1 Chronicles 26:13

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

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}.

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

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

And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to their fathersโ€™ houses, for every gate.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 26:13 describes a crucial administrative act in the organization of the Levites during King David's reign. This verse highlights the method used to assign specific duties to the temple gatekeepers, ensuring fairness and divine oversight in the process.

Context of 1 Chronicles 26:13

This verse is part of a larger section (1 Chronicles 23-26) detailing King David's meticulous preparations for the future Temple in Jerusalem. Before Solomon built the Temple, David organized the Levites into various divisions for different roles: priests, musicians, treasurers, and gatekeepers. Chapter 26 specifically focuses on the gatekeepers, who were responsible for the security, access, and sometimes the treasury of the Temple. The assignment of these vital roles was not left to human preference or status, but to a divinely sanctioned method.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Organization: The detailed accounts in Chronicles emphasize the importance of order and structure in serving God. David's foresight in organizing the Levites ensured the Temple's smooth operation and the proper conduct of worship.
  • Impartiality and Fairness: The phrase "as well the small as the great" underscores that the assignment of duties was not based on social status, wealth, or personal influence. Everyone, regardless of their standing, was subject to the same impartial process, reflecting God's justice and lack of favoritism.
  • God's Sovereignty in Decision-Making: Casting lots (Hebrew: goralot) was a common practice in ancient Israel to determine God's will in important matters. It was believed that while humans cast the lot, the ultimate outcome was directed by the Lord. This method ensured that the assignments were seen as divinely appointed, not merely human choices. A similar principle is expressed in Proverbs 16:33, "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD."
  • Responsibility and Stewardship: Each family was assigned a specific "gate," indicating a clear, defined area of responsibility. This highlights the principle that all who serve God are given specific duties and are accountable for their stewardship.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "cast lots" (ื’ึผื•ึนืจึธืœื•ึนืช, goralot) refers to a method of divination or decision-making where objects (like stones or sticks) were thrown or drawn to determine an outcome. This practice was used throughout the Old Testament for various purposes, such as dividing the land among the tribes (Numbers 26:55) or identifying individuals for specific tasks. While the practice itself is ancient, its use in a biblical context always implied a reliance on divine direction, especially before the full revelation of God's will through Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application

This verse, though historical, offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Every Role Matters: Just as every gatekeeper had a vital role, every member of God's people has a unique and important part to play in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). No task is too small or insignificant in God's kingdom.
  • Fairness in Leadership: Leaders should strive for impartiality and fairness in assigning responsibilities, ensuring that opportunities for service are based on suitability and divine leading, not on human bias or status.
  • Trusting God's Guidance: While Christians today do not "cast lots" in the same way, the principle of seeking and trusting God's direction in decisions remains paramount. We are to seek His will through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 25:8

    ยถ 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.
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