251 And David and the heads of the host separate for service, of the sons of Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun, who are prophesying with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals, and the number of the workmen is according to their service. 2 Of sons of Asaph: Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asharelah, sons of Asaph, 'are' by the side of Asaph, who is prophesying by the side of the king. 3 Of Jeduthun: sons of Jeduthun, Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, Shisshah, 'are' by the side of their father Jeduthun; with a harp he is prophesying, for giving of thanks and of praise to Jehovah. 4 Of Heman: sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamti-Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, Mahazioth; 5 all these 'are' sons of Heman—seer of the king in the things of God—to lift up a horn; and God giveth to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. 6 All these 'are' by the side of their father in the song of the house of Jehovah, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God; by the side of the king 'are' Asaph, and Jeduthun, and Heman. 7 And their number, with their brethren—taught in the song of Jehovah, all who are intelligent—is two hundred, eighty and eight.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25:1-7
Chapter Contents
The singers and musicians.
David put those in order who were appointed to be singers and musicians in the temple. To prophesy, in this place, means praising God with great earnestness and devout affections, under the influences of the Holy Spirit. In raising these affections, poetry and music were employed. If the Spirit of God do not put life and fervour into our devotions, they will, however ordered, be a lifeless, worthless form.