1 Chronicles 26:11

KJV

Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah [were] thirteen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hilkiah {H2518} the second {H8145}, Tebaliah {H2882} the third {H7992}, Zechariah {H2148} the fourth {H7243}: all the sons {H1121} and brethren {H251} of Hosah {H2621} were thirteen {H7969}{H6240}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:11 meticulously details 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles 26, a chapter dedicated to the detailed enumeration and assignment of duties for the Levitical gatekeepers. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 26:1-10) meticulously list other families of gatekeepers, such as those from the lineage of Meshelemiah and Obed-Edom, specifying their sons, their assigned gates, and their responsibilities. Following this verse, the chapter continues to outline the specific assignments of these gatekeepers, including their roles in guarding the various gates, treasuries, and sacred vessels of the house of God (e.g., [1 Chronicles 26:12-19](/1_chronicles/26-12 "1 Chronicles 26:12-19 - Gatekeepers' Duties")). The Chronicler's emphasis on these detailed lists serves to legitimate the roles and ensure the proper functioning of temple worship, reflecting a divine blueprint for order and service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the reign of King David, a pivotal time when the preparations for building the temple were underway, even though Solomon would ultimately construct it. David, inspired by God, meticulously organized the Levites into various divisions for service, including priests, musicians, and gatekeepers (as seen in [1 Chronicles 23](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - Divisions of the Levites")). The gatekeepers played a vital role in ancient Israelite society, not merely as guards but as custodians of sacred space, controlling access to the tabernacle (and later the temple), managing its treasuries, and ensuring the purity and security of worship. Their duties were often hereditary, passed down through specific family lines, which explains the Chronicler's careful genealogical records. This emphasis on order and inherited roles was central to maintaining the integrity of Israel's covenant relationship with God and the sanctity of His dwelling place.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record in [1 Chronicles 26](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - The Gatekeepers") and specifically in verse 11 contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. One prominent theme is **Divine Order and Organization**, demonstrating how God's work is to be carried out with precision and structure, as exemplified by David's divinely inspired administration of the Levites (cf. [1 Chronicles 23:6](/1_chronicles/23-6 "1 Chronicles 23:6 - David's Organization of Levites")). Another key theme is the **Value of Every Role in God's Service**, highlighting that even seemingly less prominent roles, like gatekeeping, were crucial for the proper functioning of worship and were divinely appointed and valued. This stands in contrast to the more visible roles of priests and kings, underscoring that all contributions are significant. Finally, the emphasis on "sons and brethren" reinforces the theme of **Generational Continuity and Legacy**, showing how faithfulness and service were passed down through families, ensuring the perpetuation of God's worship across generations (cf. [1 Chronicles 23:27-32](/1_chronicles/23-27 "1 Chronicles 23:27-32 - Levites' Duties and Generations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hilkiah (Hebrew, _Ḥilqîyāh_):** Meaning "My portion is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my portion." This name, common in the Old Testament, carries significant theological weight, emphasizing a personal relationship with God as one's ultimate inheritance and source of sustenance. In the context of a gatekeeper, it suggests a profound dedication and reliance on God for their service.
* **Hosah (Hebrew, _Ḥôsāh_):** Meaning "refuge" or "shelter." The head of this family line, his name might subtly reflect the protective and custodial nature of the gatekeepers' role—providing a secure refuge for the sacred space and those who entered it for worship.
* **Thirteen (Hebrew, _shĕloshah `asar_):** This specific number emphasizes the meticulous detail of the Chronicler's record. It signifies the complete count of Hosah's direct sons and close male relatives ("brethren") who were organized into this specific division of gatekeepers, highlighting the precision and thoroughness of David's administrative reforms for the temple service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth:"** This clause lists three specific individuals, sons of Hosah, and indicates their numerical order within a sequence, likely referring to their birth order or perhaps their designated rank or division within the gatekeeping service. The precise naming underscores the Chronicler's concern for individual identity and the specific roles each person played in the divine administration.
* **"all the sons and brethren of Hosah [were] thirteen."** This concluding phrase provides the total count of male family members from Hosah's lineage who were appointed to the gatekeeping duties. The term "brethren" (אחים - _achim_) here extends beyond direct sons to include close male relatives, such as uncles, nephews, or cousins, who were part of the extended family unit serving together. This highlights the communal and familial nature of Levitical service, where entire households were dedicated to God's work.

#### 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 that these roles and divisions were not arbitrary but carefully orchestrated and divinely sanctioned. The repetition of such lists across chapters (e.g., [1 Chronicles 23-26](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23 - Divisions of the Levites") 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.

* [Numbers 3:25-31](/numbers/3-25 "Numbers 3:25-31 - Duties of the Sons of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari")
* [Nehemiah 7:1-3](/nehemiah/7-1 "Nehemiah 7:1-3 - Appointment of Gatekeepers")
* [1 Corinthians 12:27-28](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27-28 - Diversity of Gifts in the Body of Christ")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this verse challenge my perception of "insignificant" roles within the church or my own life of service?**
* **In what ways can I, like the gatekeepers, contribute to the "order" and "sanctity" of God's presence in my community and personal life?**
* **What legacy of faith and service am I building, and how can I intentionally involve my family or those around me in God's work?**
* **How does the idea that God cares about the "minute details" of His people's service impact my daily walk with Him?**

### 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 written, these genealogies provided a link to their heritage and a foundation for rebuilding. 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 and precision 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 of the temple, underscoring that God values every faithful servant, regardless of their prominence. This is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ"). 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.

### 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 foreshadow the ultimate order established in the New Covenant through Christ, who is Himself the true "gate" and "door" to God's presence (cf. [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). The gatekeepers' role in maintaining access and purity in the earthly temple points to Jesus, who, through His sacrifice, opened a new and living way into the holiest place, making direct access to God possible for all believers (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God through Christ")). 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 (cf. [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ")). 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 (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). 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.

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.