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 identifies Berechiah and Elkanah as Levites appointed to serve as doorkeepers for the Ark of the Covenant during its transfer to Jerusalem. This verse is part of King David's meticulously organized and reverent second attempt to bring the Ark into the city, emphasizing the importance of adherence to God's instructions and the diligent stewardship required for handling the sacred symbol of God's presence. It highlights the specific roles assigned within the Levitical service, underscoring that even seemingly humble duties were vital for maintaining the sanctity and order of worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 15, a chapter meticulously detailing King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. The Chronicler emphasizes David's careful adherence to the Mosaic law regarding the Ark's transport, a stark contrast to 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"). Chapter 15 opens with David preparing a place for the Ark ([1 Chronicles 15:1](/1_chronicles/15-1 "1 Chronicles 15:1 - David Prepares for the Ark")), then summoning the Levites and priests, specifically commanding them to sanctify themselves and carry the Ark on their shoulders, as prescribed by the Lord ([1 Chronicles 15:2-15](/1_chronicles/15-2 "1 Chronicles 15:2-15 - David's Instructions to the Levites")). Verses 16-24 list the various Levitical appointments for this grand procession, including singers, musicians, and, as in this verse, doorkeepers, all contributing to the orderly and reverent movement of God's sacred presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing God's throne and His tangible presence among His people. Its proper handling was paramount, governed by strict Mosaic laws found in books like [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Kohathites"). The first attempt to move the Ark resulted in Uzzah's death because it was transported on a cart, violating divine command ([2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death") and [1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death")). This tragedy underscored the absolute necessity of obedience and reverence. In this second attempt, David ensures that only sanctified Levites, specifically the Kohathites, carry the Ark on poles, as 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 essential for maintaining the sanctity and security of the holy space and its sacred objects.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles. Foremost is the theme of **Reverence and Obedience** to God's 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 importance of proper protocol and the serious consequences of deviation. Another theme is the **Sanctity of God's Presence**; the Ark was not merely a box but the dwelling place of God's glory, demanding utmost respect and protection. The doorkeepers' role was crucial in safeguarding this sanctity by controlling access. Finally, the verse underscores the **Value of Every Role in God's Service**. Even seemingly humble positions like doorkeepers were vital for the successful and reverent operation of the divine service, emphasizing that all faithful contributions are recognized and essential in God's kingdom, as seen in the detailed genealogies and lists of service throughout [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Book Overview").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Doorkeepers (Hebrew, _sho'arim'_):** This term (שֹׁעֲרִים) literally means "gatekeepers" or "guardians of the gate." In ancient Near Eastern contexts, gatekeepers held significant responsibility beyond merely opening and closing doors. They controlled access, maintained security, regulated entry and exit, collected tolls, and often served as judicial officials or administrators at the city gates. In the context of the Ark, and later the Tabernacle and Temple, the _sho'arim_ were Levites specifically designated to guard the entrances to the sacred precincts. Their role was crucial 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Berechiah and Elkanah":** These are two specific individuals named among the many Levites appointed for service related to the Ark. The Chronicler's 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 meticulous organization of David's preparations and the Chronicler's interest in documenting the specific roles and contributions of individuals within the Levitical order. It highlights that even those in seemingly less prominent roles were recognized and important in God's service.
* **"[were] doorkeepers":** This identifies their precise function. As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, their role was to guard the access points to the Ark. This involved ensuring security, preventing unauthorized entry, and maintaining the sacred boundaries around God's presence. It was a position requiring faithfulness, diligence, and a deep understanding of the reverence due to the Ark.
* **"for the ark":** This phrase specifies the 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 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 and practical significance.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this verse and the surrounding narrative. **List/Genealogy** is prominent, as the text meticulously lists the names of individuals and their specific roles, reflecting the Chronicler's concern for order, lineage, and the proper functioning of the Levitical system. This detailed enumeration lends authority and historical weight to the account. **Emphasis** is also evident through the repeated focus on David's adherence to divine instruction, contrasting sharply with the earlier failed attempt. The naming of specific doorkeepers, though seemingly minor, **Symbolizes** the comprehensive nature of the preparations and the sacredness of every task associated with God's presence. The Ark itself serves as a powerful **Symbol** of God's presence and covenant faithfulness, and the doorkeepers symbolize the necessary vigilance and reverence required in approaching the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse carries profound theological weight, connecting to the broader themes of divine holiness, the necessity of proper approach to God, and the value of every act of service. God's holiness demands reverence and order, 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 in our lives and communities. The specific mention of Berechiah and Elkanah reinforces the biblical principle that all service, no matter how humble, is seen and valued by God when performed faithfully and diligently. Their task of guarding the Ark was a stewardship of immense spiritual significance, a reminder that we are called to be faithful stewards of the spiritual truths and blessings entrusted to us.

* [Exodus 40:3-5](/exodus/40-3 "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 contemporary lesson for believers. In a world often valuing prominence and visibility, this verse reminds us that every role within the body of Christ, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes, is vital and honored by God. Just as these men guarded the physical manifestation of God's presence, believers today are called to be guardians of spiritual truth, the sanctity of the church, and the purity of their own hearts, which are temples of the Holy Spirit. This involves diligence in our assigned duties, faithfulness in upholding sound doctrine, and a commitment to reverent living. It challenges us to serve with excellence and humility, recognizing that our service is ultimately to the Lord, and His presence is always worthy of our utmost care and respect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the example of Berechiah and Elkanah challenge my view of "small" or "insignificant" roles in the church or in my daily life?**
* **In what ways am I called to be a "doorkeeper" or guardian of God's truth and presence in my sphere of influence today?**
* **What specific areas of my service to God or others require greater diligence and faithfulness, even when they seem routine?**

### 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 designated by God for sacred service. Specifically, they were appointed as _sho'arim_ or "doorkeepers" for the Ark of the Covenant during its 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 maintaining the sacred boundaries around it. This position underscored the immense reverence required in approaching God's presence, especially after the tragic death of Uzzah, who improperly touched the Ark ([1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death")). Their inclusion in the Chronicler's detailed account highlights the value placed on every specific task within the meticulously organized divine service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The role of the doorkeepers for the Ark of the Covenant finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Ark symbolized God's presence dwelling among His people, and the doorkeepers guarded access to that sacred presence. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as the ultimate embodiment of God's presence, the Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh")). He is the sole means of access to God, fulfilling the role of both the sacred presence and the one who grants entry. Through His sacrificial death, the veil in the temple, which once separated humanity from God's most holy presence, was torn from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Torn Veil")), signifying that direct access to God is now available to all who believe. No longer do we need human doorkeepers or physical barriers; instead, we have "boldness to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus" ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Moreover, in Christ, believers themselves become temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "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.

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.