1 Chronicles 23:4

twenty and four thousand These were divided into courses (1 Chronicles 23:6), serving by turn, apparently twenty-four in number, consisting each of a thousand men. The priests also were divided into a corresponding number of courses (1 Chronicles 24:4; 1 Chronicles 24:18).

to set forward the work R.V. to oversee the work. This phrase assumes that the work itself was done by others, e.g. by Nethinim (see 1 Chronicles 9:2, note). In 1 Chronicles 23:24 (cp. 1 Chronicles 23:28), however, the Levites are described as doing the work.

officers and judges Cp. 2 Chronicles 19:8; 2 Chronicles 19:11. In Deuteronomy 17:9 (cp. ib.Deuteronomy 16:18) the hardercauses are reserved for "the priests the Levites," ordinary causes being decided by judges who were not Levites.