Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Chronicles 25:2

"of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asharelah, the sons of Asaph, under the hand of Asaph, who prophesied after the order of the king." — 1 Chronicles 25:2 (ASV)

Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur. —Literally, To the sons of Asaph belonged Zaccur. In 1 Chronicles 25:2–7, the term “sons” appears to mean trained members of the musical guilds, of which the three chiefs, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, were masters.

Asarelah. —This singular name is spelled “Jesharelah” in 1 Chronicles 25:14. Ewald identifies it with “Israel,” the unaccented ending ah having the force belonging to—literally, towards, unto—so that Jesharelah is in effect the modern Jewish surname Israels. (Compare “Jaakobah,” 1 Chronicles 4:36, to Jacob, i.e., Jacobs.)

Under the hands of Asaph. —Rather, at the hand of Asaph. It is implied that the four leaders here named were subordinate to Asaph and under his direction. (Compare 1 Chronicles 25:3; 1 Chronicles 25:6; 2 Chronicles 23:18; 2 Chronicles 29:27; Ezra 3:10.)

Which prophesied according to the order of the king. —Literally (Asaph), who prophesied (or should prophesy, the participle, as in 1 Chronicles 25:1) at the hands of the king: that is, either according to the royal arrangements (2 Chronicles 23:18), under David’s own appointment, or under the royal direction.

Prophesied. —That is, made music. (See 1 Chronicles 25:1.)