1 Chronicles 25:5
“All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.”
Literary Context
The preceding line reads “Of Heman: the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamtiezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth:” The titled verse reads “All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.” The following line reads “All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.” Together, these lines place 1 Chronicles 25:5 within its immediate canonical and literary sequence.
Close Reading
The verse preserves names, relationships, or group identities within a genealogical or census record. It should be read for the precise people and connections it actually names; the text does not supply motives or character judgments beyond those details.
The verse first states “All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn.” It then adds “And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.” Both movements belong together.
Place in Scripture
Such records establish continuity across generations and locate individuals and families within Israel’s history. Their brevity does not make them dispensable: their value lies in the accuracy of the relationships, names, and numbers preserved.
A Faithful Response
A faithful response is careful attention. Readers should receive the record as written, avoid inventing details beyond it, and allow the surrounding genealogy or census to explain each person’s place.
Accordingly, the meaning of 1 Chronicles 25:5 should be drawn from the verse itself and the lines around it, keeping explanation and application faithful to the text.
