Organizing the Temple Service

The transition from David’s reign to Solomon’s was eased because David still lived. David had reigned for forty years (1 Chronicles 26:31) and realized it was time to hand over the reins to a new leader. Part of that turnover involved getting a permanent temple built for the Lord and assigning the Levites their sacred duties.

Those associated with this tribe were not called to be warriors but priests.

The age of Levites called to minister before the Lord had been set down during the time of Moses. Those aged thirty to fifty were to perform the sacred duties of the priesthood and minister within the temple (Numbers 4:47). Those between the ages of twenty-five and fifty were called “to wait upon the service of the tabernacle” (Numbers 8:24, 25), probably meaning they did the requisite tasks associated with the sacred services.

Twenty-four thousand Levites were therefore set apart to serve the Lord.

Six thousand were called to be judges and officers.

Only four thousand porters were assigned.

As the mobile tabernacle used in the wilderness was being replaced by a permanent temple, there was no need to transport the articles of tabernacle furniture any longer.

The Levites tasked with the job of carrying these items were no longer needed (1 Chronicles 23:26). “The priests were divided into twenty-four courses, and a full and accurate record was made regarding this division. Each course was thoroughly organized under its chief, and each was to come to Jerusalem twice a year, to attend for one week to the ministry of the sanctuary.”1 Four thousand musicians, divided into twenty-four courses (1 Chronicles 25), were led by men who were especially skillful. First Chronicles 23:5 states, “Four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.” We know David was a skilled composer who sang and played his own music.

Apparently, he also designed distinctive musical instruments as well (Amos 6:5; Nehemiah 12:36). Praising God in song is an important worship component.

Heaven’s courts ring with angelic songs praising our Savior and King.

“Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant” (Psalm 135:3).