1 Chronicles 28:11

1 Chronicles 28:11 says, Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,  David wasn't allowed to build the temple, but that didn't mean that he just quit caring about it being built.  He drew up plans and gathered materials for it to be built.  We may not be allowed by God to do a particular task, but if it is something that needs doing, we need to do all that we can to help prepare for it to be accomplished by the one God calls to do it.  Verse twelve adds, And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the Lord, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things:  David was led by the Spirit of God when drawing these plans for the temple, and we must be led by the Holy Spirit in things we do today, even things done for the success of others.  Verse thirteen continues, Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the Lord, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the Lord.  Not only was David led by the Spirit of God in the designing of the temple, he was also led in the organizing of how the various parts would be used.  When we have a church building today, which is therefore a building dedicated to God, we need to make sure the whole building is used under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Verse fourteen states, He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service:  David had also amassed all the gold and silver needed for the building of the temple and supplying the instruments needed in the service to be conducted there.  We need to help provide all the necessary funds for doing the work of the church today, and that goes beyond just maintaining a church building.  Verse fifteen adds, Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick.  This verse and the next few list the amounts of gold and silver David had collected and what it was to be used for, beginning with the candlesticks.  We need to know how we are going to use the riches God blesses us with under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  I believe this includes not only our tithes and offerings, but everything God blesses us with.  Verse sixteen continues, And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver:  Then he gave gold and silver for the tables of the shewbread.  Verse seventeen says, Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons he gave gold by weight for every bason; and likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver:  Next, was the gold and silver to be used for the fleshhooks, bowls, and cups and the golden basins, all of which would be used in offering sacrifices to God.  The gold would have emphasized purity I believe, snd whatever we offer to God must be offered with the purity of our heart.  Verse eighteen adds, And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord.  The next gold listed was to be used for the altar of incense and for the chariot of the cherubim that spread their wings to cover the altar.  Verse nineteen declares, All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.  David said all this was not his plan, but the plan that God had written by His hand for David.  If we are building a building for God today, it must be done under His leadership and for His glory.  Verse twenty adds, And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.  David called on Solomon to be of good cheer and to not be dismayed, because God would be with him until he finished the work.  As Christians. if things are going badly in life today, we need to be of good courage and not become dismayed, because God will be with us until the work is finished.  Verse twenty-one continues, And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.  David then told Solomon that he would have all the help he needed to build the temple.  God is always going to supply us as believers in Jesus Christ with all we need to accomplish what He calls us to do.  All we need to do is be of good courage and do it.

1 Chronicles 28:1

1 Chronicles 28:1 says, And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.  Matthew Henry says this was shortly after the great indisposition David suffered that is mentioned in 1 Kings 1:1, and he had now revived enough to do a little more service to God and also to the people of Israel.  As we grow older, we may have times when we aren't physically able to actively serve God, but when we are revived enough to do so, we can still be of service.  David gathered all the leaders one more time.  Verse two adds, Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:  David told them of his desire to build a house for God as a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant.  We don't need to see church buildings as resting places for the gospel but as launch points instead.  Verse three continues, But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.  David then said God forbid for him to build this house.  We many have desires to do something that we think will be for the church's good and God's glory, but we must make sure that it isn't just something we want to do without God's endorsement.  Verse four states Howbeit the Lord God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel:  David said he and his descendants were chosen by God to be the rulers of Israel.  If we are serving in the church today, it should be because God has called us to that place of service.  Verse five adds, And of all my sons, (for the Lord hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel.  David said that God had given him many sons, but that God had chosen Solomon to replace him as King.  Of course, the ultimate fulfillment of a descendant of David ruling forever over God's people came with Jesus Christ.  He is forever the ruler of God's people.  Verse six continues, And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.  David said that God had told him that Solomon would build the temple because God had chosen him to be His son and God would be Solomon's Father.  This is one reason I believe that it is important to distinguish Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God and not just as the only son of God, because when we accept Him as our Savior and Lord, we become sons and daughters of God.  Verse seven says,  Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.  David said that Solomon's kingdom would be established forever, if he obeyed God's commandments and judgments.  The kingdom of God was established forever by Jesus Christ, and if we would be s part of it, we have to put our faith in Him as our Savior and Lord and then we should obey His commandments.  Verse eight adds, Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the Lord, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.  David called on all the people to keep and seek the commandments of God so that they and their children could possess the land of Israel forever.  We know this didn't happen as an earthly kingdom but as a spiritual kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ, and we must do all that we can to bring our children into God's kingdom.  Verse nine continues, And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.  David then called on Solomon to serve God with a perfect mind and a willing heart.  He also said that God searched all hearts and understood all the imaginings of the thoughts.  This is still true today.  David then said if Solomon sought God that He would be found.  God reveals Himself to us today, but it is up to each individual whether or not they will accept His gift of salvation.  David also warned Solomon that if he turned away from God that he would be cast off forever.  This applies to us today based on whether we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord or not.  If we do, we are forever saved by God's grace and if we don't, we are forever condemned because of our sins.  Verse ten concludes, Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.  David told Solomon to take heed of his relationship with God, because God had chosen him to build the house of God and to be strong and do it.  We have been chosen as Christians to spread the gospel to help increase the kingdom of God, and we need to be strong in our faith and do it.

1 Chronicles 27:16

1 Chronicles 27:16 says, Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:  These next few verses give us a listing of the princes or rulers listed by the houses or tribes of Israel.  Verse seventeen adds, Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok:  Verse eighteen continues, Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael:  We do have the added fact that Elihu, one of David's brothers was in charge in Judah.  I have to assume he was put in charge by God's direction and not just because he was David's brother.  We should not allow nepotism to determine who is in charge of God's work today but must rely on the calling of God.  Verse nineteen states, Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:  Verse twenty adds, Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:  Verse twenty-one continues, Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner:  Verse twenty-two concludes, Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel.  Verse twenty-three declares, But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the Lord had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.  David numbered the people once more, but not those under twenty, Matthew Henry says in an attempt to still know the number out of pride while still trying to placate God.  We cannot attempt to get our own way by trying to compromise God's word, and we should never allow pride to cause us to attempt to do so.  Verse twenty-four adds, Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.  Joab began the count but stopped because the wrath of God against the people of Israel was being felt.  If we start doing something as Christians that God doesn't want us to do, I believe that He will let us know that we need to stop.  The number of the people of Israel was not included in the chronicles of the kings.  Things that we do against God's will won't ever be remembered by God if we have put our faith in Jesus Christ.  They will not be remembered as good works nor will they be remembered as sins against God, since through faith in Jesus Christ, all our sins are washed clean.  Verse twenty-five continues, And over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:  We are told who was over the storehouses in the fields and also who was over the storehouses in the villages and castles.  This would include all his valuables.  Matthew Henry said it was usable things and not just things for show.  Verse twenty-six says, And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub:  There was also one put in charge of those who worked the fields.  Verse twenty-seven adds, And over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite:  Then, a different person was put in charge of the vineyards.  We need different people called by God to do the work of the church today.  Verse twenty-eight continues, And over the olive trees and the sycomore trees that were in the low plains was Baalhanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:  Verse twenty-nine states, And over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai:  Verse thirty adds, Over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite:  Verse thirty-one continues, And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David's.  Verse thirty-two says, Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons:  Then, we have the fact that Jonathan, David's uncle and not Jonathan his son, was a counselor and wise man and scribe.  We need wise men as counselors in the church today to make sure that we know God's word and are following it.  Verse thirty-three adds, And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:  David had more than one counselor and we are also told that Hushai the Archite was his companion.  I assume this would be a close personal friend that David could rely on.  I do know that we need Christian friends that we can rely on, and we need to be a friend that others can rely on.  Verse thirty-four continues, And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army was Joab.  We are given the names of two others who were part of David's close circle, but not their specific role, and are told that Joab was the general of David's army.  David's reign was carried out in an orderly manner, and he delegated authority and responsibility to others.  The church today needs to be organized by followers of Christ acting under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and faithfully doing what God call them to do individually.  

1 Chronicles 27:1

1 Chronicles 27:1 says, Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand.  There were twenty-four thousand men who were in charge of the affairs of Israel each month.  Matthew Henry says they were a militia and not a standing army, but they were always ready of war.  We may not be a standing army for God as Christians, but we should be armed spiritually for war every day.  Verse two adds, Over the first course for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse three continues, Of the children of Perez was the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.  There were twenty-four thousand each month who served this way, making a total of two hundred and eighty-eight total, and these were the ones who served the first month.  Verse four states, And over the course of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course was Mikloth also the ruler: in his course likewise were twenty and four thousand.  The next few verses list those serving month by month.  Verse four adds, The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse six continues, This is that Benaiah, who was mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son.  Benaiah was said to be the one who was a mighty man among the thirty and above the thirty.  He was still in the rotation of those charged monthly with taking care of the affairs of Israel.  We may be seen as being a mighty man or woman of God, but we are still a part of the overall family of God and should never think we are above serving with others in the everyday work of the church.  Verse seven says, The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse eight adds, The fifth captain for the fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse nine continues, The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse ten states, The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse eleven adds, The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse twelve continues, The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse thirteen says, The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse fourteen adds, The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  Verse fifteen continues, The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.  There were twelve groups of twelve thousand each who were assigned to serve each of the twelve months of the year.  God calls people to take care of all the work of the church throughout the whole year, even if some are not called to fulltime ministry.  

1 Chronicles 26:20

1 Chronicles 26:20 says, And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.  Ahijah was the treasurer of the house of God.  We need someone to be in charge of the things belonging to God in the corporate worship of bodies of believers today, and I believe that this should be by God's calling of them.  Verse twenty-one adds, As concerning the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, even of Laadan the Gershonite, were Jehieli.  Then we are told the names of several others who were also over the treasury.  Verse twenty-two continues, The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the Lord.  Verse twenty-three states, Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:  Verse twenty-four adds, And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures.  We are told that Shebuel, Moses's grandson was a ruler of the treasures at one point.  Verse twenty-five continues, And his brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.  Verse twenty-six says, Which Shelomith and his brethren were over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the host, had dedicated.  Then, Shelomith and his brethren were said to have been over the treasures of dedicated things.  God had blessed them with an abundance of things, and they had a responsibility to make sure they were accounted for, just as we have a responsibility to make sure that we give an account to God for the things He blesses us with today.  Verse twenty-seven adds, Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the Lord.  The spoils of war were dedicated to God and not just used to enrich the people.  If God blesses us with riches, we should not see them as being just for our own pleasure but to be used for His glory.  Verse twenty-eight continues, And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; and whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.  Everything amassed by all those who were fighting for God and Israel was under the control and responsibility of Shelomith.  This would have been a great responsibility, and it is a great responsibility for us to use the things God blesses us with individually and as groups of believers wisely.  Verse twenty-nine states, Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.  This group were said to be in charge of the everyday business of Israel as judges and officers.  Verse thirty adds, And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the Lord, and in the service of the king.  The Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, numbering one thousand seven hundred, who were said to be men of valor, were set aside and placed in charge of all the business of God on the one side of the Jordan and westward.  Verse thirty-one adds, Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead.  During David's reign, these descendants of Hebron were sought for and found among the mighty men of valor at Jazer.  Verse thirty-two continues, And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.  There were two thousand seven hundred of them, and they were put in charge of the tribes that hadn't crossed the Jordan.  Even though they were physically separated they were all a part of God's people and under those He placed in command.   No matter how we may be separated physically, as followers of Christ, we are still all a part of the same family of God.

1 Chronicles 26:1

1 Chronicles 26:1 says, Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.  These next several verses tell of those who were descendants of Asaph who served as porters, starting with Meshelemiah's sons.  The porters kept the gates and maintained order in the worship service.  We need people today who will keep outside influences out of worship services, and I don't mean how we worship, but to make sure that all is done to glorify God and is in accordance with His word.  Verse two adds, And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,  Verse three continues, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh.  Verse four states, Moreover the sons of Obededom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth.  Then, we have a listing of the sons of Obededom in this verse and the next.  Verse five adds, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him.  It is that God blessed Obededom with many sons.  If we have children today, we need to acknowledge that they are a blessing from God.  Verse six says, Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born, that ruled throughout the house of their father: for they were mighty men of valour.  Next, we have a listing of the sons of Shemaiah, Obededom's son, who were said to be mighty men of valor.  We need to be people of valor when serving God today.  Verse seven adds, The sons of Shemaiah; Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men, Elihu, and Semachiah.  Verse eight continues, All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obededom.  It is noted that all these descendants of Obededom through his first-born son were able men of service, totaling sixty-two.  Verse nine states, And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.  This verse concludes, that Meshelemiah had a total of eighteen sons and brethren, who were strong men.  Verse ten states, Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief, (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief;)  We have a listing of the sons of Hosah a so of Merari next, one of whom was Simri, who is said to have been appointed chief of the porters though he wasn't the firstborn.  Birth order should not determine who serves where in the church today.  Verse eleven adds, Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.  Verse twelve continues, Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the Lord.  There were thirteen descendants in total who served as porters in different parts of the temple.  Verse thirteen says, And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.  Their place of service was once again determined by lot, which would mean by God's direction.  Verse fourteen adds, And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.  Then, we are told which area these men were to serve in, starting with Shelemiah serving in the east and then Zechariah, who was noted as a wise counsellor, serving in the north area.  This was all done under God's direction, and we need to serve where God calls us to serve today.  Verse fifteen continues, To Obededom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim.  These were to serve on the southside.  Verse sixteen states, To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.  Then the ones to serve on the west side are listed, including a gate that they were in charge of.  Verse seventeen adds, Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.  This verse and the next two tell how many porters were serving on each side.  Verse eighteen continues, At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.  Verse nineteen concludes, These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari.  I sometimes have trouble following the genealogy, but these are all said to have been the descendants of Kore and Merari.  As followers of Jesus Christ, our spiritual genealogy comes from Him, and we are all God's sons and daughters.

1 Chronicles 25:8

1 Chronicles 25:8 says, And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.  The rest of the chapter simply tells where the people fell in order of service of the sons of these three great men, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthan.  Ethan had been the third, but Matthew Henry says he was probably dead by this time, so Jeduthan took his place, or it could be two names for the same person.  Verse nine adds, Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons were twelve:  Joseph was the second son of Heman, but he was placed first in the order by lot, which was used to determines God's will.  Gedaliah was the oldest son of Jeduthun. Verse ten continues, The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Zaccur was the oldest son of Asaph.  Verse eleven states, The fourth to Izri, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Izri was the second son of Jeduthun.  Verse twelve adds, The fifth to Nethaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Nethaniah was the third son of Asaph.  Verse thirteen continues, The sixth to Bukkiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Bukkiah was the oldest son of Heman.  Verse fourteen says, The seventh to Jesharelah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Jesharelah was the youngest son of Asaph.  Verse fifteen adds, The eighth to Jeshaiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Jeshaiah was the third son of Jeduthun.  Verse sixteen continues, The ninth to Mattaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Mattaniah was the second son of Heman.  Verse seventeen states, The tenth to Shimei, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Shimei was the youngest son of Jeduthun.  Verse eighteen adds, The eleventh to Azareel, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Azareel was the third son of Heman.  Verse fourteen continues, The twelfth to Hashabiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Hashabiah was the fourth son of Jeduthun.  Verse twenty says, The thirteenth to Shubael, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Shubael was the fourth son of Heman.  Verse twenty-one adds, The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Mattithiah was the fifth son of Jeduthun.  Verse twenty-two continues, The fifteenth to Jeremoth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Jeremoth was the fifth son of Heman.  Verse twenty-three states, The sixteenth to Hananiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Hananiah was the sixth son of Heman.  Verse twenty-four adds, The seventeenth to Joshbekashah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Joshbekashah was the eleventh son of Heman.  Verse twenty-five continues, The eighteenth to Hanani, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Hanani was the seventeenth son of Heman.  Verse twenty-six says, The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Mallothi was the twelfth son of Heman.  Verse twenty-seven adds, The twentieth to Eliathah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Eliathah was the eighth son of Heman.  Verse twenty-eight continues, The one and twentieth to Hothir, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Hothir was the thirteenth son of Heman.  Verse twenty-nine states, The two and twentieth to Giddalti, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Giddalti was the ninth son of Heman.  Verse thirty adds, The three and twentieth to Mahazioth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:  Mahazioth was the fourteenth son of Heman.  Verse thirty-one continues, The four and twentieth to Romamtiezer, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve.  Romamtiezer was the fourteenth son of Heman.  The numbering of the sons in order of service was done by lot and not birth order, and I used Matthew Henry as to the placing of the sons under which of these three they were born to.  We need to understand that we are not placed in a position in the church because of when we were born in the family, but by the calling of God.