Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;
Asaph was the leader, and working with him were Zechariah, Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, and Obed-Edom. Jeiel played stringed instruments like psalteries and harps, while Asaph played the cymbals.
This verse names the musicians David appointed to lead worship, with Asaph as the head musician playing cymbals and others playing various instruments.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place when King David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and established organized worship with professional musicians. David was creating a formal system of temple worship with specific people assigned to lead music and praise. These Levites were specially chosen to serve as worship leaders for the nation of Israel.
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