1 Chronicles 26:18

KJV

At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, [and] two at Parbar.

KJV (with Strong's)

At Parbar {H6503} westward {H4628}, four {H702} at the causeway {H4546}, and two {H8147} at Parbar {H6503}.

Complete Jewish Bible

while for the courtyard to the west there were four at the highway and two at the courtyard itself.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the court on the west, there were four at the highway and two at the court.

American Standard Version

For Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:18 meticulously details the specific assignments of Levite gatekeepers within the future temple complex, designating "four at the causeway" and "two at Parbar westward" and "two at Parbar" itself. This verse, part of a broader administrative record from King David's reign, underscores the precise organization and strategic deployment of personnel responsible for securing the sacred precincts, managing access, and overseeing the temple's treasuries. It highlights the divine emphasis on order, diligence, and faithfulness in the service of God's house, even in what might seem like minor logistical arrangements.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a detailed administrative section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-26) that describes King David's meticulous organization of the Levites for service in the future temple. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 26](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - Divisions of the Gatekeepers") focuses entirely on the gatekeepers, listing their families, numbers, and assigned posts. The preceding verses (e.g., [1 Chronicles 26:12-17](/1_chronicles/26-12 "1 Chronicles 26:12-17 - Gatekeepers' Lots and Posts")) detail how the gatekeepers' duties were allocated by lot, ensuring fairness and divine appointment for each family and specific gate. Verse 18, therefore, provides a granular detail within this comprehensive system, specifying the number of guards for particular western access points, reinforcing the thoroughness of David's preparations for the house of God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, temple and palace complexes were central to religious and political life, and their security was paramount. Gatekeepers were not mere guards; they controlled access to sacred space, managed the flow of people and offerings, and often oversaw treasuries (as indicated in [1 Chronicles 26:20-28](/1_chronicles/26-20 "1 Chronicles 26:20-28 - Treasurers and Administrators")). David's detailed organization of the Levites, including the gatekeepers, reflects his visionary leadership and profound commitment to establishing a proper and reverent system of worship for the Lord, even though the temple itself would be built by his son, Solomon. This meticulous planning ensured that the future temple operations would be orderly, secure, and aligned with divine expectations, reflecting the importance of the temple as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail in this verse contributes to several key themes pervasive in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, **Order and Administration** is paramount; the precise allocation of duties, specific numbers of individuals, and designated locations (like "Parbar" and "the causeway") underscore the divine value placed on structured and efficient service in God's house, echoing principles found in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order"). Secondly, **Faithful Service** is implicitly highlighted; even seemingly minor roles like guarding a specific gate were vital for the security and sanctity of the temple, emphasizing that every assigned task, no matter how humble, contributes to the overall effectiveness and reverence of God's work, requiring the same diligence and faithfulness expected in all service to the Lord ([Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Whatever You Do, Do Heartily")). Finally, **Divine Oversight and Preparation** is evident; David's extensive organization was not merely human ingenuity but was guided by divine inspiration, ensuring that the future temple operations would run smoothly and reverently, reflecting God's own character of order and His desire for proper worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Parbar (Hebrew: פַּרְבָּר, _parbār_):** This term appears only twice in the Old Testament, both in this verse. Its precise meaning and location are debated among scholars, but it generally refers to an outer court, portico, or colonnade associated with the temple complex, likely on its western side. The repetition of "Parbar" in the verse, first with "westward" and then alone, suggests either a specific area within the larger western precinct or two distinct points within that general western region, emphasizing the detailed geographical division of labor.
* **Causeway (Hebrew: מְסִלָּה, _mesillah_):** This word typically means a "raised road," "highway," or "processional way." In the context of the temple, it likely refers to a significant elevated approach or pathway leading to the temple area, particularly from the west. Such a causeway would have been a crucial access point, requiring dedicated oversight and security from the appointed gatekeepers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At Parbar westward":** This phrase establishes a specific geographical location within the temple complex, indicating a post on the western side of the temple, likely an outer court or entrance area. The "westward" qualifier emphasizes the direction, suggesting a particular gate or access point that faced the west.
* **"four at the causeway":** This specifies the assignment of four gatekeepers to "the causeway," which was a significant, possibly elevated, approach to the temple. The number "four" indicates a substantial presence, reflecting the importance and traffic of this entrance. This causeway would have been a key entry point for pilgrims or officials.
* **"[and] two at Parbar":** This final clause reiterates "Parbar," but without the "westward" qualifier. This could imply a distinct, perhaps internal, point within the broader Parbar area, or simply another specific post within the western precinct. The number "two" suggests a smaller, perhaps less trafficked, or more internal point of control compared to the causeway. The overall effect is one of meticulous, granular assignment to ensure comprehensive coverage of all critical access points.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though part of an administrative list, employs several literary techniques to convey its message. **Precision** and **Detailing** are central, as the text moves beyond general assignments to specify exact numbers ("four," "two") and precise locations ("Parbar westward," "the causeway"). This meticulous enumeration underscores the thoroughness of David's organization and the divine value placed on order in sacred service. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "Parbar" within the short verse, first qualified by "westward" and then standing alone, serves to emphasize this particular area as a significant and multi-faceted point of control, reinforcing its importance in the overall security scheme. This precise and repetitive detailing transforms what could be a dry list into a testament to the comprehensive and divinely guided preparation for the temple's operations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly administrative detail in 1 Chronicles 26:18 carries profound theological weight, revealing God's character and His expectations for His people's worship. The meticulous organization of the gatekeepers, down to specific numbers at particular western access points, underscores the divine value of order, precision, and diligence in all aspects of service to God. It teaches that no task, however seemingly mundane or logistical, is insignificant in the economy of God's kingdom. Just as these gatekeepers were vital for maintaining the sanctity and security of the physical temple, so too is every role within the spiritual house of God—the church—essential for its proper functioning and witness. This commitment to order reflects God's own nature as a God of order, not chaos, and emphasizes the sacredness of His presence and the reverence required in approaching Him.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God Is Not a God of Confusion")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithful in Little, Faithful in Much")
* [Hebrews 10:19](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access to God Through Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed administrative records of 1 Chronicles, including the specific assignments of gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 26:18, provide a powerful reminder that God values order, diligence, and faithfulness in all areas of life, especially in our service to Him. While we no longer have a physical temple with gatekeepers, the principles remain profoundly relevant for the church today. Every role within the body of Christ, from the most visible to the most behind-the-scenes, is vital and contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of the community. This verse challenges us to consider how we approach our own responsibilities, whether in our families, workplaces, or church ministries. Are we performing our duties, no matter how small or routine, with the same precision, dedication, and understanding of their ultimate significance for God's glory? It encourages us to find dignity and purpose in every task, knowing that our faithfulness in the "little things" is seen and valued by God, contributing to the larger tapestry of His kingdom work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the gatekeepers' assignments challenge my perspective on "small" or "insignificant" tasks in my own life or service?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry could I cultivate greater order, precision, and diligence, reflecting God's character?**
* **How does understanding the importance of ancient temple gatekeepers inform my appreciation for those who serve in less visible roles within the church today?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's expectation for stewardship and preparation in our collective and individual endeavors?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the gatekeepers mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:18 and the surrounding verses?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the gatekeepers was multifaceted, extending beyond mere security. They were responsible for controlling access to the sacred precincts of the temple, ensuring that only authorized individuals entered and that the sanctity of God's house was maintained. This involved managing the flow of people, preventing unauthorized entry, and maintaining order. Furthermore, as indicated in other parts of [1 Chronicles 26](/1_chronicles/26 "1 Chronicles 26 - Divisions of the Gatekeepers"), they also had significant administrative duties, including overseeing the temple treasuries, managing sacred vessels, and distributing offerings. Their role was crucial for the proper functioning, security, and financial integrity of the temple, embodying the importance of order and reverence in worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous organization of the temple gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 26:18, ensuring proper access and the sanctity of God's dwelling, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical temple, with its gates and guarded access, was a shadow of the true access to God that Christ provides. He declared, "[I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door of the Sheep")." Just as the gatekeepers regulated entry to God's earthly house, Christ is the sole "gate" through whom humanity gains entry into the very presence of God, not into a physical temple, but into a spiritual relationship. Through His sacrificial death, the veil of the temple was torn ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that the way to God's holiest presence is now open to all who believe. Moreover, the order and faithful service exemplified by the gatekeepers prefigure the new order established by Christ, where believers are called to be "[a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House")" in a spiritual temple not made with hands ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of the Good Things to Come")). Thus, the detailed logistics of ancient gatekeeping point forward to the perfect, singular access and the new, Spirit-filled worship inaugurated by the Lamb of God, who is both the gate and the ultimate High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus the Great High Priest")).

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

2 Kings 23:11

And he took away the horses that the kings of Judah had given to the sun, at the entering in of the house of the LORD, by the chamber of Nathanmelech the chamberlain, which [was] in the suburbs, and burned the chariots of the sun with fire.