Summary of Meaning

The verse details the musicians appointed by King David to serve in the worship of the Lord when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. This section of scripture highlights the importance of music in worship and the specific roles individuals played in enhancing the ceremonial aspects of the temple service.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the significance of the musicians, noting their careful selection by David. He illustrates how worship requires not only vessels but skilled individuals dedicated to glorifying God through song. The term "Sheminith" refers to the eight-stringed harp, signifying the musical skill involved in worship.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes provides insight into the specific role of music in ancient Israelite worship. He correlates this with other practices in Biblical history, pointing out how the presence of skilled musicians was essential to the public worship of God, as illustrated in other scripture references.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke adds depth by discussing the names listed and their importance within the community. He posits that these musicians played a critical role in aiding the congregation's engagement during worship services, thus linking spiritual engagement and musical excellence.

Cross-References

This verse can connect to multiple Biblical texts, showcasing comprehensive themes in worship and music.

• 2 Samuel 6:5: Description of the music played during the transport of the Ark, illustrating the culture of music in worship.
• 1 Chronicles 15:16: Further details about the musicians appointed echo the organizational efforts of David.
• Psalms 150:3-5: Calls for loud praise using a variety of instruments, highlighting the integration of music in worship settings.
• 1 Samuel 10:5: As a reference to prophets with musical instruments, reflecting the prophetic role of music in the Old Testament.
• 2 Chronicles 5:12-13: Discusses scholars performing music during the temple dedication, showing historical continuity.
• Nehemiah 12:27: Celebrating the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem with music, tying worship to community events.
• Ephesians 5:19: Encourages believers to sing and make music in their hearts to the Lord reflecting on God’s continuous tradition of worship through music.

Thematic Connections

The verse opens pathways for exploring key Biblical themes, notably the significance of music in worship, the communal aspect of religious practices, and divine praise's important role within the life of Israel.

• Worship and Praise: Music as an expression of worship across various scriptures.
• Community in Worship: The gathering of skilled individuals for a united purpose.
• Historical Context: Understanding worship practices during the reign of David provides vital cultural insights into the Israelite tradition.

Further Study and Tools for Cross-Referencing

To deeply understand the connections between Bible verses, consider using:

• Bible Concordance: An essential tool for finding specific words and phrases across different scripture passages.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: This helps in exploring relationships and themes through various Biblical texts.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Utilizing different methods to identify thematic similarities and scripture connections.

Conclusion

1 Chronicles 15:21 encourages the study of music's role in worship and connects various themes within the Bible. Coupled with the insights from public domain commentaries, believers and seekers can appreciate the richness of scripture that underlines worship through music. By employing tools for cross-referencing, one can discover deeper connections throughout the Biblical narrative, enhancing understanding and spiritual experience.