1 Chronicles 26:17

KJV

Eastward [were] six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two [and] two.

KJV (with Strong's)

Eastward {H4217} were six {H8337} Levites {H3881}, northward {H6828} four {H702} a day {H3117}, southward {H5045} four {H702} a day {H3117}, and toward Asuppim {H624} two {H8147} and two {H8147}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the east there were six L'vi'im, for the north four a day, for the south four a day, for the Storehouse two and two,

Berean Standard Bible

Each day there were six Levites on the east, four on the north, four on the south, and two pairs at the storehouse.

American Standard Version

Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and for the store-house two and two.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse precisely outlines the daily distribution of Levite gatekeepers at the eastern, northern, and southern entrances, and towards the storehouses (Asuppim) of the temple complex. It underscores King David's meticulous organizational efforts in preparing for the future temple service, ensuring security, order, and faithful stewardship of sacred resources and access to God's dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 26:17 is situated within a larger section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that meticulously details King David's comprehensive organization of the Levites for future service in the temple, which his son Solomon would build. Having secured the ark and established Jerusalem as the spiritual capital, David dedicates significant effort to preparing for the continuous worship and administration of the Lord's house. Chapter 26 specifically focuses on the divisions and duties of the gatekeepers (also referred to as porters), outlining their families, assigned posts, and responsibilities. Verse 17 provides a granular snapshot of this allocation, specifying the number of gatekeepers assigned to particular cardinal directions and the crucial "Asuppim" area, demonstrating the thoroughness of David's planning. This detailed accounting emphasizes the importance of every role in the temple's operation, from the high priest to the doorkeeper.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cities and religious complexes, gates were far more than simple entry points; they were vital hubs for security, commerce, legal proceedings, and social interaction. Controlling access was paramount for safety and order. King David's era (c. 10th century BCE) saw the consolidation of the Israelite monarchy and the formalization of religious structures. The Levites, traditionally responsible for temple service, were here being organized into specialized roles beyond just priestly duties, reflecting a sophisticated administrative system. The mention of "Asuppim" points to the critical function of these gatekeepers in guarding not only physical access but also the valuable temple treasuries and provisions, highlighting the economic and material stewardship inherent in their role. This meticulous organization was a hallmark of effective governance and religious devotion in the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, **Divine Order and Meticulous Planning** are evident in the precise numerical assignments and geographical distribution of the gatekeepers, reflecting God's character as a God of order and the human responsibility to emulate that order in worship and service. Second, **Specific Roles and Responsibilities** are highlighted, emphasizing that every individual and group had a distinct, vital function, underscoring accountability and the interconnectedness of service. Third, **Preparation for Service** is a dominant theme throughout 1 Chronicles, and this verse exemplifies David's foresight and dedication to ensuring the temple would be ready for continuous, orderly worship. Finally, the **Importance of Stewardship and Security** is paramount, as the gatekeepers were not merely doorkeepers but guardians of sacred space and valuable resources, ensuring the sanctity and integrity of the Lord's house. This echoes the broader emphasis on the proper care of God's house and its provisions, as seen in other passages like [1 Chronicles 26:20](/1_chronicles/26-20 "1 Chronicles 26:20 - Levites in Charge of Treasuries") and [Nehemiah 13:13](/nehemiah/13-13 "Nehemiah 13:13 - Treasurers in the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Asuppim (Hebrew, _'ăsuppîm'_):** This term literally means "gatherings" or "collections," and by extension, "storehouses" or "depositories." In the context of the temple, it refers to specific chambers or areas where temple treasures, offerings, and provisions were stored. The gatekeepers stationed "toward Asuppim" were therefore responsible for guarding these valuable resources, underscoring their role beyond mere access control to include the vital function of financial and material stewardship. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the Levites' duties in maintaining the temple's operations and integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Eastward [were] six Levites":** The eastern gate was typically the main entrance to the temple complex, often associated with the rising sun and significant ceremonial entry. The allocation of six Levites here, the highest number for any single direction, reflects its prominence, higher traffic volume, and therefore greater security requirements. This was likely the most visible and heavily guarded post.
* **"northward four a day":** This specifies the assignment of four Levites to the northern gate for daily duty. The consistent number indicates a standard, routine watch, ensuring continuous security for this side of the temple.
* **"southward four a day":** Similar to the northern gate, four Levites were assigned to the southern gate for daily duty. This reinforces the systematic and balanced approach to security, with equal vigilance maintained on both the north and south flanks of the temple complex.
* **"and toward Asuppim two [and] two":** This phrase describes the assignment for the western side, where the "Asuppim" or storehouses were located. The "two [and] two" likely indicates either two pairs of guards (totaling four) working perhaps in shifts, or two separate posts each manned by two Levites. This specific mention of the storehouses emphasizes the crucial role of these gatekeepers in protecting the temple's valuable assets, including gold, silver, sacred vessels, and provisions for the priests and Levites.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message of meticulous organization and order. **Numerical Precision** is evident in the exact numbers (six, four, two and two) assigned to each post, emphasizing the detailed and systematic planning involved in the temple's administration. The **Repetition** of "four a day" for the northern and southern gates underscores the routine, consistent, and reliable nature of the daily watch. Furthermore, the listing of gatekeepers for the "Eastward," "northward," "southward," and "toward Asuppim" (which implies the west side of the temple complex) functions as a form of **Merism**, covering all cardinal directions and thereby signifying comprehensive and all-encompassing security for the entire sacred precinct. Finally, the entire enumeration serves as **Symbolism** for the divine order that was to characterize the worship and operation of God's house, reflecting the importance of structure, accountability, and diligent service in matters pertaining to the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 26:17, though seemingly a dry administrative detail, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's character as a God of order, not chaos, and the human responsibility to reflect that order in all aspects of life, especially in worship and service. The meticulous planning for the temple's security and stewardship underscores the sacredness of God's dwelling place and the resources dedicated to Him. Every role, no matter how seemingly minor, was vital for the functioning of the whole, teaching us the dignity of all forms of faithful service within God's kingdom. This verse also highlights the theme of preparation, emphasizing that diligent foresight and organization are crucial for effective ministry and worship, ensuring that God's work can proceed smoothly and with integrity.

* [1 Chronicles 23:4](/1_chronicles/23-4 "1 Chronicles 23:4 - Levites as Gatekeepers")
* [Nehemiah 13:13](/nehemiah/13-13 "Nehemiah 13:13 - Treasurers in the Temple")
* [Psalm 84:10](/psalms/84-10 "Psalm 84:10 - Better is One Day in Your Courts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed assignments of the Levite gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 26:17 offer valuable principles for contemporary Christian life and church ministry. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, and our service to Him should reflect that same intentionality and discipline. Just as every gate and every storehouse required specific oversight, so too does every aspect of our lives and ministries benefit from thoughtful planning, clear responsibilities, and faithful execution. It challenges us to consider how we steward not only our financial resources but also our time, talents, and spiritual gifts for the glory of God. Furthermore, it elevates the dignity of every role within the body of Christ; no task is too small or insignificant if it contributes to the overall health and mission of God's people. We are called to be diligent guardians of the spiritual treasures entrusted to us—the gospel, the fellowship of believers, and the truth of God's Word—ensuring their integrity and accessibility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous organization of the Levites challenge our approach to order and discipline in our personal lives and church ministries?**
* **In what ways can we, like the gatekeepers, faithfully steward the resources (time, talents, finances, spiritual gifts) God has entrusted to us?**
* **How can we recognize and affirm the value of every role within the body of Christ, even those seemingly "behind the scenes," as essential to the whole?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary role of the Levite gatekeepers?**

Answer: The primary role of the Levite gatekeepers was multifaceted. They were responsible for maintaining security, controlling access to the temple complex, and ensuring order within its precincts. Beyond merely opening and closing gates, they also guarded the temple treasuries and storehouses, as indicated by the mention of "Asuppim" in [1 Chronicles 26:17](/1_chronicles/26-17 "1 Chronicles 26:17 - Levite Gatekeepers"). Their duties included preventing unauthorized entry, managing the flow of people, and protecting the valuable offerings and provisions stored within the temple.

**Why are the numbers of Levites different at each gate?**

Answer: The varying numbers of Levites assigned to each gate (six eastward, four northward, four southward, and two [and] two toward Asuppim) likely reflect the differing importance, traffic volume, and security needs of each entrance. The eastern gate was typically the main and most prominent entrance to the temple, requiring a larger contingent of guards due to higher foot traffic and ceremonial significance. The other gates, while important, may have had less traffic or different security considerations, leading to smaller, but still adequate, assignments. This demonstrates a practical and strategic approach to security management.

**What does "Asuppim" mean, and why was it important?**

Answer: "Asuppim" (אֲסֻפִּים) is a Hebrew term meaning "gatherings" or "storehouses." In the context of the temple, it refers to specific chambers or areas where the temple's valuable treasures, offerings, and provisions were kept. This area was crucial because it housed the material wealth of the temple, including gold, silver, sacred vessels, and supplies necessary for the priests and Levites. The assignment of gatekeepers "toward Asuppim" highlights their vital role in protecting these significant assets, underscoring the importance of stewardship and security over the material resources dedicated to God's service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:17 details the meticulous organization of earthly gatekeepers for a physical temple, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual significance in Jesus Christ. The Levite gatekeepers controlled access to a sacred space, but Christ is the ultimate "Door" or "Gate" through whom humanity gains access to God's presence and eternal life, as He Himself declares in [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door"). The earthly temple, with its carefully guarded entrances and treasuries, was a shadow of the true spiritual reality. Christ Himself is the true Temple, as He prophesied His own body would be destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Through His atoning sacrifice, the veil of the temple was torn, signifying open access to God's holy presence, no longer requiring physical gatekeepers or a specific earthly structure. Moreover, the "treasures" guarded by the Levites prefigure the immeasurable spiritual riches and wisdom hidden in Christ ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")) and entrusted to His church. The order and preparation seen in David's organization foreshadow the perfect order and eternal access secured by Christ's finished work, establishing a new covenant where believers become living stones in a spiritual house, with Christ as the chief cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")).

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 9:24

In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.

2 Chronicles 8:14

And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.