(6-23) The twenty-four houses of the Levites.

(6) And David divided them into courses.--Heb., he divided him them (reflexive form of verb, with suffix) into divisions. (Comp. 1Chronicles 24:3, and Genesis 14:15.) Others read the simple voice of the verb here, as at 1Chronicles 24:4-5, 2Chronicles 23:18, Nehemiah 9:22; others, again, the intensive voice, as at 1Chronicles 16:3 (only). It is a question of pointing, the consonants remaining the same in each form. "David divided them," i.e., the 2,400 superintendents (1Chronicles 23:4; comp. 1Chronicles 23:24). Many of the names here enumerated recur in 1Chronicles 24:20-31; 1Chronicles 26:20-28; whereas the names of the courses of musicians (1Chronicles 25:1-31), warders (1Chronicles 26:1-19), and scribes and judges (1Chronicles 26:29-32), are totally different.

Among the sons of Levi.--Rather, according to the sons of Levi, viz., according to Gershon, &c.: that is, according to the three great sub-divisions of the tribe (1Chronicles 6:1; 1Chronicles 6:16). Notice the correct spelling, "Gershon" (not Gershom).

Verse 6. - Here begin the families of the Levites, as arranged in courses by David. These arrangements were scrupulously observed by Solomon (2 Chronicles 8:14; 2 Chronicles 29:25).

23:1-23 David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, settles the method of the temple service, and orders the officers of it. When those of the same family were employed together, it would engage them to love and assist one another.And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi,.... Into three classes, according to the number of them, which follow: namely:

Gershon, Kohath, and Merari; see Exodus 6:16.