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.

6 And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

7 Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei.

8 The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three.

9 The sons of Shimei; Shelomith, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the chief of the fathers of Laadan.

10 And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.

11 And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house.

12 The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.

13 The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the Lord, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.

14 Now concerning Moses the man of God, his sons were named of the tribe of Levi.

15 The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer.

16 Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief.

17 And the sons of Eliezer were, Rehabiah the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.

18 Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief.

19 Of the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

20 Of the sons of Uzziel; Micah the first and Jesiah the second.

21 The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish.

22 And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them.

23 The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.

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 shewbread, 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.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(2 Chronicles 8:14). Organization for the Temple Services
—[1 Chronicles 23:1-5 quoted.] The four thousand musicians, divided into twenty-four courses, were each lead by twelve men especially instructed and skilful in the use of musical instruments. The work of the porters was also definitely arranged.The priests were divided into twenty-four courses, and a full and accurate record was made regarding this division. Each course was thoroughly organized under its chief, and each was to come to Jerusalem twice a year, to attend for one week to the ministry of the sanctuary.The Levites, whose duty it was to assist in the sanctuary service, were organized and allotted their part with similar precision (The Review and Herald, October 5, 1905).
McArther Bible Commentary
This labor-intensive project needed more than building materials. David marshaled his human resources and announced their division of labor as follows: (1) the Levites (1Ch 23:1-32); (2) the priests (1Ch 24:1-31); (3) the singers (1Ch 25:1-31); (4) the gatekeepers (1Ch 26:1-19); (5) the administrators (1Ch 26:20-32); (6) the army (1Ch 27:1-24); and (7) the leaders (1Ch 27:25-34). Remember, the original readers of Chronicles were the Jews, who returned from exile in Babylon and were rebuilding the destroyed temple. This would remind them of what their fathers' sin forfeited, and how inferior their new temple was.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 1:1 1 Kings 2:12 1 Chronicles 23:2 1 Chronicles 28:5 1 Chronicles 29:22 1 Chronicles 29:28

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(2 Chronicles 8:14). Organization for the Temple Services
—[1 Chronicles 23:1-5 quoted.] The four thousand musicians, divided into twenty-four courses, were each lead by twelve men especially instructed and skilful in the use of musical instruments. The work of the porters was also definitely arranged.The priests were divided into twenty-four courses, and a full and accurate record was made regarding this division. Each course was thoroughly organized under its chief, and each was to come to Jerusalem twice a year, to attend for one week to the ministry of the sanctuary.The Levites, whose duty it was to assist in the sanctuary service, were organized and allotted their part with similar precision (The Review and Herald, October 5, 1905).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Gathered, &c. - To declare God's mind and his own will, that Solomon should be his successor: and to acquaint them with those directions which he had received from God by the spirit.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 23:1 1 Chronicles 23:3 1 Chronicles 28:1

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(2 Chronicles 8:14). Organization for the Temple Services
—[1 Chronicles 23:1-5 quoted.] The four thousand musicians, divided into twenty-four courses, were each lead by twelve men especially instructed and skilful in the use of musical instruments. The work of the porters was also definitely arranged.The priests were divided into twenty-four courses, and a full and accurate record was made regarding this division. Each course was thoroughly organized under its chief, and each was to come to Jerusalem twice a year, to attend for one week to the ministry of the sanctuary.The Levites, whose duty it was to assist in the sanctuary service, were organized and allotted their part with similar precision (The Review and Herald, October 5, 1905).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Upwards - Not only 'till fifty, as it was appointed, (Numbers 4:2-3) , but even 'till their death: for that was but a temporary law grounded upon a special reason, because the Levites were employed in carrying the tabernacle and sacred vessels from place to place; and therefore God would have them freed from those burdens when they came to feel the infirmities of age: which reason wholly ceasing upon the building of the temple, their work being far easier than it had been, and their service being more a privilege than a burden, their time of service is justly prolonged.
McArther Bible Commentary
thirty years and above. Num 4:3 establishes the age of recognized priests from thirty to fifty years of age. A five-year apprenticeship began at twenty-five (cf. Num 8:24), and in some cases twenty (1Ch 23:24, 1Ch 23:27). This number, 38,000, is four times greater than the early census in Moses' time (cf. Num. 4; 26).
Bible Cross References
Numbers 4:3 Numbers 4:23 Numbers 4:48 Numbers 8:24 1 Chronicles 23:2 1 Chronicles 23:24 2 Chronicles 31:16

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(2 Chronicles 8:14). Organization for the Temple Services
—[1 Chronicles 23:1-5 quoted.] The four thousand musicians, divided into twenty-four courses, were each lead by twelve men especially instructed and skilful in the use of musical instruments. The work of the porters was also definitely arranged.The priests were divided into twenty-four courses, and a full and accurate record was made regarding this division. Each course was thoroughly organized under its chief, and each was to come to Jerusalem twice a year, to attend for one week to the ministry of the sanctuary.The Levites, whose duty it was to assist in the sanctuary service, were organized and allotted their part with similar precision (The Review and Herald, October 5, 1905).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Officers - To take care that all the work of the temple about sacrifices should be punctually performed, either by themselves or others: which they were not to do all at once, but by courses, a thousand at a time. Judges - Not in the affairs of the temple; there the priests presided; but in several parts of the kingdom, where they assisted the princes and elders of every tribe, in the administration of justice.
McArther Bible Commentary
look after. The duties of these Levites are discussed in chapter 24. officers and judges. This particular function is covered in 1Ch 26:20-32.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 26:29 Ezra 3:8 Ezra 3:9 Ezekiel 44:24

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(2 Chronicles 8:14). Organization for the Temple Services
—[1 Chronicles 23:1-5 quoted.] The four thousand musicians, divided into twenty-four courses, were each lead by twelve men especially instructed and skilful in the use of musical instruments. The work of the porters was also definitely arranged.The priests were divided into twenty-four courses, and a full and accurate record was made regarding this division. Each course was thoroughly organized under its chief, and each was to come to Jerusalem twice a year, to attend for one week to the ministry of the sanctuary.The Levites, whose duty it was to assist in the sanctuary service, were organized and allotted their part with similar precision (The Review and Herald, October 5, 1905).
McArther Bible Commentary
gatekeepers. First Chronicles 1Ch 26:1-19 gives information on them. praised. First Chronicles 25 identifies and describes these musicians. which I made. David, a gifted musician, was not only the maker, but the inventor of musical instruments (cf. Amo 6:5).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 7:10 1 Chronicles 15:16 1 Chronicles 25:7 2 Chronicles 29:26 Amos 6:5

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
McArther Bible Commentary
divisions. The Levites were divided among the three groups with distinct duties, just as they were in Moses' day (Num 3:14-37) and in Ezra's day (1Ch 6:16-30). The family of Gershon (1Ch 23:7-11), Kohath (1Ch 27:12-20), and Merari (1Ch 27:21-23) are each discussed.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 6:1 1 Chronicles 23:7 1 Chronicles 28:13 2 Chronicles 23:18 Ezra 6:18

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 7:26 1 Chronicles 23:6 1 Chronicles 23:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 7:26 1 Chronicles 23:7 1 Chronicles 23:9 1 Chronicles 29:8

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 7:26 1 Chronicles 23:8 1 Chronicles 23:10

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 23:9 1 Chronicles 23:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 23:10 1 Chronicles 23:12

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 6:18 1 Chronicles 23:11 1 Chronicles 23:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sanctify - That he might keep them from pollution: for these most holy things were polluted when they were touched by any other person. He and his - Not only his eldest sons the high - priests successively, but all his posterity or all the priests; for the works here following were not peculiar to the high - priest, but common to all the priests.
Bible Cross References
Hebrews 5:4 Exodus 6:20 Exodus 28:1 Exodus 30:6 Numbers 6:23 Deuteronomy 21:5 1 Chronicles 23:12

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Levi - They were accounted only as common Levites, and were not priests: which is mentioned for the honour of Moses, and the demonstration of his eminent piety and self - denial, who willingly left the government to Joshua, and the priesthood to Aaron, and was content to have his posterity reduced to a private and mean condition.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 33:1 1 Chronicles 23:15 Psalm 90:1

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 18:4 1 Chronicles 23:14 1 Chronicles 23:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 23:15 1 Chronicles 23:17 1 Chronicles 25:4

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 18:4 1 Chronicles 23:16 1 Chronicles 23:18

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 6:18 1 Chronicles 23:17 1 Chronicles 23:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 23:18 1 Chronicles 23:20 1 Chronicles 24:23 1 Chronicles 26:31

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 7:3 1 Chronicles 23:19 1 Chronicles 23:21

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 6:19 1 Chronicles 6:19 1 Chronicles 23:20 1 Chronicles 23:22

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 36:8 1 Chronicles 23:21 1 Chronicles 23:23

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David declares Solomon his successor.
David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 6:19 1 Chronicles 23:22 1 Chronicles 23:24

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The office of the Levites.
Now the people of Israel were so many, there should be more employed in the temple service, that every Israelite who brought an offering might find a Levite ready to help him. When more work is to be done, it is pity but there should be more workmen. A new heart, a spiritual mind, which delights greatly in God's commandments, and can find a refreshing feast in his ordinances, forms the great distinction between the true Christian and all other men in the world. To the spiritual man every service will yield satisfaction. He will be ever abounding in the work of the Lord; being never so happy as when employed for such a good Master, in so pleasant a service. He will not regard whether he is called to take the lead, or to keep the charge of others who are placed over him. May we seek and serve the Lord uprightly, and leave all the rest to his disposal, by faith in his word.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Twenty years - As the Levites were anciently numbered from two several times, from the twenty fifth year of their age, and from the thirtieth, (Numbers 4:3) , (Numbers 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.
McArther Bible Commentary
twenty years. See note on 1Ch 23:3.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 4:3 Numbers 4:23 Numbers 4:35 Numbers 8:24 Numbers 10:17 Numbers 10:21 1 Chronicles 23:3 1 Chronicles 23:23 2 Chronicles 31:17 Ezra 3:8

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The office of the Levites.
Now the people of Israel were so many, there should be more employed in the temple service, that every Israelite who brought an offering might find a Levite ready to help him. When more work is to be done, it is pity but there should be more workmen. A new heart, a spiritual mind, which delights greatly in God's commandments, and can find a refreshing feast in his ordinances, forms the great distinction between the true Christian and all other men in the world. To the spiritual man every service will yield satisfaction. He will be ever abounding in the work of the Lord; being never so happy as when employed for such a good Master, in so pleasant a service. He will not regard whether he is called to take the lead, or to keep the charge of others who are placed over him. May we seek and serve the Lord uprightly, and leave all the rest to his disposal, by faith in his word.
McArther Bible Commentary
The duties of the non-priestly Levites are enumerated in their duties to provide the temple service in support of the priests who descended from Levi, through Kohath, through Aaron, through Eleazar and Ithamar (cf. 1Ch 6:1-3). The original duties of the three families are given specifically in Num 3:25, Num 3:31, Num 3:36-37.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 22:18 2 Chronicles 23:18

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The office of the Levites.
Now the people of Israel were so many, there should be more employed in the temple service, that every Israelite who brought an offering might find a Levite ready to help him. When more work is to be done, it is pity but there should be more workmen. A new heart, a spiritual mind, which delights greatly in God's commandments, and can find a refreshing feast in his ordinances, forms the great distinction between the true Christian and all other men in the world. To the spiritual man every service will yield satisfaction. He will be ever abounding in the work of the Lord; being never so happy as when employed for such a good Master, in so pleasant a service. He will not regard whether he is called to take the lead, or to keep the charge of others who are placed over him. May we seek and serve the Lord uprightly, and leave all the rest to his disposal, by faith in his word.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 4:5 Numbers 4:15 Numbers 7:9 Deuteronomy 10:8 1 Chronicles 23:27 2 Chronicles 35:3

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The office of the Levites.
Now the people of Israel were so many, there should be more employed in the temple service, that every Israelite who brought an offering might find a Levite ready to help him. When more work is to be done, it is pity but there should be more workmen. A new heart, a spiritual mind, which delights greatly in God's commandments, and can find a refreshing feast in his ordinances, forms the great distinction between the true Christian and all other men in the world. To the spiritual man every service will yield satisfaction. He will be ever abounding in the work of the Lord; being never so happy as when employed for such a good Master, in so pleasant a service. He will not regard whether he is called to take the lead, or to keep the charge of others who are placed over him. May we seek and serve the Lord uprightly, and leave all the rest to his disposal, by faith in his word.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 23:26 1 Chronicles 23:28

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The office of the Levites.
Now the people of Israel were so many, there should be more employed in the temple service, that every Israelite who brought an offering might find a Levite ready to help him. When more work is to be done, it is pity but there should be more workmen. A new heart, a spiritual mind, which delights greatly in God's commandments, and can find a refreshing feast in his ordinances, forms the great distinction between the true Christian and all other men in the world. To the spiritual man every service will yield satisfaction. He will be ever abounding in the work of the Lord; being never so happy as when employed for such a good Master, in so pleasant a service. He will not regard whether he is called to take the lead, or to keep the charge of others who are placed over him. May we seek and serve the Lord uprightly, and leave all the rest to his disposal, by faith in his word.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Holy things - Holy places, and garments, and vessels, and sacrifices, which were to be washed and cleansed from any filthiness that might cleave to them.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 23:27 1 Chronicles 23:29 2 Chronicles 23:6 2 Chronicles 29:15 2 Chronicles 31:2 Ezekiel 40:17 Ezekiel 44:14

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The office of the Levites.
Now the people of Israel were so many, there should be more employed in the temple service, that every Israelite who brought an offering might find a Levite ready to help him. When more work is to be done, it is pity but there should be more workmen. A new heart, a spiritual mind, which delights greatly in God's commandments, and can find a refreshing feast in his ordinances, forms the great distinction between the true Christian and all other men in the world. To the spiritual man every service will yield satisfaction. He will be ever abounding in the work of the Lord; being never so happy as when employed for such a good Master, in so pleasant a service. He will not regard whether he is called to take the lead, or to keep the charge of others who are placed over him. May we seek and serve the Lord uprightly, and leave all the rest to his disposal, by faith in his word.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
All measure - All measures used either in sacred or civil things, the publick standards whereof were kept in the temple; and therefore the care of keeping them inviolable and producing them upon occasion, musts needs belong to the priests, and under them to the Levites, who were to examine other measures and all things by them, as occasion required; that so the priests might be at leisure for their higher and greater employments.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 6:20 Leviticus 6:21 Leviticus 19:35 Leviticus 19:36 Leviticus 24:5 1 Chronicles 9:29 1 Chronicles 9:31 1 Chronicles 23:28 1 Chronicles 23:30

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The office of the Levites.
Now the people of Israel were so many, there should be more employed in the temple service, that every Israelite who brought an offering might find a Levite ready to help him. When more work is to be done, it is pity but there should be more workmen. A new heart, a spiritual mind, which delights greatly in God's commandments, and can find a refreshing feast in his ordinances, forms the great distinction between the true Christian and all other men in the world. To the spiritual man every service will yield satisfaction. He will be ever abounding in the work of the Lord; being never so happy as when employed for such a good Master, in so pleasant a service. He will not regard whether he is called to take the lead, or to keep the charge of others who are placed over him. May we seek and serve the Lord uprightly, and leave all the rest to his disposal, by faith in his word.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Morning and even - The two solemn times of offering sacrifices: which work was attended with publick prayer and thanksgiving.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 9:27 1 Chronicles 23:29 1 Chronicles 23:31 Psalm 134:1

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The office of the Levites.
Now the people of Israel were so many, there should be more employed in the temple service, that every Israelite who brought an offering might find a Levite ready to help him. When more work is to be done, it is pity but there should be more workmen. A new heart, a spiritual mind, which delights greatly in God's commandments, and can find a refreshing feast in his ordinances, forms the great distinction between the true Christian and all other men in the world. To the spiritual man every service will yield satisfaction. He will be ever abounding in the work of the Lord; being never so happy as when employed for such a good Master, in so pleasant a service. He will not regard whether he is called to take the lead, or to keep the charge of others who are placed over him. May we seek and serve the Lord uprightly, and leave all the rest to his disposal, by faith in his word.
Bible Cross References
Colossians 2:16 Leviticus 23:2 2 Kings 4:23 1 Chronicles 23:30 Isaiah 1:13 Isaiah 1:14

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The office of the Levites.
Now the people of Israel were so many, there should be more employed in the temple service, that every Israelite who brought an offering might find a Levite ready to help him. When more work is to be done, it is pity but there should be more workmen. A new heart, a spiritual mind, which delights greatly in God's commandments, and can find a refreshing feast in his ordinances, forms the great distinction between the true Christian and all other men in the world. To the spiritual man every service will yield satisfaction. He will be ever abounding in the work of the Lord; being never so happy as when employed for such a good Master, in so pleasant a service. He will not regard whether he is called to take the lead, or to keep the charge of others who are placed over him. May we seek and serve the Lord uprightly, and leave all the rest to his disposal, by faith in his word.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Charge - What the priests should commit to their charge, or command them to do.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 1:53 Numbers 3:6 Numbers 3:38 1 Chronicles 9:27