Who was Maaseiah in the Bible?

Maaseiah was a Levite who served as a gatekeeper and musician during the reign of King David. He is specifically mentioned as part of the group assigned to play musical instruments when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:18, 20).

What was Maaseiah's role and why is he significant?

His role as a gatekeeper and musician placed him in a key position of worship and temple service. His significance lies in his participation in a major, joyous national event—the return of the Ark—which was central to Israel's worship under David's reign.

What key event was Maaseiah involved in?

The key event in Maaseiah's recorded life was the procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He was among the Levites chosen to play music with harps, lyres, and cymbals during this celebration (1 Chronicles 15:16-28).

Maaseiah

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleLevite

Maaseiah, a Levite gatekeeper, served during the reign of King David (1Ch.15.18,20).

Maaseiah

Biography

Maaseiah was a Levite who served as a gatekeeper and musician during King David's reign, playing a prominent role in one of the most significant liturgical events in Israel's history: the transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. According to 1 Chronicles 15:18 and 15:20, he was appointed among the Levites of the second rank to minister before the ark, specifically playing a lyre (nevel) set to alamoth, a musical term likely indicating a higher pitch or particular mode of performance. This assignment placed him within the carefully organized worship structure that David established, which included singers, instrumentalists, and gatekeepers working in coordinated service. Maaseiah's dual role as gatekeeper and musician reflected the versatility expected of Levitical servants.

Significance

Maaseiah's service during the ark's procession to Jerusalem marks a pivotal moment in Israel's worship history, as David transformed Israel's liturgical life by centralizing worship and establishing permanent musical orders. The Levites of the second rank, including Maaseiah, formed the supporting framework that made this elaborate worship possible. His assignment to play alamoth demonstrates the sophisticated musical culture that David cultivated in service to God. Maaseiah's faithful participation illustrates the biblical principle that worship excellence requires dedicated individuals willing to serve in assigned roles, whether prominent or supporting, contributing to a unified expression of praise that honors God's holiness and presence among His people.

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 15:18 1Chr 15:20

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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