Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Chronicles 23

See the marginal references and notes. 1 Chronicles 23:28–32 gives the most complete account in Scripture of the nature of the Levitical office.

From the age of twenty years - Previously, the Levites did not enter upon their regular functions until the age of thirty (1 Chronicles 23:3). While the Law imposed certain lighter duties on them at the age of twenty-five (Numbers 8:24), it was not until they were five years older that they became responsible for the full service of the sanctuary.

David, however, appears to have made a change. According to his “last words” (1 Chronicles 23:27), the time for the Levites to enter the full duties of their office was advanced from thirty to twenty years.

This change was based on the lighter character of their labors, now that the ark had ceased to be carried from place to place and had obtained a permanent habitation (1 Chronicles 23:26). The age limit David fixed continued in later times .

By the “last words of David,” some understand a historical work on the latter part of his reign, likely drawn up by Gad or Nathan (Compare 1 Chronicles 27:24; 1 Chronicles 29:29). Others suppose that he left behind a work containing directions for the service of the sanctuary.

Although the Levites were not allowed to offer sacrifices by themselves, they still assisted the priests in many ways when a sacrifice was offered (see 2 Chronicles 29:34; 2 Chronicles 35:11–12).

The appointed feasts: The Passover, the Feast of Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles (as noted in the margin).