Chapter 24 lists the divisions of the Aaronic priesthood with duties being determined by lot. In verse 2 we note that Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had not children. We never anticipate outliving our children and grandchildren! All the more reason to seize each day. The temple singers come from the Levitical families of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun. They have become prophetic singers who prophesy with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. We see radically different times with prophesy in the hands of the Levitical singers instead of the individual prophet. In Chapter 25 verse 4 the commentary tells us that the list of names from Hananiah onwards is not a list of names but rather a poem in disguise. How much of life that we read as a dull list of names is really poetry? Music, even then, requires practice and training, students and teachers. Yet when it comes time for performance they cast lots! In Chapter 26 further Levitical offices are assigned; financial officials responsible for the treasuries of the house of God and the gifts dedicated to the temple, including spoils of war. Zechariah is listed, not as a musician, not as a warrior, but as a wise counselor. Are we now fighting with words rather than wars?
Chapter 24 lists the divisions of the Aaronic priesthood with duties being determined by lot. In verse 2 we note that Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had not children. We never anticipate outliving our children and grandchildren! All the more reason to seize each day. The temple singers come from the Levitical families of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun. They have become prophetic singers who prophesy with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. We see radically different times with prophesy in the hands of the Levitical singers instead of the individual prophet. In Chapter 25 verse 4 the commentary tells us that the list of names from Hananiah onwards is not a list of names but rather a poem in disguise. How much of life that we read as a dull list of names is really poetry? Music, even then, requires practice and training, students and teachers. Yet when it comes time for performance they cast lots! In Chapter 26 further Levitical offices are assigned; financial officials responsible for the treasuries of the house of God and the gifts dedicated to the temple, including spoils of war. Zechariah is listed, not as a musician, not as a warrior, but as a wise counselor. Are we now fighting with words rather than wars?
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