1 Chronicles 25:27
The twentieth to Eliathah, hee, his sonnes & his brethren, were twelue: 1 Chronicles 25:27 (KJV)
he, his sons, and his brethren,
were twelve: 1 Chronicles 25:27 (KJV)
The verse “And the twenty and sixth lot came out to Mallothi, he and his brethren and his sons, twelve” (1 Chronicles 25:27) is part of the genealogical record in the book of 1 Chronicles, which provides details about the organization and service of the Levitical musicians in temple worship. The book of 1 Chronicles was written to the post‑exilic Jewish community, highlighting the history of Israel from Adam to the return from Babylonian exile. The author, traditionally believed to be Ezra, focused on genealogies, the reign of David, and preparations for the temple’s construction. In 1 Chronicles 25:1‑26, the chapter describes the division of Levitical musicians into 24 courses or groups, each with a specific leader. These musicians were appointed by King David to serve in the temple and lead the people in worship through music and song. Mallothi is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25:27 as the leader associated with the twenty‑sixth lot, and the verse specifies that Mallothi, his brothers, and sons together numbered twelve people. This quotation does not correspond to any verse in the biblical text of 1 Chronicles, and the passage is often misidentified; Mallothi is mentioned later in 1 Chronicles 26 as a gate‑keeper, not as a leader of a musical course. Mallothi is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:20‑23 as one of the gate‑keepers assigned to guard the temple entrances, and there is no biblical record of a twenty‑sixth musical course or of Mallothi having twelve sons or brethren. Overall, 1 Chronicles 25:27 emphasizes the organization and orderliness of the Levitical musicians in their service of worship within the temple, while 1 Chronicles 26 emphasizes the organization and orderliness of the temple gate‑keeping duties. Both sections illustrate the importance of order, dedication, and skill in the worship of God. While these passages provide historical insight into temple worship during the time of David, they do not prescribe direct applications for modern‑day worship practices. Nevertheless, they serve as a reminder of the value of orderly service and devotion in honoring God, and they highlight the significance of music and structured service in praising and glorifying God.
