1 Chronicles 25:5

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; 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.