David's Chief Musicians

I have always been interested in the names of David’s three chief musicians and Chenaniah David’s master of song. Not only were these names significant for them, but also they can teach us about the character needed in ministers of worship. Hebrew parents named their children with care. The names generally expressed some personal characteristic, some incident connected with the birth, some hope or prayer of the parents. The name often became a personal vow. Some children made it their lifelong ambition to realize the full meaning of their name. Although there is very little literature preserved from the days of David and his great professional musicians and singers, we can learn so much from the names of his most trusted leaders of the worship ministry.

Asaph—he that gathers and removes reproach.

1 Chron. 6:39; 15:17; 25:1–2; 2 Chron. 20:14; 29:30; 35:15; Pss. 50, 73–83

Hebrew: ‘çâph, (Strongs: 623 from 622), to gather for any purpose, to gather the harvest, assemble, restore, recover, put all together, receive.

One of the first requirements for any worship minister should be this quality of gathering. As ministers like Asaph, we are all servants of the congregation. A key aspect of our ministry is that we must be able to gather the whole congregation (including the broken, lost, lonely, skeptical, angry, etc.) into the presence of the Lord. Some may refuse to come, but skilled worship leaders will be able to break down many walls just as Jesus did. Sometimes the gathering ministry may include the harvest of the lost. The meaning of Asaph’s name also includes the concept of lifting shame from people’s hearts, repairing and restoring lives. What greater joy could any worship minister have than to become involved in the healing and restoring of God’s people?

Heman—he that is faithful, dependable and steady handed 

1 Chron. 6:33; 25:5; 2 Chron. 35:15; Ps. 88

Hebrew: Hêymân, (Strongs: 1968 from 539), faithful, establish, sure, to confirm, to believe in, nursing father, foster as a parent or nurse, firm, trust, permanent, true, certain, to go to the right hand, one with a steady or true in hand and skill, master workman, steadfast, steady-handed one, to build up or support. The basic root idea is firmness or certainty and it is used in the sense of the strong arms of the parent supporting the helpless infant. The root of this word is used to describe the character and goodness of God (Ps. 25:5; 31:5).

(The word, “amen” comes from the same root word as this name – probably in the sense that when we say “amen,” we are confirming what was said/done and declaring that it becomes permanent in our hearts.)

What a beautiful picture of the worship minister who is steady, dependable and faithful in all he/she does. This “father” of our ministry calls us to excellence in everything we do, and remains as an example for us to nurture the successive generations and call them to fulfill the call of God on their lives.

The Lord requires that we make faithfulness a pillar of our lives. We need to be faithful to our spiritual walk and relationship with God, our word, finances, time, relationships, artistic skill, and ministry.

Jeduthun/Ethan—a consistent choir of praise. Ancient and established in praise.

1 Chron. 6:44; 15:17, 19; 16:38, 41–42; 25:1–3, 6; 2 Chron. 5:12; 29:14; 35:15; Neh. 11:17; Pss. 39; 62; 77

Hebrew: Yedûwthûwn, (Strongs: 3038 from 3034), laudatory, to hold out the hand, revere or worship with extended hands, praise, give thanks.  This name is a derivative of the Hebrew words yadâh, and Judah meaning, "praise".  Jeduthun is also called Ethan—Hebrew: ‘Êythân, (Strongs: 387 from 386), permanent, to continue, chieftain, hard, mighty, rough, strength, strong.

This man’s name is an example to us of consistent praise. In fact, his name implies that there is so much praise coming from this life that he sounds like a choir all by himself! None of these worshipers knew the Lord as Savior as we do—how much more reason do we have to praise God than Jeduthun. It is important for us all to live what we teach and demonstrate on Sundays. We must praise God as a way of life–not just in the songs we sing. Let your praise displace the strategies of Satan in your life.

These three Chief Musicians were known as prophets and seers:

1 Chron. 25:1–3; 2 Chron. 29:30; 35:15

Chenaniah—established by Jehovah

1 Chron. 15:22, 27

God’s name, Yahweh, or YHWH, or Jehovah, is included in Chenaniah’s name. The name, Chenaniah, suggests the unchangeableness of God towards His people. When the Lord calls us into ministry, He doesn’t change His mind. We need to live and act as ministers of worship, even when we go through seasons where we may not be involved in platform ministry.

Please note that none of these names have anything to do with music. The greatest qualifications of worship ministers are these – that we would be gatherers of God’s people, lifters of shame, faithful in all we do, and constant in praise.