1 Chronicles 6:32
They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them.
They ministered with song
The Hebrew root for "ministered" is "שָׁרַת" (sharat), which conveys the idea of serving or attending to duties with dedication. In the context of worship, this service is not merely a task but a sacred duty performed with reverence. The use of "song" highlights the integral role of music in worship, serving as a medium to express devotion and praise to God. Historically, music has been a vital part of Israelite worship, as seen in the Psalms, which were often sung in the temple.

before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting
The "tabernacle" or "מִשְׁכָּן" (mishkan) in Hebrew, was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert. It was a place where God’s presence dwelt among His people. The "Tent of Meeting" refers to the specific area within the tabernacle where Moses would meet with God (Exodus 33:7-11). This phrase underscores the sacredness of the location where the Levites ministered, emphasizing the direct connection between worship and the divine presence.

until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem
This phrase marks a significant transition in Israelite worship from a mobile sanctuary to a permanent temple. Solomon's temple, often referred to as the First Temple, became the central place of worship for the Israelites. The construction of the temple in Jerusalem fulfilled God’s promise and established a fixed location for His presence, symbolizing stability and continuity in worship practices.

They performed their duties
The phrase "performed their duties" reflects the organized and structured nature of Levitical service. The Levites were set apart for specific roles in worship, as outlined in the Law of Moses. This structured service ensured that worship was conducted in a manner that honored God and adhered to His commands.

according to the regulations given to them
The "regulations" refer to the detailed instructions provided in the Mosaic Law regarding worship and service in the tabernacle and later the temple. These regulations were not arbitrary but divinely ordained, ensuring that worship was conducted in holiness and reverence. This adherence to divine instruction underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness in worship, reflecting a heart aligned with God’s will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Levites
The tribe of Levi was set apart for religious duties and service in the tabernacle and later the temple. They were responsible for the music and worship, as highlighted in this verse.

2. The Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting)
A portable earthly dwelling place of God used by the Israelites from the Exodus until the building of Solomon's Temple. It was the center of worship and sacrifice.

3. Solomon
The son of King David, who built the first permanent temple in Jerusalem, replacing the temporary tabernacle as the central place of worship.

4. Jerusalem
The city chosen by God as the place for His name to dwell, where Solomon's Temple was constructed.

5. The Temple of the LORD
The permanent structure built by Solomon in Jerusalem, which became the central place of worship for the Israelites.
Teaching Points
The Role of Worship in Community Life
Worship was central to the life of the Israelites, as seen in the Levites' ministry. Today, worship remains a vital part of Christian community life, fostering unity and spiritual growth.

The Transition from Temporary to Permanent
The move from the tabernacle to the temple signifies a transition from temporary to permanent. In our spiritual lives, we are called to move from temporary fixes to permanent solutions found in Christ.

Faithfulness in Service
The Levites performed their duties according to the regulations. This teaches us the importance of faithfulness and obedience in our service to God.

The Presence of God
The tabernacle and temple were places where God's presence dwelt. As believers, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live in a way that honors His presence within us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the Levites in worship compare to the role of worship leaders in the church today?

2. What can we learn from the transition from the tabernacle to the temple about God's desire for permanence in our relationship with Him?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our service to God is faithful and according to His instructions?

4. How does understanding the tabernacle and temple enhance our appreciation of being the temple of the Holy Spirit?

5. How can we cultivate a longing for God's presence similar to that expressed in Psalm 84?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 40
Describes the setting up of the Tabernacle, emphasizing its importance as the dwelling place of God among His people.

1 Kings 6
Details the construction of Solomon's Temple, marking the transition from the tabernacle to a permanent place of worship.

Psalm 84
Expresses the psalmist's longing for the courts of the LORD, highlighting the significance of worship in the house of God.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the earthly tabernacle as a shadow of the heavenly realities, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
David's ChoristersAlexander Maclaren1 Chronicles 6:32
Waiting on Their OfficeJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 6:32
The Ministry of SongR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 6:31, 32
Priesthood and ServiceF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 6:31-48
Religious WorshipJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 6:31-48
The Ministry of SongJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 6:31-48
Religious CultureW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 6:32-81
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Aaron, Abdi, Abdon, Abiah, Abihu, Abijah, Abishua, Adaiah, Ahimaaz, Ahimoth, Ahitub, Alemeth, Amariah, Amasai, Amaziah, Amminadab, Amram, Amzi, Anathoth, Aner, Asaiah, Asaph, Asher, Assir, Azariah, Baaseiah, Bani, Benjamin, Berachiah, Berechiah, Bezer, Bukki, Caleb, Dan, David, Debir, Ebiasaph, Eleazar, Eliab, Eliel, Elkanah, Eshtemoa, Ethan, Ethni, Gad, Gershom, Gershomites, Gershon, Gibeon, Haggiah, Hashabiah, Heman, Hilkiah, Iddo, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Izhar, Jahath, Jeaterai, Jehozadak, Jephunneh, Jeroham, Joah, Joel, Johanan, Kishi, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Levi, Levites, Libni, Mahath, Mahli, Malchiah, Malchijah, Malluch, Manasseh, Meraioth, Merari, Merarites, Michael, Miriam, Mushi, Nadab, Nahath, Naphtali, Nebuchadnezzar, Phinehas, Rehob, Reuben, Samuel, Saul, Seraiah, Shallum, Shamer, Shaul, Shemer, Shemuel, Shimea, Shimei, Simeon, Solomon, Tahath, Toah, Uriel, Uzza, Uzzah, Uzzi, Uzziah, Uzziel, Vashni, Zadok, Zebulun, Zephaniah, Zerah, Zerahiah, Zimmah, Zophai, Zuph
Places
Abdon, Aijalon, Alemeth, Anathoth, Anem, Aner, Ashan, Ashtaroth, Assyria, Bashan, Beth-horon, Beth-shemesh, Bezer, Bileam, Daberath, Debir, Eshtemoa, Galilee, Gath-rimmon, Geba, Gezer, Gibeon, Gilead, Golan, Hammon, Hebron, Heshbon, Hilen, Hukok, Jahzah, Jattir, Jazer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jokmeam, Jordan River, Kedemoth, Kedesh, Kiriathaim, Libnah, Mahanaim, Mashal, Mephaath, Most Holy Place, Ramoth, Rehob, Shechem, Tabor
Topics
Attended, Building, Built, Congregation, Due, Duties, Dwelling, Dwelling-place, Jerusalem, Laid, Meeting, Ministered, Ministering, Music, Office, Order, Ordinance, Performed, Places, Regular, Regulations, Served, Service, Singing, Solomon, Song, Songs, Stand, Station, Tabernacle, Temple, Tent, Till, Waited, Worship
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 6:32

     7474   Tent of Meeting

1 Chronicles 6:31-32

     5273   creativity
     7241   Jerusalem, significance
     7960   singing

1 Chronicles 6:31-47

     5422   musicians

1 Chronicles 6:31-49

     7390   Levites

Library
David's Choristers
'They stood in their office, according to their order.'--1 CHRON. vi. 32 (R.V. margin). This brief note is buried in the catalogue of the singers appointed by David for 'the service of song in the house of the Lord.' The waves of their choral praise have long ages since ceased to eddy round the 'tabernacle of the tent of meeting,' and all that is left of their melodious companies is a dry list of names, in spite of which the dead owners of them are nameless. But the chronicler's description of them
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean!
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Chronicles 6:32 NIV
1 Chronicles 6:32 NLT
1 Chronicles 6:32 ESV
1 Chronicles 6:32 NASB
1 Chronicles 6:32 KJV

1 Chronicles 6:32 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 6:31
Top of Page
Top of Page