What does it say?
The previous chapter (24) gives the divisions of Levites. In chapter 25 these divisions are given duties to preform. The musicians are divided into three family groups: Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun. The sons of these three and their relatives served in the temple in groups of twelve, for 2 weeks at a time, playing music on lyres, harps and cymbals. Then in chapter 26 other Levites are given the duties of keeping the gates. Others were given the duty of keeping the treasure. Still others were given duties outside of the temple as officers and judges. Then in chapter 27 the commanders of the army are listed into divisions of 24,000, serving for 1 month at a time. Following the army divisions, a chief officer for each tribe is named. Then a list of miscellaneous overseers with their duties is given. Lastly, the persons that made up David’s court.
What does it mean?
Regarding the musicians, more than music was being preformed for the text says that the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeuthun who were divided into divisions of twelve, they served for two weeks at a time, prophesying with instruments. In other words, they wrote words set to music. Some of their songs became part of Scripture. The sons of Asaph is named in the titles of Psalms 50 and 73–83, and the sons of Jeduthun is named in the titles of Psalms 39; 62; and 77. The sons of Heman may be Heman the Ezrahite named in the title of Psalm 88. (ESV Global SB Notes) It seems that the numbers three, twelve and twenty-four are repeatedly used both with the divisions of Levites and their duties, with the army divisions and with the leadership of Israel. The leaders of the tribes, like the divisions of Levites with their duties and the army leaders, the leaders of the tribes were probably appointed by David. For some reason Aaron (the priestly line) is counted as a tribe and Gad and Asher are not. All of these numbers came about because of the census (vs. 21:6) that David commanded but Joab did not complete because he recognized that it was against God’s promise to Abraham of countless descendants. (ESV Global SB Notes)
What shall I do?
I shall recognize that this entire system that David setup came about because of an unauthorized census but it did result in Scripture. The government of the United States often makes policies contrary to the word of God. I shall recognize that my present government has been put in place by God as was David’s kingdom. “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” (Rom. 13:1) These persons listed in these text were subject to David; therefore, I shall be subject to the laws of the United States congress and the polices of our president. However, I recognize that this government, like David’s government is temporal and the kingdom of God in Jesus Christ is eternal; therefore, I shall learn to observe all that Jesus Christ commanded.
