1 Chronicles 26:14

KJV

And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the lot {H1486} eastward {H4217} fell {H5307} to Shelemiah {H8018}. Then for Zechariah {H2148} his son {H1121}, a wise {H7922} counsellor {H3289}, they cast {H5307} lots {H1486}; and his lot {H1486} came out {H3318} northward {H6828}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The lot for the east gate fell to Shelemyahu. Then they cast lots for his son Z'kharyahu, a sensible adviser, and he was allotted the north gate.

Berean Standard Bible

The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him.

American Standard Version

And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a discreet counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:14 details the divine appointment of Levite gatekeepers for the future Temple in Jerusalem, specifically highlighting Shelemiah and his son Zechariah. Through the casting of lots, a method for discerning God's will, Shelemiah was assigned the eastern gate, and his son Zechariah, notably described as a "wise counsellor," was appointed to the northern gate. This verse underscores the meticulous organization of temple service under King David's direction, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in assigning roles and the value placed on wisdom and faithfulness in sacred service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously records King David's administrative preparations for the construction and operation of the Temple. Having received the plans for the Temple from God (as indicated in [1 Chronicles 28:11-19](/1_chronicles/28-11 "1 Chronicles 28:11-19 - David's Temple Plans")), David dedicates significant effort to organizing the various Levitical ministries: priests, musicians, gatekeepers, and treasurers. Chapter 26 specifically focuses on the divisions of the gatekeepers, outlining their numbers, family lineages, and assigned posts. The preceding verses (26:1-13) establish the families responsible for gatekeeping, and verse 14 then details the specific assignments by lot, ensuring an orderly and divinely sanctioned distribution of duties. The subsequent verses continue to list other gatekeepers and their posts, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of David's organizational efforts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David, though forbidden to build the Temple himself due to his involvement in warfare, was divinely commissioned to prepare for its construction and future operation. This included gathering materials, establishing the Temple treasury, and, crucially, organizing the Levitical priesthood and its associated ministries. The Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart for service to God, originally assisting in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. The practice of casting lots was a common and accepted method in ancient Israel for making important decisions, distributing land (as seen in [Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Land Distribution by Lot")), or appointing individuals to specific roles (as in [Acts 1:26](/acts/1-26 "Acts 1:26 - Matthias Chosen by Lot")). It was believed that the outcome of the lot was determined by God, thereby removing human bias and ensuring divine approval for the appointment. This practice highlights the deep belief in divine providence that permeated Israelite culture, especially concerning sacred duties.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous organization described in [1 Chronicles 26](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - The Gatekeepers") and particularly highlighted in verse 14 contributes to several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Order and Providence** is paramount; the use of lots signifies that even the specific gate assigned to an individual was believed to be part of God's sovereign plan, ensuring that every aspect of Temple service was divinely ordained and not left to human discretion alone. Secondly, the mention of Zechariah as a "wise counsellor" introduces the theme of **Valuing Wisdom in Service**. This demonstrates that beyond physical strength or lineage, spiritual wisdom and sound judgment were considered essential qualities for those serving in God's house, even in seemingly practical roles like gatekeeping. Thirdly, the detailed enumeration of individuals and their posts underscores the theme of **Faithfulness in Assigned Roles**. Every position, no matter how prominent or seemingly minor, was critical for the effective and reverent functioning of the Temple, emphasizing the importance of diligence and dedication in one's God-given duties.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lot (Hebrew, _gôrāl'_):** This term refers to a small object (like a stone or piece of wood) used in ancient times for making decisions, often by casting it into a container and drawing it out, or by throwing it to see how it falls. The outcome was believed to be determined by God, as Proverbs 16:33 states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." In this context, it signifies a divinely guided selection process for assigning specific duties and positions within the Temple structure, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in the organization of His house.
* **Wise Counsellor (Hebrew, _yōʿēṣ ḥāḵām'_):** This compound phrase describes Zechariah. _Yōʿēṣ_ derives from the verb _yāʿaṣ_, meaning "to advise, counsel, plan." It implies someone who provides guidance, often in a strategic or administrative capacity. _Ḥāḵām_ signifies "wise, skillful, shrewd," denoting not merely intellectual knowledge but practical discernment, good judgment, and often spiritual insight. The combination suggests that Zechariah was not just a gatekeeper but a person of significant practical wisdom and trusted judgment whose counsel was valued, even within the context of his assigned gatekeeping duties. This highlights that wisdom was a prized quality for those serving in sacred capacities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah.":** This clause initiates the specific assignment of gatekeeping duties. The "lot" (divinely guided decision) determined that Shelemiah, a prominent Levite, was appointed to the eastern gate. The eastern gate was often considered significant, being the primary entrance to the Temple complex and symbolically associated with the presence of God (e.g., Ezekiel's vision of God's glory returning through the eastern gate in [Ezekiel 43:1-4](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-4 - God's Glory Returns")). This specific assignment by lot underscores the belief that God was directly involved in the detailed organization of His sanctuary.
* **"Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots;":** This introduces Shelemiah's son, Zechariah, and highlights his distinct quality. The phrase "wise counsellor" is a parenthetical description, emphasizing Zechariah's character and skill even before his specific assignment is revealed. The fact that lots were cast "for" him, rather than him being automatically assigned due to his father's position, reinforces the idea of individual divine appointment for specific roles. This also suggests that his wisdom was a known and valued attribute, possibly influencing the decision to cast lots for him specifically.
* **"and his lot came out northward.":** This concludes the verse by stating Zechariah's specific assignment. His lot determined that he would serve at the northern gate. The meticulous detailing of specific directional assignments (eastward, northward) reinforces the comprehensive and precise nature of David's organization and the divine oversight believed to be at work in every detail of Temple service. It shows that no position was arbitrary but divinely appointed.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Emphasis** is clearly placed on Zechariah's character through the parenthetical description "a wise counsellor." This brief but significant detail elevates Zechariah beyond a mere name in a list, highlighting a quality deemed essential and commendable for sacred service. The repeated mention of "casting lots" serves as a form of **Repetition** that underscores the theme of **Divine Providence**, reinforcing the idea that these appointments were not humanly contrived but divinely orchestrated. The detailed enumeration of individuals and their specific gate assignments (eastward, northward) exemplifies **Detailing** or **Meticulous Record-Keeping**, a characteristic common in Chronicles, which aims to validate the legitimacy and divine sanction of the Temple's organization and its personnel. This meticulousness conveys the profound importance and sacredness of every aspect of Temple service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:14, within the broader context of David's preparations for the Temple, profoundly illustrates the principle of divine order and the value of wisdom in God's service. The casting of lots, though a practice specific to ancient Israel for discerning God's will, points to a timeless theological truth: God is sovereign over all details, including the specific callings and placements of individuals within His kingdom. Every role, from the most prominent to the seemingly mundane, is part of His grand design and carries dignity when performed faithfully. Zechariah's description as a "wise counsellor" elevates the importance of spiritual discernment and practical wisdom in leadership and service, suggesting that God not only appoints individuals but also equips them with the necessary character and abilities. This passage reminds us that God's meticulous care extends to the organization and functioning of His people, ensuring that His work is carried out with both order and wisdom.

* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot")
* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6 "Romans 12:6-8 - Spiritual Gifts for Service")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly administrative verse from 1 Chronicles offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to recognize God's sovereign hand in our own lives, particularly in the vocations, ministries, and relationships He places us in. Just as the gatekeepers were divinely appointed to specific posts, we too can trust that our current circumstances and callings are not random but part of God's purposeful design. This understanding fosters contentment and diligence, knowing that faithfulness in our assigned "gate" — whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or churches — is an act of worship. Furthermore, Zechariah's example compels us to cultivate wisdom. In a world that often values cleverness or worldly success, the biblical emphasis on "wise counsel" reminds us to seek discernment from God, to be people whose advice is sound, whose judgment is righteous, and whose actions are guided by divine truth. Every task, no matter how small, becomes significant when viewed as an opportunity to serve God with excellence and wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of divine appointment, as seen in the casting of lots, shape my perspective on my current responsibilities and roles?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to exercise "wise counsel," and how can I intentionally cultivate greater spiritual wisdom?**
* **How can I find dignity and purpose in seemingly mundane or overlooked tasks, recognizing their contribution to God's larger plan?**

### FAQ

**Why was casting lots used for assigning roles, and is it a practice for believers today?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, casting lots was a common and accepted method for discerning God's will, particularly for important decisions like land distribution ([Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Land Distribution by Lot")) or appointing individuals to sacred roles, as seen in 1 Chronicles 26:14. The belief was that the outcome was divinely determined, removing human bias and ensuring God's approval (as stated in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot")). After the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the practice of casting lots for divine guidance largely ceased among believers. The New Testament emphasizes that believers now have direct access to God's will through prayer, the study of Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit who indwells them ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")). Therefore, while the principle of divine guidance remains, the method of discerning it has evolved from casting lots to Spirit-led discernment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:14 details the meticulous organization of the Old Testament Temple and its Levitical servants, it points forward to the ultimate and perfect order established in Christ. The divine appointment of gatekeepers by lot foreshadows the ultimate divine appointment of Jesus Christ as the true and living way to God ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, Life")). He is not merely a gatekeeper but the very "door" of the sheep ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")), through whom all who enter find salvation and pasture. Furthermore, Zechariah's description as a "wise counsellor" finds its supreme fulfillment in Christ, who is the embodiment of divine wisdom, "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")). In Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). Just as the Levites were appointed to serve in the earthly temple, believers in Christ are now called a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), appointed by God to serve in His spiritual temple, the Church. Our roles, though diverse, are all divinely purposed and empowered by the Spirit, reflecting the perfect order and wisdom found in our Lord 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.