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1CHRONICLES
CHAPTER 23

1 So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

David had to make Solomon king before he died. Solomon actually reigned for a brief time while David was still alive.

2 And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites. 3 Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand. 4 Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the LORD; and six thousand were officers and judges: 5 Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.

There's no end, it seems, to the accomplishments of this man David. He conquered armies, he ruled in judgment and justice, he won the hearts of everyone, and he prepared for the spiritual progression of his people in their relationship with God.
David divided the Levites into "courses." This was so that everyone would have equal servitude time in the temple.
He also divided them according to abilities and performance. Some were to clean, some to receive sacrifices and offerings, some were to outline duties, some were to play instruments and sing before the Lord.
David even made certain "instruments" with which praise was offered to God.
Years later, Amos would write that the people "invent to themselves instruments of music like David" (Amos 6:5). David invented these instruments to give praise to God. But the Israelites became a people of personal pleasure and began to invent similar instruments so they could have parties.
Sound familiar?

6 And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 7 Of the Gershonites were, Laadan, and Shimei. 8 The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three. 9 The sons of Shimei; Shelomith, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the chief of the fathers of Laadan. 10 And the sons of Shimei were, Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei. 11 And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's house. 12 The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four. 13 The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever. 14 Now concerning Moses the man of God, his sons were named of the tribe of Levi. 15 The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer. 16 Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief. 17 And the sons of Eliezer were, Rehabiah the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many. 18 Of the sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief. 19 Of the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. 20 Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah the first, and Jesiah the second. 21 The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish. 22 And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters: and their brethren the sons of Kish took them. 23 The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three. 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.

These are the people who were divided into certain responsibilities. They were all Levites-- descendents of Levi. God had made knowns that this tribe was HIS choice for servanthood in the things of the temple.

25 For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever: 26 And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof. 27 For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above: 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; 29 Both for the shewbread, and for the fine flour for meat offering, and for the unleavened cakes, and for that which is baked in the pan, and for that which is fried, and for all manner of measure and size; 30 And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even; 31 And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD: 32 And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD.

The Levites, except for Aaron's descendents, were to do the work of carrying the tabernacle when Israel moved from place to place. But now, God has provided a land of inheritance and permanence. They will no longer have to carry the tabernacle, and can be given some other duties.
Those duties are described here. Aaron's descendents are chosen of God to be priests, and the Levites are to assist the priests in the work of offering sacrifices and praises to God.
As Christians, we are similar to the Levites. Christ Himself is our High Priest, and we are His servants.
It is our duty to continue in the "service of the house of the Lord" (verse 32).

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