And these are the singers, &c.— And these were the ministers, the chief of the families of the Levites, who dwelt in their chambers, every one in his turn, because they were employed day and night in their work. Houbigant.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, The Levites imitated their brethren the priests in their zeal for the work of the Lord. Long had they been destitute of temple, altar, and sacrifice; immediately on their return, therefore, till a temple can be built, a tabernacle is reared, 1 Chronicles 9:19 and the service commences. According to their distribution in the days of David, which he had planned with Samuel the prophet, they were divided into courses, two hundred and twelve by turns succeeding to keep the charge of the tabernacle. Those who were in waiting, had their lodging round about the house of God, that they might be at hand for their work. Every one had his several duty; and some, discharged from all other employments, were, at stated hours, by turns, engaged day and night in singing God's praises. Note; (1.) Order in the house of God conduces greatly to the profitableness of the service. (2.) They who begin with God, may hope to prosper in their undertakings. (3.) Residence, labour, and zeal, are indispensably required from every minister of God.
2nd, The verses from 1 Chronicles 9:35-44, are a repetition of chap. 1 Chronicles 8:29-38 to introduce the history of Saul in the following chapter.