And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.
The verse belongs to the account of bringing the ark from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem. It identifies Chenaniah as chief of the Levites, skilled in song and responsible for instructing the singers. This musical service stands within the joyful bringing of the ark to the city of David. It describes the stage of bringing the ark from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem and placing it in the tent David had pitched for it.
The context shows David acknowledging that the first attempt to move the ark failed because God had not been sought according to His appointed order. That due order required the ark to be carried on the shoulders of the designated Kohathite Levites. It also required the priests and Levites to prepare themselves for the work. Within that order, Chenaniah as chief of the Levites led and instructed about the song because he was skillful in it. Sacred music is thus a practiced, organized part of worship, with instruction entrusted to a capable musician.
The verse belongs to the account of bringing the ark from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem. It identifies Chenaniah as chief of the Levites, skilled in song and responsible for instructing the singers. This musical service stands within the joyful bringing of the ark to the city of David. It describes the stage of bringing the ark from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem and placing it in the tent David had pitched for it.
The context shows David acknowledging that the first attempt to move the ark failed because God had not been sought according to His appointed order. That due order required the ark to be carried on the shoulders of the designated Kohathite Levites. It also required the priests and Levites to prepare themselves for the work. Within that order, Chenaniah as chief of the Levites led and instructed about the song because he was skillful in it. Sacred music is thus a practiced, organized part of worship, with instruction entrusted to a capable musician.