Free group study handout
1 Chronicles 23: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 1 Chronicles 23 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
David, now old, appointed Solomon as king over Israel (v. 1). He gathered all the princes, priests, and Levites for this important event (v. 2). The Levites were counted from thirty years old and up, totaling thirty-eight thousand. David assigned twenty-four thousand to oversee the work of Yahweh's house, six thousand as officers and judges, four thousand as doorkeepers, and four thousand to praise Yahweh with instruments (vv. 3-5).
Key verse
“and to stand every morning to thank and praise Yahweh, and likewise in the evening;”
1 Chronicles 23:30 (WEB)
Outline
- 1 Chronicles 23:1 David Appoints Solomon as King
- 1 Chronicles 23:2–5 Organization of the Levites
- 1 Chronicles 23:6–24 Divisions of the Levites
- 1 Chronicles 23:25–27 Temple Responsibilities Defined
- 1 Chronicles 23:28–32 Functions of the Levites
Discussion questions
- In v3, what is the age requirement for Levites to be counted?
- What roles are assigned to the Levites in v4?
- David's statement in v25 about Yahweh dwelling in Jerusalem: how does this affect the Levites' duties?
- In v30, the Levites are to 'stand every morning to thank and praise Yahweh': what implications does this have for worship practices?
- When have you felt the need for 'organization and commitment' in a communal effort?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 1 Chronicles 23: 1 Chronicles 24, 1 Chronicles 26, 1 Chronicles 6.
Before next time: read 1 Chronicles 24.