1 Chronicles 25:7

“So the number of them, with their brethren, etc.] Who each of them had twelve with them, as after reckoned: that were instructed in the songs of the Lord; taught how to sing them: [even] all that were cunning; expert and well skilled in the science of singing: was two hundred and eighty eight; for there being twenty four classes answerable to those of the priests, and twelve in each class, twelve times twenty four makes two hundred and eighty eight.”

“With their brethren - i. e., “with others of the tribe of Levi.” Each son of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman, was at the head of a band of twelve skilled musicians, consisting partly of his own sons, partly of Levites belonging to other families 1 Chronicles 25:9-31. The 24 band-leaders, together with their bands, formed a body of 288 persons (24 x 12 =288) Besides these, we hear of there being above 3,700 singers, who were probably divided, like the trained musicians, into 24 courses, which must have contained about 155 each 1 Chronicles 23:5. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Cunning - Who were so skilful that they were able to teach others; and together with their scholars, made up the four thousand mentioned Ch1 23:5. 1 Chronicles 25:8”

“two hundred: These two hundred and eighty-eight, being twenty-four courses of twelve each, were more skilful than the other Levites; and being placed under the twenty-four sons of the chief singers, they had the four thousand before mentioned divided among them, to officiate by courses, according to their instructions. Ch1 23:5. 1 Chronicles 25:8”