1 Chronicles 26:16

Translation
King James Version
To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.
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KJV (with Strong's)
To Shuppim H8206 and Hosah H2621 the lot came forth westward H4628, with the gate H8179 Shallecheth H7996, by the causeway H4546 of the going up H5927, ward H4929 against H5980 ward H4929.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Shupim and Hosah were allotted the west gate and the Shallekhet Gate at the highway that goes up, with corresponding guards.
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Berean Standard Bible
The lots for the West Gate and the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway fell to Shuppim and Hosah. There were guards stationed at every watch.
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American Standard Version
To Shuppim and Hosah westward, by the gate of Shallecheth, at the causeway that goeth up, watch against watch.
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World English Bible Messianic
To Shuppim and Hosah westward, by the gate of Shallecheth, at the causeway that goes up, watch against watch.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
To Shuppim and to Hosah Westwarde with the gate of Shallecheth by the paued streete that goeth vpward, warde ouer against warde.
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Young's Literal Translation
to Shuppim and to Hosah to the west, with the gate Shallecheth, in the highway, the ascent, charge over-against charge;
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See also
1 Chronicles 26:101 Chronicles 26:121 Kings 10:51 Chronicles 25:8Nehemiah 12:242 Chronicles 9:4
In the KJVVerse 11,094 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 26:16 provides a meticulous detail in the account of King David's organizational efforts for the future Temple in Jerusalem, specifically assigning Shuppim and Hosah as gatekeepers to the western gate, known as Shallecheth, situated by the causeway of the going up. This verse, part of a larger administrative record, highlights the precise allocation of duties through divine lot, ensuring a structured and divinely sanctioned system for maintaining order, security, and proper access to the sacred precincts of the Lord's house.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is embedded within 1 Chronicles 26, a chapter dedicated to the detailed organization and assignment of the Levitical gatekeepers for the future Temple. Following the broader accounts of David's preparations for the Temple, including the census of Levites (1 Chronicles 23) and the division of priests and musicians (1 Chronicles 24-25), 1 Chronicles 26 focuses on the crucial role of the "porters" or "gatekeepers." The preceding verses, specifically 1 Chronicles 26:1-12, list the heads of the gatekeepers' families, and 1 Chronicles 26:13 explicitly states that the assignments for each gate were determined by casting lots, indicating divine oversight in this meticulous administration. This verse specifies one such assignment, illustrating the granular level of David's foresight and the Chronicler's emphasis on proper, ordered worship.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, gates were far more than mere entrances; they were vital centers of civic life, commerce, and security. Temple gates, in particular, served as critical points of control, regulating access to sacred spaces and ensuring the purity and sanctity of worship. Gatekeepers, therefore, held positions of significant responsibility, acting as guards, treasurers (storing offerings), and even judges. David's meticulous organization of these roles, even before the Temple's construction, reflects a deep understanding of the need for order in religious service, mirroring the structured administration common in ancient Near Eastern temples. The "westward" direction and the "causeway of the going up" suggest a prominent and perhaps elevated approach to the Temple complex, emphasizing the strategic importance of this specific gate. The system of "ward against ward" points to a sophisticated and continuous watch system, vital for a structure as significant as the Temple.
  • Key Themes: David's detailed planning for the Temple, including the precise assignment of gatekeepers, underscores the biblical emphasis on divine order and meticulous administration in spiritual matters. This foresight ensures that the worship of God is conducted with reverence and efficiency, reflecting God's own character as a God of order, not confusion, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:33. The use of lots for assigning duties (as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:13) highlights the belief that God was sovereignly overseeing the placement of individuals in their specific roles. This practice, affirmed in Proverbs 16:33, signifies that every position, no matter how seemingly mundane, was divinely sanctioned and purposed. The detailed attention given to the gatekeepers' assignments emphasizes that every task within God's service is important, even guarding a gate was a vital contribution to the overall functioning and sanctity of the Temple. This theme resonates with the New Testament teaching that all members of the body of Christ have unique and valuable functions, and faithfulness in any role is esteemed by God (1 Corinthians 12:18). Ultimately, the primary function of the gatekeepers was to control access to the sacred Temple precincts, ensuring both security against unauthorized entry and proper, reverent access for those permitted to enter, thereby protecting the holiness of God's dwelling place.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Hosah (Hebrew, Chôçâh', H2621): An Israelite, likely a family head, whose name means "hopeful." Hosah was assigned a specific gatekeeping duty, underscoring the divine appointment of individuals to roles within the Temple administration. The inclusion of his name, alongside Shuppim, emphasizes the meticulous record-keeping and the personal nature of these divinely ordained responsibilities.
  • westward (Hebrew, maʻărâb', H4628): Referring to the western direction, this term precisely locates the assigned gate, Shallecheth. In ancient Near Eastern temple complexes, cardinal directions were significant, and the western gate often served as a key entrance or exit point, particularly for access from the city. This detail highlights the strategic importance of this specific post for the overall security and flow of the Temple complex.
  • ward (Hebrew, mishmâr', H4929): This term denotes a "guard," "watch," or "post." Its repetition in the phrase "ward against ward" signifies a system of continuous, diligent watch or alternating shifts, ensuring comprehensive security and order for the Temple precincts. This idiom conveys the unwavering vigilance and structured accountability required of the gatekeepers in their sacred duty.

Verse Breakdown

  • "To Shuppim and Hosah [the lot came forth] westward": This clause identifies two specific individuals or, more likely, families/clans of Levite gatekeepers, Shuppim and Hosah, who were assigned their post by lot. The direction "westward" pinpoints their specific area of responsibility within the Temple complex, indicating a precise geographical allocation of duties. The parenthetical "[the lot came forth]" clarifies the divine method of assignment, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in their placement.
  • "with the gate Shallecheth": This specifies the particular gate that Shuppim and Hosah were assigned to guard. The gate's unique name, "Shallecheth," provides a precise landmark, distinguishing it from other gates and underscoring the detailed nature of David's administrative plan for the Temple's security and access points.
  • "by the causeway of the going up": This phrase further describes the location of the gate Shallecheth, placing it adjacent to or as part of an elevated approach or ramp leading to the Temple. This detail not only helps to visualize the physical layout but also implies the strategic importance of this particular entrance, likely a significant access route for people or goods.
  • "ward against ward": This final phrase describes the operational method of the gatekeepers' duty at this location. It signifies a continuous, synchronized, or alternating system of watch. This suggests that the gatekeepers were organized into shifts or complementary teams, ensuring constant vigilance and accountability, thereby providing robust security for the Temple's western approach.

Literary Devices

The Chronicler's account in 1 Chronicles 26:16 employs several literary devices to convey its message. Precision is paramount, evident in the specific naming of individuals (Shuppim and Hosah), the exact geographical direction ("westward"), the unique gate name ("Shallecheth"), and the detailed description of its location ("by the causeway of the going up"). This meticulous detail underscores the divine order and thoroughness expected in the service of God. The phrase "ward against ward" is an example of Repetition or Parallelism, specifically a form of Merism or Idiom, which emphasizes the comprehensive and continuous nature of the guard duty, implying a complete and unbroken watch. Furthermore, the gate itself functions as Symbolism, representing not only a physical entrance but also a point of control, security, and regulated access to the sacred. The careful management of these gates symbolizes the importance of maintaining the holiness and purity of God's presence, ensuring that only those permitted could enter and that all activities were conducted according to divine protocol.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The meticulous organization of the Temple gatekeepers, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 26:16, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, precision, and holiness. It reveals that even seemingly mundane or "behind-the-scenes" tasks are integral to the sacred worship of God and are valued by Him. The divine assignment by lot underscores the theological truth that God sovereignly places individuals in their roles for His purposes, and faithfulness in these specific assignments contributes to the overall flourishing of His house. This Old Testament principle foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the church as God's spiritual Temple, where every believer is a "living stone" with a unique, divinely appointed function, contributing to the body's health and mission.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

This verse, though rooted in ancient Temple administration, offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, and He values diligent, faithful service in every sphere of life, especially within His church. Just as the gatekeepers had a specific, divinely appointed role crucial to the Temple's function, so too does every believer have a unique place and purpose within the body of Christ. No task is too small or insignificant if it contributes to the glory of God and the building up of His kingdom. We are called to serve heartily, as unto the Lord, recognizing that our work, whether public or hidden, is seen and honored by Him. This passage encourages us to embrace our God-given responsibilities with diligence, recognizing that our faithfulness in specific roles ensures the spiritual security, order, and effective access for others to God's presence.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does understanding the meticulous organization of the Temple challenge our view of "small" or "unseen" tasks within the church or our daily lives?
  • In what ways do we, like the gatekeepers, serve as "guardians" of spiritual truth, access, or order in our communities or families?
  • How can we discern God's specific placement for us in service, recognizing His sovereign hand in our roles and responsibilities?

FAQ

Who were Shuppim and Hosah, and why are their names mentioned here?

Answer: Shuppim and Hosah were Levite gatekeepers, likely heads of families or clans, who were assigned specific duties for the Temple. Their names are mentioned here to provide precise detail within the meticulous administrative records of King David's preparations for the Temple. The Chronicler's emphasis on individual names and family lineages underscores the importance of each designated role and the divine precision with which these responsibilities were allocated, often through the casting of lots, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:13. Their inclusion highlights that even seemingly minor positions were divinely appointed and crucial for the overall functioning and sanctity of God's house.

What was the significance of the "gate Shallecheth" and the "causeway of the going up"?

Answer: The "gate Shallecheth" was a specific entrance on the western side of the Temple complex. Its name, meaning "casting down" or "felling," might suggest it was a place where refuse was discarded, or perhaps related to the felling of trees. Regardless of its exact etymological origin, its specific mention signifies a known and important access point. The "causeway of the going up" describes an elevated road or ramp leading to the Temple, indicating a prominent and possibly main approach. Both details emphasize the strategic importance of this location for security, access, and perhaps even ceremonial processions. The meticulous naming of these architectural features reflects the Chronicler's concern for historical accuracy and the detailed nature of David's preparations for the Temple, ensuring that every aspect of its operation was thoughtfully planned and executed.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous organization of the Temple gates and the appointment of gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 26:16 find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Temple gates regulated physical access to God's presence, Jesus declares Himself to be the ultimate "Gate" or "Door" through whom humanity gains access to God. As He states in John 10:9, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved." He is the exclusive means by which we enter into a relationship with God and find true pasture. Furthermore, Jesus is the "causeway of the going up," the very "Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6), who provides the only ascent to the Father. His sacrificial death on the cross tore the veil, opening a new and living way into the Most Holy Place, granting us direct access to God's presence with confidence (Hebrews 10:19-22). The "gate Shallecheth," possibly a place of "casting down" refuse, foreshadows Christ's work in "casting down" sin and death through His atoning sacrifice, cleansing us and making us fit for God's presence. In Christ, the meticulous order of the Old Covenant Temple is transcended and perfected, as He Himself is the Chief Cornerstone of the new, spiritual Temple—the Church—where every believer is a living stone (1 Peter 2:5), serving under Him, the one who "opens and no one can shut, and shuts and no one can open" (Revelation 3:7).

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 26 verses 1–19

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.
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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.
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