1 Chronicles 23:4

To set forward (Hebrew לְנַצֵּחַ , Piel conjugation). The strict meaning of the word here is to superintend. The word has already occurred in the same sense in 1 Chronicles 15:21 . Officers and judges (Hebrew וְשֹׁמְרִים וְשֹׁפְטִים ). The explanation of the nature of the work of these, as really outward work, for the "outward business of Israel," is distinctly stated in 1 Chronicles 26:29 ; 2 Chronicles 19:5-11 . These officers are mentioned under the same Hebrew term in Exodus 5:6 , in a very different connection. It is plain that they were generally foremen, or overseers; while the judges took cognizance of matters which involved the interests of religion. This verse and the following give between them the four divisions of Levites, afterwards to be more fully described. The fuller account of the "twenty-four thousand" priests (including attendants) occupies Exodus 24:1-18 .; the "six thousand" officers and judges, 1 Chronicles 26:20-32 ; the "four thousand" porters, 1 Chronicles 26:1-19 ; and the "four thousand who praised the Lord with the instruments," 1 Chronicles 25:1-31 .