THE MASSA OR BURDEN OF THE CHIEF MUSICIAN-part 1

THE MASSA OR BURDEN OF THE CHIEF MUSICIAN-part 1

            Although translators of the Bible labor over each original word, sometimes the nuance of scriptural meaning is lost.  Such has been the case concerning I Chronicles 15:22 which states, "And Chenaniah (3663), chief (sar 8269) of the Levites, was (hayah 1961) for (key 3588) song (massa 4853) he instructed (yacar 3256) about the song (4853), because he was skillful (biyn 995)."  An amplified rendering of this verse could justly read,

And Chenaniah, whose name means Jah has planted, was an accomplished musician and he became a head person or steward of the Levite musicians and had a burden [borne in upon him of God] for song.  He corrected, instructed or chastised with words about the burden (massa) of song because he was able to perceive and could separate or distinguish mentally.

            As we can see from the amplification, Chenaniah's name signifies that he had purpose in life for his name meant that God had planted or had purposed that he become a chief Levite musician.  He became a chief musician because he was skillful or could distinguish or discern the import or what was right concerning music.  He knew what he was doing and imparted or taught (transferred) that knowledge to the sons of the Levites.

            The most important thought in this verse, and another concept that has not faired well in most translations, is the importance of the words "was for song" (massa 4853).  The Hebrew word massa is clear in this passage even though often misunderstood here as meaning "carriage."  I will explain my reasoning for this  belief in tomorrow’s post.