Nehemiah 12:46

in the days of David and Asaph of old This combination of names may be illustrated by other examples in the writings of the Chronicler (2 Chronicles 29:30; 2 Chronicles 35:15).

The LXX. omits the copula between the names, ἐν ἡμέραις Δαυὶδ Ἀσὰφ ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς πρῶτος τῶν ᾀδόντων. This may represent the original reading. If so, it is the mention of David in the previous verse which occasions here the parenthetical statement that in those days the great Asaph was -overseer" of the singers. We should then render -in the days of David Asaph was of old chief."

there were chief R.V. Marg. -Another reading is there were chiefs". The plural -chiefs" is the reading of the K'ri, which is also found in the Vulgate -erant principes constituti cantorum." If the reading of the first clause -in the days of David and Asaph" be retained, the plural -chiefs" with the allusion to a general custom, instead of to a particular example, is probably to be preferred. For the position of -chief" of the singers associated with Asaph, see 1 Chronicles 16:5; 1Ch 16:7; 1 Chronicles 25:1-2; 1 Chronicles 25:9.

songs of praise and thanksgiving In the English versions the punctuation gives the meaning as of a new clause -And there were songs of praise" &c. Others make these words also dependent on -chief" or -chiefs."

There is no corresponding archæological reference to the position of the porters. The Chronicler throughout his work shows a marked preference for the interests of -the singers" as compared with -the porters."