I Chronicles 23:12

The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses,.... A son of Kohath, Ch1 23:2. and Aaron was separated; from the children of Israel, Exo 28:1, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever; by an holy use of them, and keeping them from all unholy and profane uses; and this they were to do as long as the Aaronic priesthood lasted: to burn incense before the Lord; in the holy place, on the altar of incense; which none but priests descended from Aaron might do: to minister unto him; both at the altar of burnt offering and of incense; and the high priest in the holy of holies: and to bless his name for ever, or "in his name"; that is, the people in his name; see Num 6:23.

David, having given charge concerning the building of the temple, in this and the following chapters settles the method of the temple-service and puts into order the offices and officers of it. In the late irregular times, and during the wars in the beginning of his reign, we may suppose that, though the Levitical ordinances were kept up, yet it was not in the order, nor with the beauty and exactness, that were desirable. Now David, being a prophet, as well as a prince, by divine warrant and direction, "set in order the things that were wanting." In this chapter we are informed, I. He declared Solomon to be his successor, (Ch1 23:1). II. He numbered the Levites, and appointed them to their respective offices (Ch1 23:2-5). III. He took an account of the several families of the Levites (v. 6-23). IV. He made a new reckoning of them from twenty years old, and appointed them their work (Ch1 23:24-32). And in this he prepared for the temple as truly as when he laid up gold and silver for it; for the place is of small account in comparison with the work.