1 Chronicles 26:1

KJV

¶ Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites [was] Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.

KJV (with Strong's)

Concerning the divisions {H4256} of the porters {H7778}: Of the Korhites {H7145} was Meshelemiah {H4920} the son {H1121} of Kore {H6981}, of the sons {H1121} of Asaph {H623}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The divisions of the gatekeepers: Of the Korchim: Meshelemyahu the son of Kore, of the descendants of Asaf.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph.

American Standard Version

For the courses of the doorkeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:1 initiates a detailed account of the Levitical gatekeepers, or porters, in King David's meticulously organized preparations for the future Temple. This verse specifically introduces Meshelemiah, a prominent Korhite and descendant of Kore, as a key figure among those appointed to this vital role, underscoring the divine order and dedicated service required for the sacred functions of God's house.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the opening of a section (1 Chronicles 26) that meticulously details the divisions and duties of the Levitical gatekeepers and treasurers. It follows chapters that outline the organization of the priests (1 Chronicles 24) and the musicians (1 Chronicles 25), all part of King David's comprehensive preparations for the future Temple, which his son Solomon would build. The Chronicler's emphasis on these detailed arrangements, following the gathering of materials in [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple"), highlights the divine blueprint for Temple service, the importance of order, and the continuity of Israel's spiritual life. The precise enumeration of families and their assigned roles underscores the significance of every function within God's house.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the reign of King David, a period of national consolidation and preparation for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. David, though divinely forbidden to build the Temple himself, devoted immense effort to planning its administration and gathering resources. Culturally, the Levites held a unique and indispensable role in ancient Israelite society, serving as guardians of the Mosaic Law, administrators of sacred rituals, and facilitators of worship. The detailed genealogical records and specific assignments reflect the paramount importance of tribal identity, lineage, and inherited responsibilities in the theocratic administration of Israel. The mention of "Korhites" is particularly noteworthy, as their ancestor Korah led a significant rebellion against Moses and Aaron (see [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")), yet here his descendants are found serving in a position of trust and honor, demonstrating God's enduring grace and restorative power.

* **Key Themes:** A primary theme emerging from this verse and its surrounding context is **Divine Order and Preparation**, showcasing David's foresight and God's desire for a highly organized and structured approach to sacred service. Every role, from the priests to the gatekeepers, was carefully planned and assigned, reflecting God's character of order and precision in all things, particularly worship. This meticulous planning is consistently emphasized in David's preparations for the Temple, as seen in [1 Chronicles 22:5](/1_chronicles/22-5 "1 Chronicles 22:5 - David's Great Preparations"). Another key theme is **Faithful Service**, particularly highlighted by the role of the porters (Hebrew: *sho'arim*). Their responsibilities included security, maintaining reverence, and controlling access to the holy areas, demanding diligence, trustworthiness, and faithfulness. This emphasizes that all tasks performed for God, no matter how seemingly minor, are significant and contribute to the sanctity of worship, echoing the New Testament principle of working heartily for the Lord (cf. [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work Heartily for the Lord")). Finally, the passage underscores the **Comprehensive Levitical Duties**, illustrating that the Levites' involvement extended far beyond just priestly and musical roles, encompassing the full maintenance and operation of the spiritual center of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Porters (Hebrew, _sho'arim'_):** This term literally means "gatekeepers" or "doorkeepers." Their role was far more significant than merely opening and closing gates. They were responsible for the security of the Temple precincts, controlling access to various courts, maintaining order, ensuring reverence, and preventing unauthorized entry. They acted as guardians of the sanctity of God's house, a vital function for the proper conduct of worship and the protection of sacred space. Their duties ensured that the sacred was protected from the profane.
* **Korhites (Hebrew, _qorḥî_):** A specific family within the Levites, descendants of Kohath through Korah. While their ancestor Korah famously rebelled against Moses and Aaron (as detailed in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")), this lineage also produced renowned musicians (e.g., [Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - As a Deer Pants for Water")) and, as seen here, faithful gatekeepers. Their prominent inclusion in Temple service highlights themes of divine grace, restoration, and the potential for a lineage to be redeemed for honorable service despite past failings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Concerning the divisions of the porters:"** This opening phrase immediately sets the subject matter for the entire chapter, indicating a detailed enumeration and organization of the gatekeepers. It highlights David's administrative precision in preparing for the Temple, emphasizing that even this specific function was carefully structured.
* **"Of the Korhites [was] Meshelemiah the son of Kore,"** This clause introduces the first prominent family group among the porters—the Korhites—and specifically names Meshelemiah as a key figure or head of a division. The mention of "Kore" as his father links him directly to the lineage of Korah, underscoring the continuity of family lines in Temple service and the specific branch from which Meshelemiah descended.
* **"of the sons of Asaph."** This concluding phrase is widely considered a textual variant or a scribal error in the KJV. Meshelemiah is consistently identified as a Korhite, not a son of Asaph. Asaph was a prominent Levitical musician (see [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - Asaph's Role in Music")), not a gatekeeper, and his lineage is distinct. Most modern translations omit "of the sons of Asaph" in this verse, recognizing it as an unlikely connection given the context of gatekeepers and the known lineage of Meshelemiah. The focus remains on the Korhite lineage for Meshelemiah.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed here, and throughout 1 Chronicles 23-27, is **List** or **Genealogy**. The Chronicler meticulously enumerates names, lineages, and assigned roles, emphasizing divine order, continuity, and the specific appointment of individuals and families to particular tasks within the Temple administration. This detailed enumeration serves to legitimize the roles, demonstrate the thoroughness of David's preparations, and underscore the importance of every function. The repetitive structure of naming individuals and their familial connections creates a sense of **Rhythm** and **Emphasis** on the organized nature of God's people and their service. The inclusion of the Korhites, a lineage with a complex and challenging history, also subtly employs **Irony** or **Redemptive Narrative**, highlighting God's grace in transforming a rebellious line into one of trusted and honorable service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:1 serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, not chaos. The meticulous organization of the Temple's personnel, down to the gatekeepers, reflects His desire for worship and service to be conducted with dignity, reverence, and intentionality. This divine order ensures that every part of the spiritual enterprise functions harmoniously, contributing to the sanctity of the sacred space and the effectiveness of ministry. It underscores the principle that even seemingly mundane or less prominent roles are vital in God's economy, as they contribute to the overall integrity and security of His house. The inclusion of the Korhites, a lineage once marked by rebellion, further highlights God's redemptive grace, demonstrating His willingness to use and restore those who turn to Him for service, emphasizing that God's grace triumphs over past failures.

* [Psalm 84:10](/psalms/84-10 "Psalm 84:10 - A Day in Your Courts")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though seemingly a dry list of names and roles, carries profound implications for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider our own roles within the body of Christ and the broader kingdom of God. Just as the porters were essential for the proper functioning and sanctity of the Temple, so too is every believer called to a specific, valuable function within the church. There are no insignificant roles in God's service; every act of faithfulness, whether visible or behind the scenes, contributes to the health and mission of the community. This passage encourages us to embrace our assigned responsibilities with diligence, recognizing that our service, no matter how humble, is an act of worship to God. It also reminds us of God's incredible grace, as He uses individuals and lineages, even those with flawed pasts, for His glorious purposes. We are called to serve with excellence, knowing that God values order, preparation, and dedicated hearts in all things, and that our faithfulness in small matters can have significant spiritual impact.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is my specific role or gift within the body of Christ, and how am I faithfully exercising it for the good of the whole?**
* **How does the emphasis on "order" in Temple service apply to the organization and functioning of my local church or ministry context?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate diligence and trustworthiness in the "behind-the-scenes" tasks of ministry, recognizing their importance to God?**
* **How does the inclusion of the Korhites in this honorable service speak to God's grace and restoration in my own life or the lives of others I know?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "porters" mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:1, and what was their significance?**

Answer: The "porters" (Hebrew: *sho'arim*) were the gatekeepers of the Temple. Their significance extended far beyond merely opening and closing doors. They were responsible for the security of the Temple precincts, controlling who entered and exited, maintaining order, ensuring reverence, and preventing unauthorized or unclean individuals from entering sacred areas. They were crucial for upholding the sanctity of God's house and ensuring that worship could be conducted without disturbance. Their role required great trustworthiness and diligence, making them vital to the overall functioning of the Temple, as seen in the detailed organization of their divisions throughout [1 Chronicles 26](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - Divisions of the Gatekeepers and Treasurers").

**Why is the mention of "Korhites" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "Korhites" is highly significant due to their historical background. They were descendants of Korah, who, along with Dathan and Abiram, led a major rebellion against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, resulting in divine judgment (recorded in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")). Despite this infamous rebellion, the lineage of Korah was not entirely cut off; some of his descendants survived and later became prominent in Israelite worship, particularly as Temple musicians (e.g., many Psalms are attributed to the "sons of Korah," such as [Psalm 84](/psalms/84 "Psalm 84 - How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place")). Their inclusion here as trusted gatekeepers demonstrates God's profound grace and redemptive power, showing that even a lineage marked by past rebellion could be restored to positions of honor and dedicated service in God's house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:1 details the physical organization of the Temple's gatekeepers, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate order and access established through Jesus Christ. In the Old Covenant, the porters controlled access to a physical sanctuary, ensuring its sanctity and regulating who could approach God's presence. This system, with its divisions and restrictions, highlighted humanity's separation from a holy God due to sin. However, in Christ, the ultimate "gate" to God's presence has been opened. Jesus declared, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). He is the one who grants full and free access to the Father, having torn the veil of the Temple at His death ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Veil Torn")), signifying the removal of all barriers between God and humanity. Through His sacrifice, believers are no longer restricted by physical barriers or the need for human gatekeepers; instead, we have direct access to God's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Moreover, as believers, we are now part of a spiritual temple, the body of Christ, where every member is a "living stone" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), contributing to the spiritual house. The meticulous order seen in David's preparations points to the divine wisdom and intentionality behind God's plan of salvation, culminating in Christ, who perfectly fulfills all roles—priest, king, and the very means of access to God, embodying the ultimate faithful service.

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 15:23

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

1 Chronicles 15:24

And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah [were] doorkeepers for the ark.

1 Chronicles 15:18

And with them their brethren of the second [degree], Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

2 Chronicles 23:19

And he set the porters at the gates of the house of the LORD, that none [which was] unclean in any thing should enter in.

Psalms 49:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all [ye] people; give ear, all [ye] inhabitants of the world:

1 Chronicles 6:37

The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah,

Numbers 26:9

And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This [is that] Dathan and Abiram, [which were] famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD: