At this point in the story, the kingdom of Israel is being handed over from David to Solomon. The transition period marks the passing of a nation from war to peace. David’s function was to win the wars; Solomon’s task will be to establish the peace. David cleared the ground that Solomon might build on it. The building of the temple was a project that properly belonged to a time of tranquility, not turmoil. So the project was inappropriate for David, but what he could do was make preparations for it. In the previous chapter, he made concrete preparations for the building itself. But now in 1 Chronicles 23, he prepares the people—God’s living temple—that they might be built up under Solomon’s wise government. Organization of the Levites is the first order of business in this regard, for they serve as the scaffolding of God’s household, enabling the whole worshiping community to function as they ought. David didn’t originate the special status of the Levites, nor was he the first to appoint them to their special service. That was done by God through Moses at Mount Sinai in Numbers 3. However, David was alert to the will of God and made plans according to God’s Word. In an assembly of national leaders, the family of Levites are divided into three major groups, as descended from Levi’s three sons: Gershon (v 7-11), Kohath (v 12-20), and Merari (v 21-23). Then David explains why some of their duties will now be changing. Much of the work they’d been doing in the tabernacle would continue as before (v 27-32). But the new temple would bring some new work (such as temple choirs), while other assignments (such as packing up and carrying the tent), would no longer be necessary. With God granting His people “rest” in the Promised Land, and dwelling with them “in Jerusalem forever,” it was time for the Levites to be reorganized (v 25-26). In addition to the main sanctuary staff of 24,000, David recognizes the need for 6,000 officers and judges, 4,000 gatekeepers, and 4,000 musicians (v 4-5). Moses and Aaron were both sons of Kohath, but only the sons of Aaron were set apart as priests to make offerings for sin. This does not change (v 12-13). But the following chapters will focus on all the kinds of tasks that will need to be discharged by those who serve at the temple. Priestly duties will be spelled out, but also some menial tasks, along with major responsibilities of upkeep, maintenance, finance, and administration. Previous revelation must now be carefully adapted in a new context. What was needed then is needed today: faithfulness to God’s Word and flexibility to changing circumstances. For further meditation: