Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.

1 CHRONICLES 28:13KJV
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1 Chronicles 28:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 28:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 28:13 describes how David gave instructions for organizing the duties of the priests and Levites, as well as directions for all the work and the sacred objects used in the service of the temple of the LORD. This verse highlights the detailed planning for the temple’s worship and operations.

David is speaking to the leaders of Israel, explaining the plans he received for building the temple, which his son Solomon will construct. The verse shows that every aspect of temple service—who served, what they did, and what tools they used—was carefully arranged to honor the LORD (Yahweh). It reflects the seriousness with which worship and service in the temple were to be carried out.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 28:13

  • "courses" (מַחְלְקוֹת, machleqot): This word refers to divisions or groups, often used for the organized shifts or rotations of priests and Levites. It shows that their service was structured and orderly, not random.
  • "service" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This term means work or service, especially in a religious or temple context. It emphasizes that what happened in the temple was considered sacred work, not just routine tasks.
  • "vessels" (כְּלִי, keli): This word means utensils or objects used in worship. Mentioning these highlights that even the tools used in the temple had specific roles and were part of the careful planning.

Why 1 Chronicles 28:13 matters

  • This verse shows that worship in ancient Israel was not left to chance; every role and object had a purpose, reflecting respect for God’s instructions.
  • It connects to the larger passage where David is passing on his vision and the LORD’s guidance to Solomon, showing the continuity of leadership and faithfulness.
  • The emphasis on organization and preparation helps explain why later temple worship in Israel was so detailed and structured, rooted in these early instructions.

Where else these words appear

“courses” Hebrew H4256 · used in 36 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:5 The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:21 And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

“service” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:24 These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.

“work” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
  • 2 Chronicles 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.