1 Chronicles 26:13

KJV

And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they cast {H5307} lots {H1486}, as well the small {H6996} as the great {H1419}, according to the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}, for every gate {H8179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Great or small, they cast lots according to their clans for every gate.

Berean Standard Bible

They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike.

American Standard Version

And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to their fathers’ houses, for every gate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:13 details the divinely guided process by which the Levites were assigned their specific duties as gatekeepers for the future Temple in Jerusalem during King David's reign. This verse underscores the meticulous organization of sacred service, emphasizing impartiality in selection and the belief that even seemingly random methods like casting lots were ultimately directed by God's sovereign will to ensure proper stewardship over the holy precincts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously details King David’s comprehensive preparations for the building and operation of the Temple, even though his son Solomon would ultimately construct it. David, inspired by divine revelation, organized the entire Levitical body into various divisions: priests, musicians, treasurers, and gatekeepers. Chapter 26 specifically focuses on the gatekeepers, outlining their divisions, leaders, and the method of assigning their posts. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 26:1-12) list the families and their leaders, setting the stage for the impartial distribution of responsibilities described in verse 13. This organizational structure highlights a key Chronicler theme: the importance of order, reverence, and proper administration in the worship of Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Temple was not merely a building but the central hub of national life, worship, and even economy. Gatekeepers, therefore, held positions of significant trust and responsibility, far beyond simple security guards. They controlled access to sacred spaces, maintained order, and often oversaw the collection and storage of Temple treasures (as seen in [1 Chronicles 26:15](/1_chronicles/26-15 "1 Chronicles 26:15 - Temple Treasuries")). The practice of "casting lots" (Hebrew: _goralot_) was a well-established and accepted method for discerning God’s will in important decisions, such as dividing the land among the tribes ([Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Dividing the Land by Lot")) or selecting individuals for specific tasks ([Joshua 7:16-18](/joshua/7-16 "Joshua 7:16-18 - Achan Identified by Lot")). This practice reflected a profound belief in God's active involvement in human affairs, ensuring that critical assignments were perceived as divinely appointed rather than subject to human favoritism or political maneuvering.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Order and Organization**, showcasing David's meticulous planning under divine inspiration to ensure the Temple's efficient and holy operation. This emphasis on structure underscores that God is a God of order, not chaos. Secondly, the phrase "as well the small as the great" highlights **Impartiality and Fairness**, demonstrating that divine assignments transcend social status or personal influence, reflecting God’s just character. Thirdly, the act of "casting lots" points directly to **God's Sovereignty in Decision-Making**. It signifies that ultimate authority and direction in sacred matters belong to the Lord, a principle articulated elsewhere, such as in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - God Directs the Lot"). Finally, the assignment "for every gate" speaks to the theme of **Responsibility and Stewardship**, emphasizing that each individual and family had a specific, divinely appointed duty within the larger framework of Temple service, for which they were accountable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast lots (Hebrew, _goralot_):** This term refers to the ancient practice of using objects (such as stones, sticks, or marked pieces of wood) to determine an outcome, believed to reveal divine will. In the Old Testament, it was not a game of chance but a solemn method of seeking God's direction in matters of great importance, such as dividing land, identifying culprits, or assigning sacred duties. The underlying theological conviction was that while humans performed the physical act of casting, the ultimate disposition of the lot was controlled by Yahweh, as articulated in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot"). Its use here underscores the belief that the gatekeepers' assignments were divinely ordained, not humanly contrived.
* **small as the great (Hebrew, _miqqaton wəʿad-gadol_):** This idiomatic phrase emphasizes inclusivity and impartiality. It means "from the least to the greatest" or "without distinction of rank." In the context of the Levitical assignments, it signifies that no one was excluded or favored based on their social standing, age, or perceived importance. Both prominent family heads and less distinguished individuals were subject to the same impartial, divinely directed process, ensuring fairness and preventing human bias in the allocation of sacred duties.
* **every gate (Hebrew, _ləḵol-šaʿar_):** The term "gate" here refers not just to the physical entrances to the Temple complex but also to the specific areas of responsibility associated with each entrance. The Temple had multiple gates (e.g., the East Gate, West Gate, South Gate, North Gate, and additional gates as described in [1 Chronicles 26:14-18](/1_chronicles/26-14 "1 Chronicles 26:14-18 - Gatekeepers' Assignments")). Each gate had specific functions, including security, treasury management, and control over access. Assigning a family "for every gate" implies a precise, detailed, and comprehensive distribution of duties, ensuring that all necessary functions were covered and that each family understood its distinct area of stewardship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they cast lots":** This refers to the Levitical leaders and representatives, acting on David's behalf and under divine guidance, who employed the sacred practice of casting lots. This action signifies a deliberate and formal process, not a casual decision, reflecting the gravity of assigning roles in God's service. The "they" implies a collective, authorized body carrying out the king's mandate.
* **"as well the small as the great":** This phrase highlights the principle of impartiality in the selection process. It means that the method of casting lots applied equally to everyone, regardless of their status, age, or familial prominence within the Levitical clans. There was no room for favoritism or human preference; all were subject to the same divine determination.
* **"according to the house of their fathers":** This specifies the basis of the assignment: it was done by patriarchal lineage or family unit. The Levites were organized into clans and houses (e.g., the sons of Meshelemiah, Obed-Edom, etc., as listed in [1 Chronicles 26:1-8](/1_chronicles/26-1 "1 Chronicles 26:1-8 - Gatekeepers' Families")). This indicates that the responsibility for a particular gate or duty was not assigned to an individual alone but to an entire family unit, fostering communal responsibility and continuity of service.
* **"for every gate":** This clarifies the purpose of the lot-casting: to assign specific gatekeeping duties. It emphasizes the meticulous nature of David's organization, ensuring that each of the various gates of the Temple complex had designated personnel responsible for its operation, security, and associated functions. This detail underscores the comprehensive and systematic approach to Temple administration.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Emphasis** is achieved through the repetition of the concept of impartiality ("as well the small as the great"), underscoring the fairness of the divine selection process. This phrase also showcases **Inclusivity**, highlighting that all members of the Levitical families, regardless of their standing, were considered for these vital roles. The act of "casting lots" itself serves as a powerful symbol of **Divine Providence** and **Sovereignty**, asserting that the ultimate outcome of human decisions, especially in sacred matters, rests in God's hands. Furthermore, the phrase "for every gate" employs a form of **Metonymy**, where "gate" stands not just for the physical entrance but for the specific, multifaceted duties and responsibilities associated with that particular post, thereby indicating the comprehensive nature of the assignments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:13 powerfully illustrates the Old Testament principle that God is a God of order, who desires His worship and service to be conducted with precision, impartiality, and a clear understanding of responsibility. The use of lots, while a cultural practice of the time, was understood as a means of submitting human decision-making to divine oversight, reflecting a deep trust in God's sovereign direction over even the minutiae of sacred administration. This commitment to structure and divine guidance ensured that the Temple, the focal point of Israel's covenant relationship with God, would operate with integrity and reverence. The verse also foreshadows the New Testament concept of spiritual gifts and callings, where every member of God's people is uniquely equipped and placed by God for service within the body, regardless of their perceived status.

* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")
* [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Dividing Land by Lot")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Same Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient administrative act holds profound contemporary relevance for believers. It reminds us that God values order, fairness, and intentionality in all aspects of His service. Just as the gatekeepers were assigned specific, vital roles, every believer today is uniquely gifted and called to contribute to the body of Christ. No role is too small or insignificant in God's kingdom; every task, whether visible or behind the scenes, contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of the church. We are called to embrace our individual responsibilities with diligence and a spirit of stewardship, recognizing that our abilities and opportunities for service are ultimately from God. Furthermore, the principle of casting lots, while not practiced in the same way today, encourages us to humbly seek God's will in our decisions, trusting that He guides our paths through prayer, Scripture, godly counsel, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, ensuring that our service aligns with His divine purposes rather than human ambition or favoritism.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "small as the great" challenge our modern tendencies to value some roles or individuals over others within the church or community?**
* **In what ways do you actively seek God's guidance and direction when making important decisions about your service or calling, reflecting the spirit of "casting lots"?**
* **Considering the meticulous organization of the Temple gatekeepers, how can we apply principles of order, accountability, and stewardship to our personal lives and church ministries today?**

### FAQ
**Why did they "cast lots" to assign duties, and is this practice still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, casting lots was a recognized and accepted method for discerning God's will in significant matters. It was not seen as a game of chance but a spiritual practice where the outcome was believed to be directed by the Lord (as seen in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")). It ensured impartiality and that assignments were perceived as divinely appointed. For Christians today, the direct practice of casting lots for guidance is generally not followed. With the advent of the Holy Spirit (as promised in [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")) and the complete revelation of God's will in Scripture, believers are primarily guided through prayer, studying the Bible, seeking wise counsel, and the inner leading of the Holy Spirit. However, the underlying principle of seeking and trusting God's sovereign direction in all decisions, especially those pertaining to service and calling, remains profoundly relevant.

**What exactly were the responsibilities of the Temple gatekeepers beyond just opening and closing gates?**

Answer: The gatekeepers held positions of significant trust and responsibility within the Temple complex. Their duties extended far beyond merely controlling physical access. They were responsible for maintaining order within the Temple courts, ensuring that only authorized individuals entered certain areas. Crucially, they also served as treasurers, overseeing the collection, storage, and distribution of the Temple's offerings and valuable articles, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 26:15-18](/1_chronicles/26-15 "1 Chronicles 26:15-18 - Gatekeepers as Treasurers"). They might also have been involved in judicial functions at the gates, which were common places for legal proceedings in ancient cities. Their role was vital for the security, financial integrity, and overall sanctity of the Temple operations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:13 describes the meticulous organization of the Old Testament Temple gatekeepers, its principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The earthly Temple, with its gates and access points, foreshadowed Christ Himself, who declared, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). Jesus is the ultimate "gate" through whom humanity gains access to God, and He is the one who opens the way to the true, heavenly sanctuary. Furthermore, the impartial assignment of duties to "small as the great" among the Levites points to the New Testament reality that in Christ, all believers, regardless of their earthly status or background, are equally valued and gifted members of His body, the Church ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ")). Just as each gatekeeper had a specific, divinely appointed role in the physical Temple, Christ, as the head of the Church, sovereignly distributes spiritual gifts and callings to every believer for the building up of His spiritual house ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Christ Gives Gifts to the Church"); [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts")). Thus, the order, impartiality, and divine appointment seen in 1 Chronicles 26:13 are perfectly realized and infinitely expanded in the person and work of Jesus Christ and His ongoing ministry through His Church.

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 25:8

¶ And they cast lots, ward against [ward], as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

1 Chronicles 24:31

These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.

1 Chronicles 24:5

Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors [of the house] of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.