Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 25:2
From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The chronicler records a roster of temple musicians appointed by David and army commanders to serve in the sanctuary. This verse identifies four sons of Asaph who were organized under their father’s oversight while prophesying under royal command.
The words — בְּנֵי אָסָף (benei Asaph) literally means "sons of Asaph," marking a hereditary guild. אֲשַׂרְאֵלָה (Asarelah) is listed as one of these appointed sons, anchoring the text in specific familial lineage rather than abstract office.
The thread — The hereditary service structure repeats in 1 Chronicles 25:6, which confirms all these musicians operated under their fathers’ direction for temple music. The same Asaphite leadership appears in 1 Chronicles 16:5, where Asaph is named first among those appointed to lead praise.
Why it lands — The text requires recognition that sacred service was organized through established families and accountable chains of authority. A reader must acknowledge that prophetic and musical ministry in this context operated under both spiritual leadership and royal oversight, not independent initiative.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.
Cross-references
- 1 Chronicles 25:6 All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king.
- 1 Chronicles 16:5 Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals
- 1 Chronicles 25:1 Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service:
- 1 Chronicles 6:39 Heman’s kinsman was Asaph, who served at his right hand: Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea,
- 1 Chronicles 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah;
- 1 Chronicles 25:3 From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD.
- Psalms 73:1 A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
- Psalms 74:1 A Maskil of Asaph. Why have You rejected us forever, O God? Why does Your anger smolder against the sheep of Your pasture?
- Psalms 75:1 For the choirmaster: To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Psalm of Asaph. A song. We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your Name is near. The people declare Your wondrous works.
- Psalms 76:1 For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A song. God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel.