And David divided them into courses. — Heb., he divided him them (reflexive form of verb, with suffix) into divisions. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 24:3, and Genesis 14:15.) Others read the simple voice of the verb here, as at 1 Chronicles 24:4-5; 2 Chronicles 23:18; Nehemiah 9:22; others, again, the intensive voice, as at 1 Chronicles 16:3 (only). It is a question of pointing, the consonants remaining the same in each form. “David divided them,” i.e., the 2,400 superintendents (1 Chronicles 23:4; comp. 1 Chronicles 23:24). Many of the names here enumerated recur in 1 Chronicles 24:20-31; 1 Chronicles 26:20-28; whereas the names of the courses of musicians (1 Chronicles 25:1-31), warders (1 Chronicles 26:1-19), and scribes and judges (1 Chronicles 26:29-32), are totally different.
Among the sons of Levi. — Rather, according to the sons of Levi, viz., according to Gershon, &c.: that is, according to the three great sub-divisions of the tribe (1 Chronicles 6:1; 1 Chronicles 6:16). Notice the correct spelling, “Gershon” (not Gershom).