Verse 5
(5) All these were the sons of Heman.—Literally, Were sons to Heman.
The king’s seer in the words of God.—Or, in the things of God, in Divine (that is, liturgical) matters. Heman was a prophet as well as a minstrel. (For the connection between music and prophecy, comp. 1 Samuel 10:5-6; 2 Kings 3:15; Exodus 15:20.) Comp. also Note on 1 Chronicles 25:1, above.
Seer.—Heb., hôzèh. Literally, gazer. The word rendered “seer” in 1 Chronicles 26:28 and 1 Samuel 9:9 is different (rô’èh). Gad was called “David’s seer” (1 Chronicles 21:9); so also Jeduthun is “the king’s seer” (2 Chronicles 35:15).
To lift up the horn.—That is, according to Bertheau, “to blow the horns loudly.” With this he connects the preceding phrase, which he renders “by God’s commands.” (Comp. 2 Chronicles 29:15.) But the horn does not appear elsewhere among the instruments of the Temple musicians, and the phrase “to lift up the horn” of a person is a well-known Hebrew metaphor. (Comp. 1 Samuel 2:10 : “May he give strength to his king, and lift up the horn of his anointed.”) Thus it seems that the meaning is that God gave all these “sons”—i.e., proficient disciples—to Heman in order to strengthen him for his work by providing him with a strong body of able assistants.
And three daughters.—The mention of “three daughters” is interesting, as an indication that women sustained a part in the service of song. (Comp. Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34; 1 Samuel 18:6.) The Syriac omits the whole verse.
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