Original Word: בֵּן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Ben
Pronunciation: ben
Phonetic Spelling: (bane)
KJV: Ben
NASB: Ben
Word Origin: [the same as H1121 (בֵּן - sons)]

1. Ben, an Israelite

Ben, an Israelite

The same as ben; Ben, an Israelite -- Ben.

see HEBREW ben

Word Origin
from ben
Definition
a Levite
NASB Translation
Ben (1).

בֵּן proper name, masculine a Levite 1 Chronicles 15:18, but strike out ᵐ5 Be Öttli compare 1 Chronicles 15:20.

Biblical Occurrence

1 Chronicles 15:18 records Ben among the Levites appointed to accompany the Ark of the Covenant as it was brought to Jerusalem: “and with them their relatives the second rank: Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the gatekeepers” (Berean Standard Bible).

Historical Setting

King David had established Jerusalem as his capital and sought to restore proper worship after the earlier, ill-fated attempt to transport the Ark (1 Chronicles 13:9-10). Careful adherence to the prescriptions of the Law (1 Chronicles 15:2, 12-15) now governed every detail. Levites were consecrated, singers were appointed, and musical worship was organized into ranks. Ben appears in the “second division” of musicians, highlighting the deliberate structure David applied to temple liturgy long before Solomon’s temple was built.

Role in Levitical Worship

Ben’s inclusion among the musicians underscores several principles:
• Music in Israel’s worship was a Levitical ministry, sanctified and purposeful (1 Chronicles 15:16).
• The roster contains both leaders and those in “second rank,” showing that every level of service—whether conspicuous or less so—was valued before the Lord.
• Gatekeepers like Obed-edom served alongside singers, emphasizing that worship and stewardship were intertwined.

Theological Themes

1. Holiness in Worship: The Ark symbolized God’s holy presence; thus participants such as Ben had to be consecrated.
2. Order and Unity: David’s arrangement reveals that worship should reflect divine order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Ben functioned within a coordinated ensemble, modeling cooperative ministry.
3. Joyful Praise: The event erupted in celebration with cymbals, harps, and lyres (1 Chronicles 15:28). Ben’s ministry contributed to communal joy grounded in God’s covenant faithfulness.

Ministry Applications

• Faithful Service in Supportive Roles: Ben’s placement reminds modern believers that ministry effectiveness depends on willing participants in every “rank,” not solely on prominent leaders.
• Preparation for Worship: Ben’s service followed priestly consecration, encouraging today’s worshipers to approach God with prepared hearts.
• Music as Theology: The Levites sang “with resounding joy” (1 Chronicles 15:16), demonstrating that music conveys doctrine and devotion simultaneously.

Christological Reflections

The Ark, representing the presence and covenant of God, foreshadows Christ, in whom “all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9). Ben’s participation in escorting the Ark anticipates the heralding of Christ’s kingship. Just as the Levites bore the Ark on their shoulders (1 Chronicles 15:15), so the Church bears witness to Christ through holy living and worship.

Lessons for the Church

1. Embrace God-ordained Order: Thoughtful organization honors God and edifies His people.
2. Celebrate Corporate Worship: Shared praise knits believers together and testifies to God’s glory.
3. Honor Every Minister: Whether leading or serving in a secondary role like Ben, each member is indispensable to the body’s worship and witness (Romans 12:4-8).

בֵּ֡ן בן ben bênInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts