Definition: And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them [were] Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set [it] forward; and [other of] the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of musick.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 34:12. It’s a pretty detailed description of how the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem was handled. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a team of people who were responsible for building the Temple, and they weren’t just any ordinary builders. They had a specific mix of skilled individuals – Levites (people dedicated to the service of God), and others with musical skills. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the men did the work faithfully:” This means they worked diligently and honestly. They didn’t just rush things; they were committed to their task. “…and the overseers of them [were] Jahath and Obadiah…” This is where it gets interesting. “Jahath” and “Obadiah” are specific names for leaders who were overseeing this team. They weren’t just any leaders; they were chosen for their skill and reliability. “The Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites…” This tells us that these leaders came from a specific group – the Levites, who were known for their dedication to God. They were specifically chosen from the Kohathites, a family with a long history of building temples. “…to set [it] forward:” This is key! “Set it forward” means to complete or move on with the rebuilding. It's about finishing the work. “And [other of] the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of musick.” This is a really important part. It highlights the talent they had – people who were skilled in playing musical instruments (like harps and lyres). Overall Meaning: The verse describes a well-organized team of skilled individuals – primarily Levites - tasked with building the Temple, and they specifically included musicians! This suggests a focused effort to ensure the temple was built correctly and beautifully according to God’s instructions. Why is this important? This passage shows that the rebuilding of the Temple wasn't just about physical construction; it involved a diverse group of people with valuable skills, all working together with a commitment to God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Give you an analogy related to this passage?