1 Chronicles 25:2

“Of the sons of Asaph, etc.] Who were separated, and by lot appointed, to the service of singers in the temple: Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah; called Jesharelah, (<132514>1 Chronicles 25:14), these had the third fourth, fifth, and seventh lots, (<132509>1 Chronicles 25:9,10,12,14), under the hands of Asaph; under his instruction and authority: which prophesied according to the order of the king; which Asaph composed psalms under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and was ordered by King David to sing them, and by whose command they were inserted in the book of Psalms, where they now stand with his name to them.”

“according to the order of the king--Hebrew, "by the hands of the king," that is, "according to the king's order," under the personal superintendence of Asaph and his colleagues. which prophesied--that is, in this connection, played with instruments. This metaphorical application of the term "prophecy" most probably originated in the practice of the prophets, who endeavored to rouse their prophetic spirit by the animating influence of music (see on Kg2 3:15). It is said that Asaph did this "according to David's order," because by royal appointment he officiated in the tabernacle on Zion (Ch1 16:37-41), while other leaders of the sacred music were stationed at Gibeon.”

“Under the hands of Asaph ... - That is to say, “under the direction of Asaph” - who himself “prophesied,” or performed the sacred services, “under the direction of the king.” return to 'Top of Page'”

“Of Asaph - Under his direction. Of the king - In such manner and order as David appointed. 1 Chronicles 25:3”

“25:2-3 Asaph and Jeduthun . . . proclaimed God’s messages, meaning they were prophets as well as musicians.”

“Asaph: Ch1 25:1, Ch1 6:39, Ch1 15:17, Ch1 16:5; Psa 73:1, Psa 74:1, Psa 75:1, Psa 76:1, Psa 77:1, Psa 78:1 \*titles Psa 79:1, Psa 80:1, Psa 81:1, Psa 82:1, Psa 83:1 \*titles Asarelah: "Otherwise called Jesharelah." Ch1 25:14. under the hands: Ch1 25:3, Ch1 25:6; Isa 3:6 according to the order of the king: Heb. by the hands of the king, Ch1 25:6 \*marg. 1 Chronicles 25:3”

“With אסף לבני the enumeration beings: "Of Asaph's sons were, or to Asaph's sons belonged, Zacchur," etc. Four are here named, but the number is not stated, while it is given in the case of the sons of Jeduthun and Heman, Ch1 25:3 and Ch1 25:5. על־יד, at the hand, alternates with על־ידי ( Ch1 25:3 and Ch1 25:6), and אסף יד על does not of itself express a different relationship to Asaph than that expressed by המּלך ידי על with reference to the king. It signifies only "under (according to) the direction of;" and in Ch1 25:6 the king, Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman are co-ordinated, inasmuch as the musical part of the worship was arranged by David and the three chief musicians in common, although…”