And the singers the sons of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the porters waited at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.

2 CHRONICLES 35:15KJV
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2 Chronicles 35:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:15 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:15 describes how the singers from the family of Asaph stood in their assigned places during the Passover celebration, following the instructions given by David and his associates. The gatekeepers (porters) also stayed at their posts, while other Levites prepared offerings for them so they could remain dedicated to their duties.

This verse is set during King Josiah’s great Passover in Jerusalem, as described by the chronicler. The verse highlights the careful organization of the Levites: the musicians (descendants of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun) and the gatekeepers all kept to their roles, just as King David and his advisors had established generations earlier. This arrangement allowed everyone to focus on their responsibilities without interruption.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:15

  • "Singers" (שָׁרִים, sharim): This word refers specifically to those set apart for musical worship in the temple. Their presence and role show the importance of music in Israel’s worship.
  • "Porters" (שֹׁעֲרִים, sho'arim): These were the gatekeepers responsible for guarding the entrances. Their dedication is emphasized—they did not leave their posts, showing the seriousness of their charge.
  • "Prepared" (הֵכִין, hekin): This word means to make ready or arrange. The Levites prepared the offerings for the singers and porters, ensuring everyone could fulfill their duties without interruption.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:15 matters

  • This verse shows the careful planning and teamwork among the Levites, ensuring that worship and temple service continued smoothly during a major festival.
  • The mention of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun connects Josiah’s reforms to earlier traditions, emphasizing continuity in Israel’s worship practices.
  • By highlighting that the Levites prepared for the singers and gatekeepers, the verse shows the value placed on every role in the temple, not just the most visible ones.

Where else these words appear

“place” Hebrew H4612 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Kings 10:5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:28 Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;
  • 2 Chronicles 9:4 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

“Jeduthun” Hebrew H3038 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 9:16 And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:1 Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
  • 2 Chronicles 29:14 And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei: and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel.

“Heman” Hebrew H1968 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Kings 4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.
  • 1 Chronicles 15:19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;
  • 1 Chronicles 25:5 All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.

“seer” Hebrew H2374 · used in 22 verses

  • 2 Samuel 24:11 For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,
  • 2 Chronicles 19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
  • Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: