1 Chronicles 15:23

KJV

And Berechiah and Elkanah [were] doorkeepers for the ark.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Berechiah {H1296} and Elkanah {H511} were doorkeepers {H7778} for the ark {H727}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Berekhyahu and Elkanah were gatekeepers for the ark.

Berean Standard Bible

Berechiah and Elkanah were to be guardians of the ark.

American Standard Version

And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 15:23 meticulously records the appointment of Berechiah and Elkanah as doorkeepers for the Ark of the Covenant, a crucial role within the Levitical service during its solemn transfer to Jerusalem. This verse is embedded in King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark into the city, an endeavor marked by careful adherence to divine instructions and a profound emphasis on the sanctity and proper stewardship required for handling God's sacred presence. It underscores the meticulous organization of worship and the vital importance of every assigned duty, no matter how seemingly humble, in maintaining the reverence and order of God's service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 15, a chapter that meticulously details King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. The Chronicler deliberately contrasts this successful, divinely-prescribed transport with the tragic failure of the first attempt, recorded in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - Uzzah's Death and the First Ark Attempt"), where Uzzah died for improperly touching the Ark. Chapter 15 opens with David's careful preparations, including building a place for the Ark ([1 Chronicles 15:1](/1_chronicles/15-1 "1 Chronicles 15:1 - David Prepares for the Ark")), and then summoning the Levites and priests. Crucially, he commands them to sanctify themselves and carry the Ark on their shoulders, precisely as prescribed by the Lord ([1 Chronicles 15:2-15](/1_chronicles/15-2-15 "1 Chronicles 15:2-15 - David's Instructions to the Levites")). Verses 16-24 provide a detailed roster of Levitical appointments for this grand procession, including singers, musicians, and, as highlighted in this verse, doorkeepers, all contributing to the orderly, reverent, and divinely-sanctioned movement of God's most sacred presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the preeminent sacred object in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's throne, His covenant faithfulness, and His tangible presence among His people. Its proper handling was absolutely paramount, governed by strict Mosaic laws found, for instance, in [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Kohathites"). The devastating outcome of the first attempt to move the Ark, where Uzzah died because it was transported on a cart in violation of divine command ([2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6-7 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death") and [1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9-10 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death")), profoundly underscored the absolute necessity of precise obedience and profound reverence. In this second, successful attempt, David ensures that only sanctified Levites, specifically the Kohathites, carry the Ark on poles, as divinely commanded. The appointment of "doorkeepers" like Berechiah and Elkanah reflects the highly organized and hierarchical structure of Israelite worship, where every role, from the high priest to the gatekeeper, was deemed essential for maintaining the sanctity, security, and purity of the holy space and its sacred objects.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of 1 Chronicles. Foremost is the theme of **Reverence and Obedience** to God's explicit commands, particularly concerning worship and the handling of sacred things. David's meticulous planning and the specific appointment of Levites for various duties, including doorkeeping, highlight the critical importance of proper protocol and the serious consequences of deviation from divine instruction. Another prominent theme is the **Sanctity of God's Presence**; the Ark was not merely a physical container but the dwelling place of God's glory, demanding utmost respect, protection, and restricted access. The doorkeepers' role was thus crucial in safeguarding this sanctity by controlling entry and exit. Finally, the verse powerfully underscores the **Value of Every Role in God's Service**. Even seemingly humble or behind-the-scenes positions like doorkeepers were vital for the successful and reverent operation of the divine service, emphasizing that all faithful contributions are recognized, valued, and essential in God's kingdom, a principle reinforced by the detailed genealogies and lists of service found throughout [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Book Overview").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Berechiah (Hebrew, _Berekyâh'_):** From the Hebrew root meaning "to bless" and the divine name "Yah" (short for Yahweh), meaning "Yah has blessed" or "Blessed of Yahweh." The inclusion of this name, like many biblical names, carries theological significance, suggesting a person who is a recipient of divine favor or whose life is a testament to God's blessing. In this context, it subtly reinforces the idea that those who serve God faithfully are blessed.
* **Elkanah (Hebrew, _ʼElqânâh'_):** Derived from the Hebrew words for "God" (El) and "to obtain" or "to create," meaning "God has obtained" or "God has created/possessed." This name, shared by several significant figures in Israelite history (e.g., Samuel's father), suggests a divine act of acquisition or possession. For a doorkeeper of the Ark, it could subtly imply that God has "obtained" or chosen this individual for this specific, sacred task.
* **Doorkeepers (Hebrew, _shôwʻêr'_):** This term (שׁוֹעֵר, singular) literally means "gatekeeper," "porter," or "janitor." In ancient Near Eastern societies, gatekeepers held positions of considerable responsibility, extending beyond merely opening and closing doors. They controlled access, ensured security, regulated movement, and often served as administrative or even judicial figures at city gates. In the context of the Ark, and later the Tabernacle and Temple, the _shôwʻêrîm_ (plural) were Levites specifically designated to guard the entrances to the sacred precincts. Their role was paramount for maintaining the purity and sanctity of the holy space, ensuring that only authorized and ritually clean individuals entered. It was a position of trust, requiring vigilance, integrity, and a deep understanding of the sacred boundaries and the reverence due to God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Berechiah and Elkanah":** These are two specific individuals named among the many Levites appointed for service related to the Ark's transport. The Chronicler's meticulous inclusion of their names, alongside others like Obed-Edom ([1 Chronicles 15:18](/1_chronicles/15-18 "1 Chronicles 15:18 - Obed-Edom as Doorkeeper")), underscores the highly organized and detailed nature of David's preparations. It also reflects the Chronicler's interest in documenting the specific roles and contributions of individuals within the Levitical order, highlighting that even those in seemingly less prominent roles were recognized and deemed important in God's service.
* **"[were] doorkeepers":** This clause precisely identifies their assigned function. As detailed in the Key Word Analysis, their role was to guard the access points to the Ark. This involved ensuring security, preventing unauthorized entry, and meticulously maintaining the sacred boundaries around God's presence. It was a position demanding unwavering faithfulness, diligent attention to detail, and a profound understanding of the reverence due to the Ark and, by extension, to God Himself.
* **"for the ark":** This phrase specifies the direct object of their guardianship. The Ark of the Covenant was the central focus of Israelite worship, symbolizing God's covenant presence, His throne, and the very place where He met with His people. To be a doorkeeper "for the ark" meant they were directly responsible for protecting the immediate vicinity of the most holy object in Israel, a duty of immense spiritual, practical, and symbolic significance, particularly in light of the recent tragedy involving Uzzah.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several significant literary devices in this verse and the surrounding narrative to convey his theological message. **List/Genealogy** is prominently featured, as the text meticulously enumerates the names of individuals and their specific roles within the Levitical system (e.g., [1 Chronicles 15:18-24](/1_chronicles/15-18-24 "1 Chronicles 15:18-24 - Levitical Appointments")), reflecting the Chronicler's profound concern for order, proper lineage, and the divinely ordained functioning of the cultic system. This detailed enumeration lends authority, historical weight, and a sense of divine intentionality to the account. **Emphasis** is also powerfully evident through the repeated focus on David's meticulous adherence to divine instruction, contrasting sharply with the earlier failed attempt and highlighting the consequences of disobedience. The naming of specific doorkeepers, though seemingly minor, **Symbolizes** the comprehensive nature of the preparations and the profound sacredness of every task, no matter how small, associated with God's presence. The Ark itself serves as the central and most powerful **Symbol** of God's presence, covenant faithfulness, and divine authority, and the doorkeepers, by guarding it, symbolize the necessary vigilance, holiness, and reverence required in approaching the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse, by naming two individuals and their specific role, carries profound theological weight, connecting to the broader themes of divine holiness, the necessity of proper approach to God, and the intrinsic value of every act of service within God's kingdom. God's inherent holiness demands reverence, order, and precise adherence to His commands, and the role of the doorkeepers underscores that access to His presence is not casual but governed by divine decree. It highlights the importance of guarding the sanctity of sacred spaces and, by extension, the sanctity of God's truth and presence within our lives and communities. The specific mention of Berechiah and Elkanah reinforces the biblical principle that all service, no matter how humble or seemingly behind-the-scenes, is seen, recognized, and profoundly valued by God when performed faithfully and diligently. Their task of guarding the Ark was a stewardship of immense spiritual significance, serving as a timeless reminder that believers are called to be faithful stewards of the spiritual truths, blessings, and sacred trusts entrusted to us by God.

* [Exodus 40:3-5](/exodus/40-3-5 "Exodus 40:3-5 - Placing the Ark in the Tabernacle")
* [Numbers 3:38](/numbers/3-38 "Numbers 3:38 - Levites Guarding the Tabernacle")
* [Psalm 84:10](/psalms/84-10 "Psalm 84:10 - Better to be a Doorkeeper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The example of Berechiah and Elkanah as doorkeepers for the Ark offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers in any era. In a world that often values prominence, visibility, and recognition, this verse profoundly reminds us that every role within the body of Christ, no matter how seemingly small, hidden, or "insignificant" from a human perspective, is vital, honored, and indispensable in God's eyes. Just as these men faithfully guarded the physical manifestation of God's presence, believers today are called to be vigilant guardians of spiritual truth, the sanctity of the church as God's dwelling place, and the purity of their own hearts, which are temples of the Holy Spirit. This involves cultivating diligence in our assigned duties, demonstrating unwavering faithfulness in upholding sound doctrine, and committing to a life of reverent living that reflects the holiness of the God we serve. It challenges us to serve with excellence, humility, and a deep sense of purpose, recognizing that our service is ultimately rendered unto the Lord, and His presence is always worthy of our utmost care, respect, and protection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the example of Berechiah and Elkanah challenge my personal view of "small" or "insignificant" roles within the church or in my daily life and work?**
* **In what specific ways am I called to be a "doorkeeper" or guardian of God's truth, His presence, or the sanctity of His church in my current sphere of influence?**
* **What particular areas of my service to God or others might require greater diligence, faithfulness, and a renewed sense of reverence, even if they seem routine or unnoticed?**

### FAQ
**Who were Berechiah and Elkanah, and what was the significance of their role as doorkeepers?**

Answer: Berechiah and Elkanah were Levites, members of the tribe specifically designated by God for sacred service in ancient Israel. They were appointed as _sho'arim_ (doorkeepers or gatekeepers) for the Ark of the Covenant during its solemn transfer to Jerusalem by King David. Their role was critically important: they were responsible for guarding the immediate access to the Ark, ensuring its security, and meticulously maintaining the sacred boundaries around it. This position underscored the immense reverence and strict protocol required in approaching God's holy presence, especially in the wake of the tragic death of Uzzah, who improperly touched the Ark during the first transfer attempt ([1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9-10 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death")). Their inclusion in the Chronicler's detailed account highlights the profound value placed on every specific task within the meticulously organized divine service, emphasizing that even seemingly humble roles were essential for the proper functioning of worship and the safeguarding of God's holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The role of the doorkeepers for the Ark of the Covenant finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Ark symbolized God's holy presence dwelling among His people, and the doorkeepers were appointed to guard access to that sacred presence, restricting it to authorized individuals and ensuring proper reverence. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as the ultimate and perfect embodiment of God's presence, the eternal Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" (literally, "tabernacled among us") ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh")). He is not merely a guardian of access but the sole means of access to God, fulfilling the role of both the sacred presence itself and the one who grants entry. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, the thick veil in the temple, which once separated humanity from God's Most Holy Place, was miraculously torn from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Torn Veil")), powerfully signifying that direct, unhindered access to God is now gloriously available to all who believe. No longer do we need human doorkeepers or physical barriers to approach God; instead, we have "boldness to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way" ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Moreover, in Christ, believers themselves become living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies are Temples")), carrying God's presence within them, thereby transforming the very concept of sacred space and access from an external, restricted location to an internal, personal reality.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 9:21

[And] Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah [was] porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

1 Chronicles 9:23

So they and their children [had] the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, [namely], the house of the tabernacle, by wards.

Psalms 84:10

For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

2 Kings 22:4

Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people:

2 Kings 25:18

And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door: