1 Chronicles Chapter 25    

“Asaph.” Asaph was a Levite descended from Gershom (1 Chron. 6:39-43).

“Heman.” Heman was a Levite and a descendant of Kohath (1 Chron. 6:33).

“Jeduthun.” Jeduthun was a Levite and a descendant of Merari (1 Chron. 6:44-47), and he is called “Ethan” in 1 Chronicles 6:44.

“under the authority.” This is a translation of the idiomatic phrase, “upon the hands of the king.” Idioms are difficult to translate, and this accounts for the large variation in the English translations.

“according to the words of God.” The more literal translation is “in the words of God,” but the meaning of this phrase in this context seems to be “according to the words of God” (NASB) or “according to the promise of God” (CEB; ESV; NRSV; RSV)

“to lift up a horn.” This “horn” is not a musical instrument. The “horn” (like the horn of a bull) was a symbol of strength, success, and prosperity (cp. 1 Sam. 2:10; Luke 1:69). If a person was downcast, their “horn” was in the dust (Job 16:15). In this context, Heman was “lifting up,” or “exalting” David and/or the Davidic Kingdom.

“All these.” There is some question about the three daughters (1 Chron. 25:5) and whether they were part of the music of the Temple.

“under the authority.” The text is idiomatic, literally, “under the hands,” twice in the verse.

“teacher.” The text is more literally, “one who has understanding.” The context is music and the verse is contrasting one who knows music well with one who is still learning.