TRV
Translation
King James Version
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.
Complete Jewish Bible
Hilkiyahu the second, T'valyahu the third and Z'kharyahu the fourth; all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.
Berean Standard Bible
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all.
American Standard Version
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.
World English Bible Messianic
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Helkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth: all the sonnes and the brethren of Hosa were thirteene.
Young's Literal Translation
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hosah are thirteen.
In the KJVVerse 11,089 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26 verses 1–19
1 ¶ Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
2 And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,
3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh.
4 Moreover the sons of Obededom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth,
5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him.
6 Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born, that ruled throughout the house of their father: for they were mighty men of valour.
7 The sons of Shemaiah; Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men, Elihu, and Semachiah.
8 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.
9 And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.
10 Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief, (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief;)
11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.
12 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.
13 And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.
14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
15 To Obededom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim.
16 To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.
17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.
18 At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.
19 These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari.
Observe, I. There were porters appointed to attend the temple, who guarded all the avenues that let to it, opened and shut all the outer gates and attended at them, not only for the state, but for service, to direct and instruct those who were going to worship in the courts of the sanctuary in the decorum they were to observe, to encourage those that were timorous, to send back the strangers and unclean, and to guard against thieves and others that were enemies to the house of God. In allusion to this office, ministers are said to have the keys to the kingdom of heaven committed to them (Mat 16:19), that they may admit, and exclude, according to the law of Christ.
II. Of several of those that were called to this service, it is taken notice of that they were mighty men of valour (Ch1 26:6), strong men (Ch1 26:7), able men (Ch1 26:8), and one of them that he was a wise counsellor (Ch1 26:14), who probably, when he had used this office of a deacon well and given proofs of more than ordinary wisdom, purchased to himself a good degree, and was preferred from the gate to the council-board, Ti1 3:13. As for those that excelled in strength of body, and courage and resolution of mind, they were thereby qualified for the post assigned them; for whatever service God calls men to he either finds them fit or makes them so.
III. The sons of Obed-edom were employed in this office, sixty-two of that family. This was he that entertained the ark with reverence and cheerfulness; and see how he was rewarded for it. 1. He had eight sons (Ch1 26:5), for God blessed him. The increase and building up of families are owing to the divine blessing; and a great blessing it is to a family to have many children, when like these they are able for, and eminent in, the service of God. 2. His sons were preferred to places of trust in the sanctuary. They had faithfully attended the ark in their own house, and now were called to attend it in God's house. He that is trusty in little shall be trusted with more. He that keeps God's ordinances in his own tent is fit to have the custody of them in God's tabernacle, Ti1 3:4, Ti1 3:5. I have kept thy law, says David, and this I had because I kept thy precepts, Psa 119:55, Psa 119:56.
IV. It is said of one here that though he was not the first-born his father made him the chief (Ch1 26:10), either because he was very excellent, or because the elder son was very weak. He was made chief, perhaps not in inheriting the estate (for that was forbidden by the law, Deu 21:16, Deu 21:17), but in this service, which required personal qualifications.
V. The porters, as the singers, had their post assigned them by lot, so many at such a gate, and so many at such a one, that every one might know his post and make it good, Ch1 26:13. It is not said that they were cast into twenty-four courses, as before; but here are the names of about twenty-four (Ch1 26:1-11), and the posts assigned are twenty-four, Ch1 26:17, Ch1 26:18. We have therefore reason to think they were distributed into as many companies. Happy are those who dwell in God's house: for, as they are well fed, well taught, and well employed, so they are well guarded. Men attended at the gates of the temple, but angels attend at the gates of the New Jerusalem, Rev 21:12.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–19. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:11 meticulously records the lineage of Hosah's family, specifically naming Hilkiah, Tebaliah, and Zechariah, and stating that the total number of his sons and brethren serving as gatekeepers was thirteen. This verse, part of a broader organizational record of the Levites, underscores the divine order established by King David for the temple service, highlighting the importance of every individual's role, even in seemingly minor capacities, and the generational continuity of faithful service within the Levitical structure.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs Enumeration and Genealogy as primary literary devices in this verse and throughout the surrounding chapters. The precise listing of names and numbers (e.g., "Hilkiah the second," "thirteen") serves to establish legitimacy, historical accuracy, and the divine order of the Levitical assignments. This meticulous detail functions as a form of Validation, assuring the reader, particularly the post-exilic community, that these roles and divisions were not arbitrary but carefully orchestrated and divinely sanctioned, providing a blueprint for their own re-establishment of temple worship. The repetition of such lists across chapters (e.g., 1 Chronicles 23-26 for Levites, priests, musicians, and gatekeepers) also creates a sense of Completeness and Thoroughness, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of David's preparations for the temple and the significance of every part of the worship system. The very act of naming individuals, even in a long list, serves to personalize the account, reminding the reader that behind the administrative structures were real people faithfully serving God.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:11, though a simple genealogical entry, profoundly contributes to the Chronicler's overarching theological agenda: to demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant people through the establishment of orderly worship and a dedicated priesthood, even amidst the challenges of post-exilic return. The meticulous organization of the gatekeepers reflects a divine principle of order in God's house and work, emphasizing that every role, no matter how seemingly minor, is essential and valued by God. This attention to detail underscores God's sovereignty and His care for the practical outworking of His kingdom on earth, ensuring that His presence is honored and protected. The verse also subtly highlights the importance of family and generational faithfulness in serving God, a theme central to the covenant community's identity and endurance.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly dry list of names and numbers in 1 Chronicles 26:11 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, not chaos, and that faithful service in His kingdom is highly valued, regardless of its visibility or perceived importance. Just as the gatekeepers were essential for the security and sanctity of the temple, every member of the body of Christ has a crucial, God-given role to play in the church and in the world. We are called to embrace our unique gifts and responsibilities with diligence and humility, knowing that even the quietest acts of service contribute to the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan. This verse encourages us to find dignity and purpose in our assigned tasks, recognizing that our faithfulness in small matters is just as significant to God as faithfulness in large ones. It also challenges families to cultivate a legacy of faith and service, passing on a love for God and His work to future generations, ensuring that the torch of faith continues to burn brightly.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names and numbers, like in 1 Chronicles 26:11?
Answer: The inclusion of such detailed lists serves several crucial purposes. First, it establishes legitimacy and historical accuracy, confirming that the individuals and their roles were divinely appointed and part of a real historical administration. For the post-exilic community, for whom Chronicles was primarily written, these genealogies provided a vital link to their heritage and a foundational blueprint for rebuilding their national and spiritual life. Second, it emphasizes divine order and organization in God's work. King David's meticulous planning for the temple service, inspired by God, demonstrated that God values structure, precision, and intentionality in worship and ministry. Third, it highlights the importance of every individual's contribution. Even seemingly minor roles, like gatekeeping, were vital for the proper functioning and security of the temple, underscoring that God values every faithful servant, regardless of their prominence or visibility. This is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, profoundly articulated in passages like 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Finally, these lists often reinforce the theme of generational continuity, showing how service to God was passed down through families, ensuring the ongoing worship and care of God's house across generations.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:11 details the specific organization of Levitical gatekeepers in the Old Covenant, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The meticulous order and dedication to safeguarding God's presence in the earthly temple foreshadow the ultimate order established in the New Covenant through Christ, who is Himself the true "gate" and "door" to God's presence, declaring, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved". The gatekeepers' role in maintaining access and purity in the earthly sanctuary points to Jesus, who, through His ultimate sacrifice, opened a new and living way into the holiest place, making direct access to God possible for all believers, as Hebrews 10:19-20 beautifully articulates. Furthermore, the valuing of every individual in service, from the most prominent priest to the humble gatekeeper, finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament concept of the church as the body of Christ, where every member, with their diverse gifts, is essential and valued, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:27. Just as Hosah's family served together, believers today are called into a spiritual family, the church, to collectively guard the truth of the Gospel and facilitate access to God's grace, not through physical gates, but through the proclamation of Christ's finished work. We are now "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God", built into a spiritual temple where God dwells. Thus, the ancient gatekeepers prefigure the Church's ongoing mission to be custodians of God's truth and facilitators of His presence in the world, all made possible by the ultimate "Gatekeeper," Jesus Christ, who holds the keys to the kingdom.