TRV
Translation
Berean Standard Bible
The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-edom, and the lot for the storehouses to his sons.
Young's Literal Translation
to Obed-Edom southward, and to his sons, the house of the gatherings;
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.
Copy as
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.
Copy as
Continue studying 1 Chronicles 26:15 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:15 meticulously details the specific and highly responsible assignments given to the descendants of Obed-Edom, particularly his sons, within the meticulously organized Temple complex. This verse highlights their designated roles as gatekeepers at the southern entrance and as administrators of the "house of Asuppim," the Temple treasuries. It underscores King David's strategic foresight in preparing for future Temple service and powerfully illustrates the enduring divine blessing and trust bestowed upon Obed-Edom's faithful household, who were chosen for positions of significant logistical and financial stewardship.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler's account in 1 Chronicles 26:15, as part of the broader administrative lists, employs several literary devices to convey its message. Detailing is paramount, as the text meticulously enumerates families, assignments, and locations, emphasizing the comprehensive and orderly nature of David's preparations for the Temple. This precise listing functions almost as an inventory, underscoring the importance of every role within God's service and the systematic approach to sacred duties. The emphasis on Obed-Edom's family, particularly their numerous and capable descendants, serves as a powerful instance of Divine Favor and Blessing, reinforcing the narrative of God honoring faithfulness with generational prosperity and significant responsibility. The mention of "the house of Asuppim" functions as Metonymy, where the place (the storehouse) stands for the function (treasury management), highlighting the practical and vital administrative duties of the gatekeepers and the critical nature of stewardship.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:15, while seemingly an administrative detail within a lengthy list, profoundly illustrates God's principle of honoring faithfulness and the paramount importance of order in divine service. The continued prominence and significant responsibilities entrusted to Obed-Edom's family, generations after his initial act of hospitality toward the Ark, serve as a powerful testament to God's enduring blessing upon those who revere His presence and serve Him diligently. This passage underscores that every role within God's kingdom, from the most visible to the seemingly mundane, is vital and contributes to the overall function and glory of His house. The meticulous organization of the Temple service reflects God's own character of order and His desire for His people to approach Him with reverence and structure, ensuring that His worship is conducted with dignity and purpose.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today, transcending its ancient administrative context. Just as Obed-Edom's faithfulness in a seemingly temporary task led to lasting blessing and significant responsibility for his descendants, so too does God honor our faithfulness in the "small things." Every act of service, whether visible or hidden, contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of God's kingdom. The "house of Asuppim" serves as a powerful reminder of our call to faithful stewardship—not just of financial resources, but of our time, talents, spiritual gifts, and relationships. We are entrusted with divine provisions to manage for God's glory, and integrity in these areas is a sacred trust. This passage encourages us to embrace our unique roles within the body of Christ with diligence and joy, knowing that our service, when rendered faithfully and with a heart of worship, contributes to the beautiful order and overarching purpose of God's redemptive plan for His people and the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Obed-Edom, and why was his family so prominent in the Temple organization?
Answer: Obed-Edom was a Gittite (likely a Levite from Gath-Rimmon) who became a pivotal figure when he hosted the Ark of the Covenant for three months after Uzzah's death, during its journey to Jerusalem. While the Ark resided in his home, God profoundly blessed Obed-Edom and his entire household (2 Samuel 6:11; 1 Chronicles 13:14). This divine favor led to his family's enduring prominence and prosperity. Generations later, his numerous and capable descendants were entrusted with significant, highly responsible roles as gatekeepers and treasurers in the Temple service, underscoring that God honors faithfulness with lasting blessing and increased opportunities for service within His kingdom.
What was the "house of Asuppim," and what was its significance?
Answer: The "house of Asuppim" (Hebrew: 'âçuph) literally translates to "house of gatherings" or "storehouses." It refers to a specific area or building within the Temple complex designated for the storage and management of offerings, tithes, holy vessels, and other valuable provisions necessary for the Temple's ongoing operations and sacrificial system. The assignment of Obed-Edom's sons to this "house" in 1 Chronicles 26:15 signifies a crucial role in the logistical and financial administration of the sanctuary. It highlights the importance of faithful stewardship of God's resources and the meticulous planning required to maintain the sacred space and its services, ensuring that everything dedicated to God was handled with integrity and care.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the Old Testament Temple service, including the specific roles of gatekeepers and treasurers like Obed-Edom's sons, points forward to the ultimate order, perfection, and spiritual reality found in Christ. The earthly Temple, with its gates and storehouses, was a tangible shadow of the true spiritual reality that would be fully revealed in Jesus. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Gate" through whom we gain access to God the Father (John 10:9). He is also the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3), fulfilling the concept of the "house of Asuppim" as the divine repository of all spiritual riches and truth. In Christ, believers are transformed into living stones, built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5), serving not in a physical temple but in the spiritual reality of His body, the Church. The faithfulness of Obed-Edom and the subsequent blessing on his lineage foreshadows Christ's perfect obedience, which opened the way into the true sanctuary—God's very presence—for all who believe (Hebrews 10:19-20). Our New Covenant service is a spiritual stewardship, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as we faithfully manage the spiritual gifts and resources given to us for the building up of God's eternal kingdom and the spread of His glorious gospel.