1Ch 23: Outline: :1 So the old man David makes Solomon king (v
1); (2) David speaks of the divisions of the Levites in the temple worship that
is to come (vv 2-32): the sons of Gershom (v 7), of Kohath (v 12), and of Merari
(v21). In making Solomon king, David again delineates the sons of Levi for their
work according to their fathers.
1Ch 23:3
THIRTY YEARS OLD: But see v 24n.
1Ch 23:24
TWENTY YEARS OLD: Ct v 3. This seems to be the age of
Levites at the beginning of their service in the Temple. It seems as though the
age of Levites when beginning service must have declined from 30 to 25 to 20 (cp
1Ch 23:3; Num 8:24,25; 1Ch 23:24-27). A possible reason: when the Levitical
duties became fixed and expanded in the Temple era, less strength but more
numbers were required (1Ch 23:26; Temple 95). Or, another possibility: a 10-year
training period.
1Ch 23:25
THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, HAS GRANTED REST TO HIS
PEOPLE...: Yahweh planned to give Israel rest after their wandering (Deu
3:20). This promise is picked up by Joshua (Jos 22:4; 23:1). But this "rest" was
not fully achieved earlier; now Solomon sees it as the temple is erected and
dedicated (1Ki 8:56; 1Ch 23:25). Nevertheless, this was only a shadow -- it
would all come to an end with the destruction of the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar of
Babylon (Jer 50:34). The point: "If Joshua had given them rest, God would not
have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the
people of God;" (Heb 4:8,9).
1Ch 23:30
EVERY MORNING: Manna given (Exo 16:21). Fire on the
altar (Lev 6:12). Incense offered (Exo 30:7). Praise offered (here). Service
offered (1Ch 9:27). Sacrifice presented (2Ch 2:4; 13:11). God visits (Job 7:18).
God is their arm (Isa 33:2). His compassions new (Lam 3:23). The Philistines
present themselves (1Sa 17:16). God silences the wicked (Psa 101:8). Judgment
(Zep 3:5). Administer justice (Jer 21:12).
1Ch 23:31
REGULARLY: Or "continually" (AV). This word, referring
to the worship under the Law of Moses, is picked up in Heb 7:3; 10:1; 13:15 to
show the contrast with the new covenant: the continual and seeming endless
repetition of sacrifices under the old covenant suggested that they could never
take away sin.