Kenaniah

KENANIAH (kěn'a-nī'a)

A chief Levite when David brought up the ark from the house of Obed-Edom (1Chr.15.22, 1Chr.15.27).An Izharite, an officer of David’s (1Chr.26.29). Some identify the two as one.

1. A chief Levite at the bringing of the Ark from Obed-edom’s house to Jerusalem (1 Chron 15:22, 27). The object of Chenaniah’s “raising/lifting up” (מַשָּׂ֑א) has been variously interpreted. The LXX, KJV and RSV understand Chenaniah as music director. The Jerusalem Bible sees him as both transportation director (v. 27) and temple prophet “versed in divine oracles” (v. 22).

2. As Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons performed duties for Israel outside the Temple as officers and judges (1 Chron 26:29; cf. Neh 11:16).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

Chief of the Levites who was over "the songs," or "the carrying" (namely, "of the ark") from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem (1Ch 15:22,27; 26:29).