XXV.
THE TWENTY-FOUR CLASSES OF SINGERS, OR MINSTRELS.
(1) Moreover (and) David and the captains of the host. — The latter (“the princes” of 1 Chronicles 24:6), were also concerned in the arrangement of the priestly classes (1 Chronicles 23:2).
Separated to the service of the sons of Asaph. — Rather, separated for service the sons of Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun. These formed three guilds of sacred minstrels, famous to all after times. (Comp. the headings of many psalms in which these names occur, and also 1 Chronicles 6:33, sqq., whence it appears that Asaph belonged to the sub tribe of Gershon, Heman to that of Kohath, and Ethan-Jeduthun to that of Merari, so that all the branches of Levi were represented among the musicians.)
Separated. — So Numbers 16:9, and Genesis 1:7. (Comp Acts 13:2.)
Who should prophesy with harps. — In Hebrew, the verb to prophesy is a reflexive form, implying utterance under a spiritual influence. The ancients regarded musical utterance as an effect and proof of direct inspiration, and we still speak of the higher results of genius as inspired, however we may choose to explain the term away as a mere figure of speech. The power of moving sounds, whether of voice or instrument, is not to be gained by mere study or training; it is commonly spoken of as a “gift,” and its products are called “inspirations.” Whence come they, if not from the Divine source of life, and of all that makes life glad and beautiful? (James 1:17; 1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Samuel 16:16; 1 Samuel 18:10).
Harps, with psalteries. — Lutes and harps.
And the number of the workmen according to their service was. — Literally, And the number of them — that is, of the men of work — for their service proved (as follows).
Men of work. — A remarkable appellation. The term “work” is popularly restricted to what is called productive labour, but it is not difficult to see that persons engaged, like these minstrels, in singing and playing to the praise of God are actually helping to produce one of the best of real results, viz., the conservation of the religious spirit: that is, of the right attitude of man towards the Power upon whom his entire welfare absolutely depends.