Study 1 Chronicles 26 and David's organization of the gatekeepers, revealing God's order and the importance of security in His house.
The twenty-sixth chapter of 1 Chronicles continues David's organization of the temple service. The previous chapters dealt with the priests and musicians. This chapter focuses on the gatekeepers, the guards who were responsible for the security and order of the house of God. David's division of the gatekeepers into courses ensured that the temple was protected and that the worship of God was conducted in safety and order.
The chapter records the families of the gatekeepers, including the descendants of Meshelemiah, Obed-edom, and Hosah. The number of skilled gatekeepers was two hundred twelve. The gatekeepers were assigned to the various gates of the temple, and their duties included guarding the entrances, controlling access to the sanctuary, and maintaining order. The assignments were made by lot to ensure impartiality and divine guidance.
The chapter also records the duties of the Levites who were appointed over the treasuries and the stores of the temple. Some were responsible for the dedicated gifts, and others were responsible for the provisions for the priests. The organization of the gatekeepers and treasurers demonstrates that the work of God requires order and that every servant has a place in His ministry.
The Families of the Gatekeepers
The Divisions of the Gatekeepers
Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph (1 Chronicles 26:1). The gatekeepers were Levites who were responsible for guarding the entrances to the temple. The first division was the Korhites, descendants of Korah. The name Meshelemiah is a combination of the Hebrew words for peace and God, meaning peace of Jehovah. The Targum says that Meshelemiah had twelve sons, who were all porters, and they were the first and principal division of the porters.
The Descendants of Meshelemiah
And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh (1 Chronicles 26:2-3). Meshelemiah had seven sons who served as gatekeepers. The number seven indicates completeness and perfection. The gatekeepers were assigned to the various gates of the temple.
The Descendants of Obed-edom
Moreover the sons of Obededom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him (1 Chronicles 26:4-5). Obed-edom had eight sons. The phrase for God blessed him refers to Obed-edom's household, which was blessed because the Ark of God remained in his house (1 Chronicles 13:14). The blessing of God was evident in the number of his children.
The Descendants of Hosah
And of the sons of Hosah, of the children of Merari, were Simri the chief, (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief;) Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen (1 Chronicles 26:10-11). Hosah was a Merarite, descended from Merari. The number of gatekeepers from Hosah's family was thirteen. The divisions of the gatekeepers were organized according to their families.
The Total Number of Gatekeepers
All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obededom (1 Chronicles 26:8). The descendants of Obed-edom included sixty-two able men for service. And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, eighteen men (1 Chronicles 26:9). And among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD (1 Chronicles 26:12). The total number of gatekeepers was two hundred twelve.
The Duties of the Gatekeepers
The Assignment of the Gates
And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate (1 Chronicles 26:13). The gatekeepers cast lots to determine their assignments. The casting of lots ensured impartiality and divine guidance. The small as well as the great participated in the casting of lots. This prevented pride and provided a learning opportunity for all.
The East Gate
And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward (1 Chronicles 26:14). Shelemiah, also called Meshelemiah, received the east gate. The east gate was the main entrance to the temple, and the eastern gate held special significance because of its location relative to the entrance of the sanctuary.
The North and South Gates
To Obededom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim (1 Chronicles 26:15). Obed-edom received the south gate. To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward (1 Chronicles 26:16). The gatekeepers were assigned to the various gates of the temple, ensuring that all entrances were guarded.
The West Gate and the Gate of Shallecheth
Westward were four at the causeway, and two at Shallecheth (1 Chronicles 26:17). The gate of Shallecheth was the gate of casting forth, the gate by which the ashes and other refuse were carried out. The gatekeepers were stationed at all the entrances to ensure the security and order of the temple.
The Gate of the Temple
At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar (1 Chronicles 26:18). Parbar was the colonnade or the place at the west side of the temple. The gatekeepers were stationed at all the gates and entrances, ensuring that the temple was protected and that the worship of God was conducted in safety and order.
The Treasurers and Other Officers
The Treasurers of the Temple
And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things (1 Chronicles 26:20). The Levites were appointed over the treasuries of the temple. They were responsible for the dedicated gifts and the sacred treasures. The treasures included the spoils of war and the offerings of the people.
The Descendants of Ladan
The sons of Ladan; the chief fathers of Laadan the Gershonite, were Jehieli (1 Chronicles 26:21). The Gershonites were also appointed over the treasuries. And the sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the LORD (1 Chronicles 26:22). The treasures were to be carefully managed and protected.
The Descendants of Amram
Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites (1 Chronicles 26:23). The Kohathites were also appointed over the treasuries. The descendants of Amram were responsible for the care of the most holy things. And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures (1 Chronicles 26:24). The treasurers were responsible for the safekeeping of the dedicated gifts.
The Officers and Judges
And of the Hebronites was Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of the king (1 Chronicles 26:30). The Hebronites were appointed as officers and judges. The sons of Jerijah were appointed to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for all the matters pertaining to God and the king.
Lessons from 1 Chronicles 26
The Importance of Order
David's organization of the gatekeepers demonstrates the importance of order in the work of God. The gatekeepers were assigned to specific gates, and the duties were distributed fairly. The lesson for believers is the importance of order in the church. The apostle Paul writes: Let all things be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). The worship of God requires organization and structure.
The Role of Every Believer
The organization of the gatekeepers demonstrates that every person has a role in the service of God. The gatekeepers were set apart for the security and order of the temple. The lesson for believers is that every member of the body of Christ has a role to play. The apostle Paul writes: There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord (1 Corinthians 12:4-5).
The Security of the Temple
The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the entrances to the temple. Their duties ensured that the temple was protected from intruders and that the worship of God was conducted in safety. The lesson for believers is the importance of guarding the church against false teaching and sin. The apostle Paul writes: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers (Acts 20:28).
The Faithfulness of God
The blessing of Obed-edom's household demonstrates the faithfulness of God. God blessed Obed-edom because the Ark of God remained in his house. The lesson for believers is that God blesses those who honor Him and serve Him faithfully. The psalmist writes: Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways (Psalm 128:1).
Connections to Scripture
The Ark at Obed-edom's House
The blessing of Obed-edom's household connects to the account of the Ark in 1 Chronicles 13:14. The Ark remained in the house of Obed-edom for three months, and the Lord blessed his household. The blessing was evident in the number of his children and the prosperity of his house.
The New Testament Application
The gatekeepers of the temple point forward to the watchmen of the church. The apostle Paul writes: Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong (1 Corinthians 16:13). Believers are called to be watchful and to guard the truth of the gospel.
The Temple of the Holy Spirit
The temple points forward to the church, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul writes: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16). Believers are called to be faithful stewards of the temple of God.
Conclusion
The twenty-sixth chapter of 1 Chronicles records the organization of the gatekeepers and treasurers for temple service. David appointed the families of Meshelemiah, Obed-edom, and Hosah as gatekeepers. The assignments were made by lot to ensure impartiality. The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the entrances to the temple and maintaining order. The treasurers were responsible for the dedicated gifts and the provisions for the priests.
David's example of organizing the gatekeepers teaches believers the importance of order in the work of God. He appointed the gatekeepers to specific gates and assigned their duties by lot. The lesson for believers is to organize the work of God with care and precision. The worship of God is not to be conducted haphazardly but with order and reverence.
The security of the temple and the treasuries demonstrates the importance of protecting the work of God. The gatekeepers guarded the entrances, and the treasurers managed the gifts. The lesson for believers is to be faithful stewards of the resources and the truth of God. The chapter calls believers to serve God faithfully, to guard the truth, and to find their place in the ministry of the church.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did David organize the gatekeepers for temple service?
David organized the gatekeepers to ensure the security and order of the temple. The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the entrances, controlling access to the sanctuary, and maintaining order. The organization ensured that the worship of God was conducted in safety and that the temple was protected from intruders.
2. What was the significance of casting lots for the gatekeepers' assignments?
The casting of lots ensured impartiality and divine guidance. The lot prevented favoritism and ensured that the assignments were divinely guided. The small as well as the great, the teacher with the student, all participated in the casting of lots. This prevented pride and provided a learning opportunity for all.
3. What were the duties of the treasurers of the temple?
The treasurers were responsible for the dedicated gifts and the provisions for the priests. They managed the offerings of the people, the spoils of war, and the sacred treasures. The treasurers were to carefully manage and protect the resources of the temple.
4. How did God bless the household of Obed-edom?
God blessed the household of Obed-edom because the Ark of God remained in his house for three months (1 Chronicles 13:14). The blessing was evident in the number of his children and the prosperity of his house. The gatekeepers descended from Obed-edom were able men for service.
5. How does the organization of the gatekeepers apply to the church today?
The organization of the gatekeepers demonstrates the importance of order and security in the work of God. The church is called to guard the truth of the gospel and to protect the worship of God from false teaching and sin. Believers are called to be watchful and to be faithful stewards of the resources and the truth of God.
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